AssistantsBy Cam GordonAssistant teachers can be key to making Montessori programs work. Ask any experienced Montessori teacher and they will likely have horror stories to tell about how an unskilled assistant created chaos or stress in their school, as well as glorious tales of how an effective, talented assistant enhanced a classroom. If you have one of those exemplary assistants hold on to them. If not, there may be hope. The concern of how to better prepare assistant teachers is not new. Indeed, it was a leading impetus for me when I wrote Together with Montessori, as a guide for people working in Montessori schools. It has also lead both teacher education centers and schools to offer special workshops and training programs for assistants. Others have worked to create new products of their own. A multimedia approach One product in particular attempts to make assistant training easier than ever. It is called the High Performance Montessori Assistant Multimedia Training Package, and is produced by Paulyne Holten-Sinder and written and directed by Eric Johnson. Holten-Sinder, a long time Montessorian and past president of the American Montessori Society, has been instrumental in the production of several education videos. Her assistant package includes two videos, Becoming a High Performance Montessori Assistant and An Introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Materials, as well as the booklet, ÒThe Pink What?Ó and a computer compact disk with a form outlining the main topics or skills covered in the video. The 25 minute video targeting the skills of effective assistants was shot at Holten-Sinder's school, Miami Montessori, in Troy , OH. The tape features Kristen Boulton sharing insights about being an assistant teacher against the backdrop of a Montessori classroom in action. According to Johnson, Boulton "was an extraordinary assistant" who was also taking Montessori teacher training at the time. In the tape, Boulton provides an over view of 30 qualities or characteristics that High performance assistants in the Montessori classrooms. The viewer has the opportunity to hear the wisdom of a seasoned assistant and see a number of children and assistants in action. Johnson said that this is one of Educational Video Productions best selling videos and it is being used in about 200 schools. "Responses to the video have been very positive," Johnson said. "A big advantage is that it is something you can do any time in a day. It is less expensive than sending someone to training." He also noted that some training programs use it. What one teacher education center offers Anna Perry, of MECA-Seton, runs one of the longest standing assistant training programs in the country. MECA Seton provides a four-day course for assistant teachers intended to give a foundation of Montessori philosophy as well as basic educational techniques. It is geared to anyone, including parents and volunteers, who works in the classroom, but is specially targeted to assistant teachers. The program is broken into four components: ~ Child Development and Montessori ~ Montessori teaching ~ Observation ~ Projects and a overview of cooperation in the school community MECA-Seton offers the course once in the spring and once in summer. Recently the center has had to limit enrollment, according to Perry, because interest is so high. Schools often enroll parents as well as assistants, she said. When asked about the multimedia option, Perry said, "It is my hope that anyone using any multimedia package will accompany it with deep human contact. A video is best used in a program that is more remote and does not have access to a training center. In those situations it is a goldmine." A school-based program Teri Canaday, a consultant and director at the Montessori Center of Jackson, in Jackson, TN, leads an assistant training once a year for her staff. Canaday uses Johnson's High Performance video package as part of her assistant training, as well as for parent meetings and for parents to borrow and view at home. Her two-day assistant workshop is often attended by teachers, as well as assistants. It includes opportunities for discussion and role-playing, as well as lecture. It covers: ~ Groundrules ~ Communication skills ~ Key concepts and practices ~ Comparing Montessori to traditional practices ~ Children's mistaken goals for behavior ~ Peace Education and conflict resolution ~ The role of the assistant in the prepared outdoor and indoor environment. Canaday uses the classroom assistant video as a culminating video and shows it near the end of the second day. She notes that she always uses a period of reflection Ñ written or verbal Ñ after every experience. Canaday considers the annual assistant training to be very important to the success of her school, "It gets everyone on the same page and helps them work together," she said. Making it work for you In an ideal situation, a comprehensive assistant training program includes more than just a book, a video package or even a four day workshop. It also requires practical experience and ongoing relationships with Montessori professionals willing and able to model, guide, explain and discuss Montessori theory and how it is applied in the classroom. In an effective and comprehensive assistant training program Ñ done through a center, school or in partnership with both Ñ the following components are essential: Orientation For anyone working in the Montessori classroom a background knowledge of the history and philosophy of Montessori education is important. Books, workshops and videos can all be helpful to accomplish this as well as guided discussions and other research. Another teacher education center that offers assistant training is the Center for Montessori Teacher Education. In addition to separate one day workshops for early childhood and elementary assistants they offer introductory workshops for assistants, parents and prospective Montessori teachers. An orientation program that offers a series of discussions on shared readings, observations, video tapes or films is ideal. By including parents with administrators and teachers, a school-wide base of common knowledge can be formed. Observation Assistants also need ample opportunity to observe in a variety of classrooms, in addition to the classroom where they will be working. Setting aside one or two days each year for assistant teachers to observe other classrooms and schools allows them to see different approaches and ideas and will deepen their understanding of Montessori philosophy and practices. Guiding questions and time for reflection and discussion make these observations even more helpful. Clear Guidelines Assistants deserve to know clearly what is expected of them. Nothing can replace clear policies and procedures explaining the role of the assistant. These must be presented clearly and can be referred back to as needed. Written guidelines in at least the following areas are essential ~ Care of environment ~ Child guidance, ground rules and classroom management ~ Parent communication and relations ~ Staff communication and relations. Practical Experience Practical Experience occurs naturally for the assistant who is already hired, but can be done in a deliberate and thoughtful manner so that an assistant can develop both familiarity with the areas of the classroom and the children. As skills increase assistants can learn basic presentations, including the steps of the three-period lesson. Reflection, Evaluation and Ongoing learning To make the most out of any experience Ñ whether watching a video, reading a book to observing in a classroomÑ reflection and evaluation are vital. To keep learning and improving we all need ongoing education, self-evaluation and feedback from others. For ongoing education, schools and teachers can look outside at the resources available in their area. Colleges, education associations, Montessori organizations and teacher training programs can all be useful resources. Still, nothing can replace the daily discussions and problem-solving that can occur among a classroom staff members with a healthy, supportive working relationship. INFO: The High Performance Montessori Assistant Multimedia Package, Educational Video Publishing, 401 High St. Yellow Springs, OH 45387, (937) 767-7988, www.edvid.com Price: $199.00, $219 non-AMS members MECA Seton, 5728 Virginia Av.. Clarendon Hills, IL 60514, (630) 654-0151, www.MECA-Seton.com The Center for Montessori Teacher Education, 785 Mamaroneck Av. , White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 948-2501 Cam Gordon is the Author of Together With Montessori,: The Guide to Help Montessori Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Resource Teachers, Administrators & Parents Work in Harmony to Create Great Schools, published by Jola Publications. |
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