| Our Teachers |
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The Montessori Teacher “A young child’s world is full of sights and sounds that appear chaotic. From this chaos the child gradually creates order and learns to distinguish among the impressions which assail the senses, thus slowly gains mastery of self and the environment. The teacher guides and directs each child on their individual quest for order and understanding of the world around him.” One basic idea of the Montessori philosophy is that carried, unseen with each child, is the person the child will become. To develop to the fullest physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual potential, the child must have freedom-achieved through order and self-discipline. To aid this fulfillment is the teacher’s ultimate goal. The Montessori teacher carefully prepares and maintains the aesthetic, enriched, orderly learning environment. She is essential in bringing together the child and the materials and in guiding children's social and emotional development. Daily observations are made by the teacher in order to follow each child's initiative and capture his or her interest when introducing appropriate materials. A material chosen by the teacher to present to a child is considered appropriate and is most easily mastered when it corresponds to a child's particular "sensitive period" for learning. Spontaneity is the key to the learning process in a Montessori environment.  Our Teachers Head teachers called “guides” or “directresses”, and assistants at Gibbons Park Montessori School are selected with the utmost care and scrutiny by Kim MacDonald and Grace Borek both of whom are Montessori Certified teachers with over 25 years combined experience. Our standards are uncompromising when it comes to the well-being of you child. Sound character, experience and demonstrated proficiency in the classroom, the required education and professional certification, but above all, a commitment to children and teaching and to creating a warm and nurturing environment for every child – these are the criteria by which we have built an exceptional staff. We share Maria Montessori’s belief that teachers should facilitate the unique and total growth of each child. Over the years we have maintained a low teacher-student ratio (maximum 1:5 in Toddler, 1:10 in Casa, and 1:15 in Elementary) to give our children the individual attention they deserve. We take special pride in the calibre of our teaching staff. Our teachers are fully qualified professionals, holding university degrees and Montessori diplomas. Our teaching assistants also hold university degrees and/or Montessori diplomas. Specialty subjects are taught by professionals in their respective fields. All full time teachers are required to attend professional development workshops and seminars throughout the year to inspire them and spark interest as well as increase their knowledge in various areas. They continuously learn throughout their careers and lives which is a goal to which we should all aspire! |
