8 CPDs, Estimated to take 6 hours to complete
Working together in a Montessori environment is essential for children to thrive. This course will guide you to a deeper understanding of strategies for developing an effective teacher-assistant partnership that is grounded in Montessori philosophy and why this collaboration is so important. As you complete this six-hour self-guided class, you will define the roles of Teachers and Assistants for your Montessori environment, explore practical tools that support the creation of your own collaborative environment, and identify ways to prioritize equity and inclusion in this partnership.
This class will take approximately six hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the six lessons/modules in this dynamic multimedia course includes a short introduction, engaging content including videos, podcasts, readings and resources, a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson/module is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approx. six months) from the date of purchase to complete the class and download the certificate that grants eight hours of professional development. For the best user experience, we recommend using a desktop/laptop, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.
Learner Outcomes
- Deepen your understanding of the core values and components of a prepared Montessori environment.
- Define the role of the Teacher and the role of the Assistant in your Montessori environment.
- Identify next steps for implementing strategies that build strong communication, collaboration, and inclusion among the adults in your classroom.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
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Welcome & Introduction [6 minutes]
Welcome to Effective Collaboration for Lead Teachers and Assistants [1 minute]
Open to view video. | Closed captions available
Open to view video. | Closed captions available
Watch this short welcome video for a brief introduction to this self-guided class.
Introduction Discussion [5 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
This discussion offers an opportunity to introduce yourself, share where you are from, and what brings you to this class. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 1: The Importance of Relationships [1 hour]
Lesson 1: The Importance of Relationships [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson offers a review of Montessori philosophy and the importance of understanding the relationship between adults, children, and the environment in Montessori learning environments.
Lesson 1 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 1 Discussion invites you to reflect on the unique relationships and roles present in a Montessori environment. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 2: Connecting Core Components of the Montessori Environment [1 hour]
Lesson 2: Connecting Core Components of the Montessori Environment [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson outlines five core components of a Montessori prepared environment and ways you can support those components in your role as teacher or assistant.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to reflect on where you see connections between the core components and Montessori philosophy as well as how you might support those components in the classroom. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 3: Partnership and Collaboration [1 hour]
Lesson 3: Partnership and Collaboration [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson explores teacher relationships, the importance of love, and collaboration.
Lesson 3 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 3 Discussion invites you to reflect on ways you can build connections/collaboration with the other adults in your classroom. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 4: Effective Communication [1 hour]
Lesson 4: Effective Communication [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on the importance of effective communication and ways you can collaborate to ensure communication in your classroom is clear.
Lesson 4 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 4 Discussion invites you to share your communication preferences. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 5: Creating an Environment Where All Are Included [1 hour]
Lesson 5: Creating an Environment Where All Are Included [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
The lesson looks at the importance of belonging and strategies that can help ensure everyone in an environment feels they are included.
Lesson 5 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 5 Discussion will invite you to consider what belonging looks like in your Montessori classroom and how you can or do help other adults feel included. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 6: The Importance of Your Role [1 hour]
Lesson 6: The Importance of Your Role [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
In this final lesson, you will reflect on your unique role of either assistant or lead teacher and how you can be the best version of yourself for the children in your care.
Lesson 6 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 6 Discussion will invite you to reflect on what being a prepared adult looks like for you and how this impacts your role in the classroom. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Closing Comments [2 minutes]
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 2 minutes
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 2 minutes
This short video will offer some final thoughts related to freedom within limits.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Effective Collaboration for Lead Teachers and Assistants Survey [5 minutes]
5 Questions
5 Questions
Completion of this survey is required before receiving a certificate of completion.
Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us improve our short class offerings.
Certificate of Professional Development
8.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
8.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
A certificate for 8 professional development hours will release within 30 minutes of completion of all components of the class.
Additional Resources
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This downloadable pdf offers resources from each lesson of this self-guided class. We hope you’ll explore these resources and continue learning about freedom within limits.
Lesson 1's Roles and Responsibilities Resource
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This resource will help you outline your roles and responsibilities in the classroom.
Lesson 2's Making Connections Resource
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This resource will help you identify connections between the core components of Montessori education and how those components are reflected in your classroom environment.
Lesson 3's Cosmic Task Questionnaire
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This resource will help you think about your cosmic task. Sharing your responses to this questionnaire can help you and the other adults in your classroom better understand and support one another's strengths, goals, and professional development.
Lesson 4's Communication Plan
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This resource will help you identify preferred forms of and times for communication. It can also help your team identify who is responsible for communication with various school community members (parents, specialists, admin, etc.).
Lesson 5's Classroom Inclusion Self-Assessment
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This resource will help you reflect on your personal sense of inclusion in your classroom environment and areas for growth/improvement.
Lesson 6's Revisiting Roles Resource
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This resource will help you outline your role, the role of the other adult(s) in your unique learning environment, and where your work intersects to support the children, the prepared environment, and one another.
Valene Rodriguez
Valene Rodriguez was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She has been working in Montessori for over 20 years. She received a Masters degree in Montessori Education, and received her infant and toddler Montessori training from The Montessori Institute of Denver in 2011. She works as a toddler lead teacher at Montessori School of Denver and is the infant and toddler coordinator and instructor at Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. She is an experienced consultant with families and schools in Denver. |
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