I see and I remember. Sadly, a lecture-based approach to teaching continues to dominate American education. At The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca we provide specially designed, multi-sensorial materials that engage the children constantly in their own learning, allowing each to discover and to understand by doing. With multi-age classes in three year developmental cycles, older children internalize what they have learned by teaching the younger children and by being mentors and role models. The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca directors and directresses are experienced, certified, professionals who have had rigorous Montessori training and a practical, in-class internship beyond undergraduate or graduate school.
Many preschools require minimal education and training of their teachers.
At The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca, we feel that the early educational years are the most important and require the greatest skills of our professionals. The same level of education, training, background, and experience is required of Primary and Extended Day faculty as for Elementary and Middle School faculty. Montessori stresses a values curriculum and multicultural experiences. Creating community, resolving differences, and treating one another with honesty, care, and respect are among the most important lifetime skills we can impart to our children. An important component of that is creating a diverse cultural, racial, and linguistic environment.