Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 12: The Indian Montessori Training Courses (IMTC), in partnership with ELC India, proudly announces the launch of its new blended learning programme, offering both online and offline training for aspiring Montessori educators. This innovative approach provides flexibility, allowing participants to engage in virtual learning while also gaining hands-on experience at the IMTC center in Mangalore. The courses are designed to meet the rising demand for high-quality Montessori education in India and beyond, combining the best of both worlds for aspiring educators.
Empowering Educators: A Journey in Montessori excellence
At the heart of Montessori education lies a profound respect for the child’s autonomy and growth, shared Uma Shanker, mentor, advisor - IMC and also leads the Tamilnadu chapter of IMTC. She is a distinguished educator, with more than 20 years of experience in training Montessori adults, recalls a heartfelt moment that epitomized the impact of this philosophy. While meeting her former students, they reflected on their preschool years as the best of their lives. "When I asked why, they said it was because they were most respected during those early years," Shanker shared. "The ability of the Montessori programme to allow children to choose activities essential for their development fosters a deep sense of self-respect and independence."
Her words echo the timeless philosophy of Maria Montessori, who reflected on the power of choice and autonomy in children. She observed that students possessed an inner wisdom to select activities crucial to their growth.
Understanding the Sensitive Periods in Child Development
Uma Shanker further elaborated on the importance of recognizing the 'sensitive periods' in a child's development, a core principle of Montessori education. "During these sensitive periods, children are uniquely receptive to learning specific skills, and Montessori provides an environment that nurtures these phases. Unfortunately, traditional education often overlooks these critical times, missing the opportunity to foster a child's natural development," she explained.
This approach is fundamental to Montessori's philosophy, ensuring that each child is supported according to their individual needs and growth stages, a key difference from conventional education methods.
Biological vs. Intellectual love in Montessori Education
Latha Rao, the Montessori director of IMTC Koramangala, Bengaluru, shared her thoughts on one of Maria Montessori’s significant teachings — the difference between biological and intellectual love. "Biological love is instinctual, the care we naturally provide to children. But Montessori emphasizes intellectual love, the respect we must give to a child's mind and their autonomy," Latha explained. "In the Montessori environment, we encourage children to make their own choices and trust in their inner capabilities, fostering intellectual independence."
This emphasis on intellectual respect is at the core of Montessori education, guiding children not only with affection but with an understanding of their mental and emotional growth.
Latha also shared her vision for bringing Montessori education to her hometown of Mangaluru expressing her desire to establish a center that fosters excellence. She drew inspiration from philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurthy, who warned against mediocrity. "Montessori education aims to bring out the exceptional in every child, avoiding the path of mediocrity. It's about pushing beyond the ordinary and encouraging our children to thrive in every aspect of life," Latha shared. Latha has been instrumental in conceptualizing and training trainees under IMTC Mangalore.
She also spoke about the emotional connection that Montessori educators develop with children, recalling moments when a child, a stranger, would trustingly ask to hold her hand. "That trust is a testament to the deep bond and understanding Montessori educators build with children."
Following the Child: A Key Montessori principle
Narmada Y R a veteran Montessori educator, highlighted the importance of the Montessori philosophy of "following the child." She explained how this principle is central to allowing children to explore their natural interests and abilities. "In Montessori, we observe and follow the child, offering them an environment where they can freely choose activities that help them grow. Mangalore’s IMTC center plays a crucial role in training educators to implement this approach effectively."
A Legacy of Montessori in India
Shamala Rao, director of IMTC in Bangalore and also director general of IMC, spoke about the history of Montessori education in India, tracing its origins back to Maria Montessori’s influence. She highlighted the contributions of key figures such as Joosten who brought Montessori education to India, and the work of Swami who mentored the current generation of Montessori trainers and educators. "IMTC continues this proud tradition by equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to nurture young minds," Shamala said. She also highlighted that Meenakshi Sivaramakrishnan's work has had a profound impact on the Montessori movement across the country. Meenakshi Sivaramakrishnan has played a crucial role in promoting and developing Montessori teacher training programs in India, helping to create a network of educators trained in child-centered learning.
About IMTC
IMTC is committed to advancing Montessori education in India by offering flexible, high-quality training programs that integrate both online and offline learning. IMC has several chapters in India and Vietnam. It’s blended and classroom courses provide educators with the tools and techniques to implement the Montessori philosophy, ensuring that they are well-equipped to create child-centered learning environments.
For more information on IMTC’s courses, please visit or contact us at info@elcindia.com/ imtc@elcindia.org
Phone - 9108513056
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