The disarray of the Montessori community is nowhere more observable than with regard to the recognition and accreditation of Montessori teacher training programs. Each Montessori organization provides its own standards and criteria to assure the quality of its affiliated courses. However, despite such apparent disharmony in teacher training and certification standards, there is considerable similarity of purpose and objective among training programs; to prepare teachers to effectively apply Montessori principles in a classroom with children.
Similarities
The common body of knowledge among Montessori training programs results in similarities throughout the training process itself: i.e., similar curriculum areas, presentation of materials, lesson albums, internship experience, classroom observation. Such fundamental similarity among training programs suggests that the formation of a single umbrella accrediting agency is possible.
Accrediting agency
The primary benefit of a single umbrella accrediting agency, such as the International Montessori Council proposed by IMS, is the harmonizing influence and communication such an agency would engender throughout the Montessori community. Such communication will tend to enhance the quality of all Montessori teacher training and will enable the Montessori community to more effectively work together to confront and engage the conditions in education and society against which all Montessori education is opposed.
Cooperation, not domination
However, a single accrediting agency requires a high degree of cooperation and respect among all parties. The accrediting process of “collaboration” among the various Montessori organizations cannot be achieved through domination and inequity, but rather must allow all organizations to employ their own unique procedures and format with regard to accreditation, while maintaining respect for a final accrediting authority with which all parties can concur.
The Council
The Council is proposed by IMS as the inclusive umbrella accrediting agency to serve all Montessori training programs. The operating documents reflect a fundamental commitment to harmony and respect for all participating parties with ultimate integrity residing in the accreditation decisions of the Advisory Committee of the Council. The Council’s intention is to gradually develop its reputation and credibility through operation of its accreditation procedures in collaboration with IMS and other similar organizations.
It is believed that the Council’s initial accrediting function will gradually result in the cooperative association of all Montessori groups. It is intended that the Council represent an available approach to accrediting training programs in which Montessori organizations can participate without domination and with a maximum of independence and freedom to implement their own unique procedures and certification standards free from arbitrary or intrusive interference from the Council.
Originally published in 1980 in Vol. 1, No. 6 issue of The Montessori Observer