Identifying Sources of Ideas for Education and Training Programs Exercise 6.1

1. The current training program I have planned is how the Montessori teachers in my environment can incorporate technology into the curriculum.

2. One of my main sources would have to be the MTT classes I've taken. Because the courses helped me formulate my ideas for integrating technology into the Montessori curriculum.

3. Sources I used first are the hands-on materials I created in my Multimedia class. Second, is the lectures and books. I also used a Montessori Life magazine and discovered that technology is being used in some Montessori environments.

A mentor is...

Throughout my 6 years as a Montessori teacher, there is one person I look up to as a mentor and that person was my "supervising" teacher, Suzanne. Suzanne was the one teacher who taught me everything I needed to know about being a good and efficient Montessori teacher. After I finished my Montessori training, I had to undergo one year of interning under an experienced Montessori teacher. At the time I was living in Northern Virginia with my aunt and uncle. I searched on the internet for Montessori schools near my aunt's house and I emailed Directors looking for someone to become my supervising teacher.

The school that accepted me as an intern was a prominent Montessori school that had about 4 other branches in Northern Virginia. I did not get to choose who would be my supervising teacher but I was assigned the teacher who had been there the longest, Suzanne. She had been a Montessori teacher for a long time. Looking back, I'm so glad she became my supervising teacher.

I consider Suzanne my mentor because of all the valuable information she taught me as I was going through my internship but most of all I consider her my mentor because of her patience, understanding and kindness. Never once did Suzanne criticize me for the mistakes I made as an interning teacher. She always encouraged me and lovingly showed me the "Montessori" way. I guess in a way I also consider her my "second" mother. I will always remember Suzanne because of the advice she gave me as I was about to start my first year of teaching and that was to always respect the child and allow the child to grow into his/her individual self.

Professional development and my opinion

I think it is very important, especially for educators to participate in professional development. If a class or session is being offered by your workplace, it should be taken advantage of. Professional development helps educators expand their horizons in education. It gives us valuable information in developing good educational practices and also new trends in education.

Where I'm working this year, our Director is now implementing professional development classes. For example, we are reading Montessori's books to refresh our memory about the Montessori philosophy. Every Friday we have a book club "meeting" to discuss about certain chapters we've read and then discuss how we can apply this to our current teaching practices. I am thrilled that finally the teachers in our school our getting together to participate in professional development.

Last semester, I mentioned to my Director about presenting a Professional development session on integrating technology in the Montessori classroom. I am eager to do this and this course will allow me to present what I've learned in previous MTT classes.