Bridging the Gap: Preparation of the Adult for Schools

Montessori training equips educators with a profound understanding of the philosophy, the prepared environment, and the lessons that form the foundation of this transformative approach to education. These are the front-of-the-house skills—the visible, essential elements that create the Montessori experience. But just as a restaurant relies on both the front-of-the-house and the back-of-the-house operations to deliver an exceptional dining experience, Montessori educators need a deeper set of skills to truly serve children and families effectively.

Over the years, I have noticed that there is often a gap for people between being trained in Montessori and being fully prepared to meet the diverse needs of children and families in a school setting. This gap lies in the back-of-the-house skills—the less visible but equally critical competencies that enable educators to navigate the complexities of the classroom and the community. These include understanding neurodivergence, supporting behaviors, organizational and communication skills, literacy knowledge, social responsibility for belonging, and emotional intelligence for the adult.

The Front of the House: What Montessori Training Provides

Montessori training is unparalleled in its ability to prepare educators to create and maintain the prepared environment, deliver lessons with precision, and embody the philosophy of respect, independence, and peace. These are the skills that allow educators to set the stage for children’s learning and growth. They are the foundation of Montessori education, and they are essential.

However, the front-of-the-house skills alone are insufficient to address the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities in a Montessori school. Educators must also be equipped with the back-of-the-house abilities that enable them to meet the needs of every child and family in their community.

The Back of the House: The Skills That Bridge the Gap

The back-of-the-house skills are the behind-the-scenes competencies that allow educators to thrive in their roles and create inclusive, supportive environments. These skills include:

1. Understanding Neurodivergence: Every child is unique, and some children require specialized approaches to learning and behavior. Educators need training in recognizing and supporting neurodivergent learners to ensure that every child can succeed.

2. Supporting Behaviors: Behavior is communication, and educators must be equipped with strategies to understand and respond to children’s behaviors in compassionate and effective ways.

3. Organization & Communication Skills: A well-organized classroom and clear communication with families are essential for creating a harmonious learning environment.

4. Literacy Knowledge: Literacy is a cornerstone of education, and educators need a deep understanding of teaching reading and writing in a way that aligns with Montessori principles, particularly when we are thinking about children in Elementary and beyond with lagging skills.

5. Social Responsibility for Belonging: Creating a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging requires intentional policies and practices that reflect the values of social justice.

6. Emotional Intelligence for the Adult: Educators must be able to regulate their own emotions, build strong relationships, and model the social-emotional skills they hope to instill in children.

These back-of-the-house skills are what enable educators to go beyond the basics and truly serve all children and families in a robust, meaningful way.

Why This Matters: Serving Children and Families Fully

When educators are equipped with both front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house skills, they are better able to meet the needs of every child and family in their community. They can create classrooms that are not only beautiful and orderly but also inclusive, responsive, and deeply supportive. They can build relationships with families that are rooted in trust and collaboration. And they can model the values of peace, respect, and social responsibility that are at the heart of Montessori education.

We believe that every educator has the potential to be a dynamic, transformative force in the lives of children and families. By bridging the gap between training and practice, we want to help educators unlock that potential and create Montessori environments where every child—and every adult—can thrive.

Let’s bridge the gap together. Let’s prepare educators to serve all children and families in a more robust, meaningful way. When we invest in the back of the house, we elevate the entire Montessori experience.

If you need support, we have both a Bridging the Gap professional development offering, as well as a Module (course) available for sign-up on our website. At Montessori Makers Group, we are always here to help and support you as you help your team bridge the gap.

With gratitude,

Hannah