A new generation of leaders will soon guide the Montessori movement in America.By Lakshmi A. KripalaniIs the next generation of Montessori leaders prepared to move beyond both the good work and the missed opportunities of the pioneers who are retiring or no longer with us? These new leaders, I know you're out there, will need to understand Montessori's vision and act courageously to apply it to the realities of this century. You will need to go beyond what my generation has been able to do. Insights You new leaders would do well to begin by revisiting Montessori's insights. - She was disappointed during her life that too many in the early generations failed to comprehend her message. She could not convince them that she did not invent a new method or philosophy. What she shared was a discovery of the potential of the child, a potential that can be guided and directed to fulfill one's needs and help humanity live in peace and serenity. The principles Montessori described have been in existence from the very start of the human life. These will continue to operate as long as humanity exists. The followers too often began with a focus on didactic material rather than with the child and his/her needs. - She beseeched educators to cooperate in the interest of humanity. Although we have continued to make progress in almost in every field, we are still so compartmentalized that information does not reach the places where it can do the greatest good. - She knew that we need to reach children when they are in their sensitive period that is from zero to six years. It is at this stage that the learning takes it its own course without the interference of the adult. Challenges It will be the work of you new leaders to apply these insights to a new century. I challenge you to: - Build communication with researchers in other fields. Professionals need to cooperate in the interest of humanity. - Address modes of schooling that Montessori never knew. Much of the growth of Montessori education continues to occur in public and charter schools,. In the public schools, too often, teachers are faced with children who have crossed their sensitive periods without any achievement. Too often changes are made for reasons other than the best interests of the children. You must look unflinchingly at what can be done. - Develop and disseminate the knowledge base to help teachers work with older children without previous Montessori experience. - Realize that you must do more than educate children. I just looked from my window and saw a young father washing his car. Without consciously knowing the principles of Montessori, he allowed his two children, a boy about ten-years old and a girl only four-years old to join him. It was fascinating to see how the young girl was stretching her self to reach as high as she could to clean the back window of the car. Previously, I had noticed her helping her mother rake leaves. These parents are doing practical life exercises. The new generation of Montessori leaders must move beyond the classroom and reach the parents wherever they are. - Educate the public about the importance of early childhood education, especially Montessori classes. - Unite and speak with one voice to reach the public and other educators. - Be open. Learn from and share with each other. Hold round table conferences for Montessorians all around the year. - Use the new information that is pouring in from research, especially brain research. We need to learn from them and to share our achievements. - Train your own assistants. There is no better training than observing the lead teacher in the classroom. - Support strong school-based leadership. The shortage of the trained teachers can be overcome if each school has a principal or a coordinator who is effective with untrained staff. - Create a wise curriculum for middle and high schoolers to prepare them for the responsibilities of parenthood. - Move beyond your current constituencies. Private school owners have a special responsibility to share their knowledge and expertise with as many interested parents, educators and policy makers as possible. - Remember that our real goal is not to merely run successful schools but to promote human rights and peace through the development of such education all around the world. I have high hopes, new leaders, that Dr. Montessori's dreams and the future of our children will be in good hands. Copyright 2004 L. A. Kripalani Lakshmi A. Kripalani was trained by and has worked with Dr. Maria Montessori and Mario Montessori. She is an AMI Montessori teacher trainer and consultant. |
Publications | Order | Links | Contact
© Copyright 2005 Jola Publications
All Rights Reserved
