The International Montessori Council

Attention Montessori Certified Teachers with at least 5 years post certification teaching experience

You can help to nurture the spread of Montessori programs in developing countries!

Kitty Bravo, Chair of the IMC Teacher Education Committee and Director of Education at the Center for Guided Montessori Studies has announced the formation of a new organization designed to provide support and guidance to people in remote and developing countries that are running or starting Montessori schools. Volunteers will spend 5 hours or so a week, on your schedule, for a period ranging from a few months to a year, working with one or more teachers via your computer and video conferencing. Modern internet communication technology can almost make the miles (or kilometers) disappear. It could be a great learning opportunity for both the mentor and the student-teacher.

Kitty recently returned from India where she visited Montessori schools and met with people who are trying to open schools. It was a very inspiring trip. It was such a joy to see these children building the pink tower and doing addition with the golden beads. Kitty found many people trying hard to create good Montessori programs with very limited resources. The passion and desire is abundant, but the knowledge of Montessori practice in countries like India is limited.

Education is one of the keys to change in a developing country like India, and, as such, there is great interest in Montessori. Probably

the greatest challenge is training teachers for the many Montessori schools opening across the country. The low income of teachers, generally $200 - $300 per month, makes it really difficult for them to afford teacher training. Qualified trainers and mentors for teachers starting out in new schools are scarce.

India is only one of many developing countries interested in providing Montessori for their children. For years, many Montessorians have been talking about the need for an organization similar to the 'Peace Corps' with the specific mission of organizing volunteers for supporting Montessori projects around the world.

Kitty challenges us: "Let's stop talking about it and make it happen. Global Montessori Service Corps is ready. All we need is volunteers!"

The Montessori Service Corps is a joint project of the Montessori Foundation, the Center for Guided Montessori Studies, and members of the International Montessori Council. Our goal is to make it an effort shared by Montessori educators regardless of affiliation. Eileen Ast, the former Executive Director of the American Montessori Society, has agreed to serve as a volunteer Director and Fundraiser.

If you are interested and can give some time, please contact me, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Kitty Bravo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Together we can make a difference!