Beginnings
After successfully completing the admissions process, I was accepted into the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme under the guidance of my trainer, Tiffany Liddell, who leads her course at Montessori IFMM in Geneva, Switzerland, in collaboration with Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies, in Arizona, USA. I was certain that a profound and transformative experience awaited me.
After many years in Montessori education as a Montessori Guide (3-6 and 6-12), I felt a deep desire to contribute to the training of future Montessori teachers. The idea of not only guiding children, but also inspiring and guiding people who will later take care of the children's future was both exciting and challenging.
Why I took part in the ToT programme
My motivation for participating in the ToT programme stemmed from my passion for Montessori education and my desire to deepen my understanding of this teaching method. I have always been inspired by Dr. Montessori's philosophy and its profound effect on child development.
Over the years, I have observed how well-trained Montessori guides make a significant difference in developing independent, curious and compassionate learners. I wanted to be part of that legacy - to train Montessori guides who in turn will guide many children on their educational journey. The ToT programme was the perfect opportunity to hone my skills, expand my knowledge and prepare myself to effectively train and support future teachers.
The most inspiring and enriching aspects
One of the most valuable aspects of the ToT programme is the close collaboration with experienced trainers. Their extensive knowledge, focused guidance and mentoring have given me a strong foundation for teacher training. My trainer, Tiffany Liddell, is particularly inspiring - she is incredibly supportive, professionally outstanding and creates a motivating learning atmosphere.
Another inspiring factor is the development of the adult learners. It is rewarding to see participants start with curiosity and finish with a deep understanding of Montessori pedagogy and growing self-confidence. The exchange with these students, their enthusiasm and their different perspectives constantly challenge me to improve my approach and ensure that I convey the essence of the Montessori philosophy in the best possible way.
The ToT programme has not only given me valuable insights into Montessori education, but also the opportunity to work with an international community. The collaboration with two ToT colleagues in the same course from Spain and Bulgaria is particularly enriching - the exchange is inspiring, dynamic and broadens my view of Montessori work.
Challenges and learning processes
Like any demanding training programme, the ToT programme has presented some challenges. One of the biggest was the transition from the role of a guide in the classroom to the role of a trainer. Guiding children and training adults require different skills, and this adaptation is a continuous learning process.
Another challenge was coping with the diverse tasks in the programme. Preparing training materials, observing the participants, giving feedback and refining my own presentation skills pushed me to my limits.
I improved my time management skills and strengthened my resilience during the course. Tiffany was a crucial support - with her clear guidance, patience and encouragement, she helped me to walk this path with more confidence.
The language was also a big challenge for me, as I have done all my Montessori training in German so far. This is only my second course in English and it is not always easy for me to express myself precisely. To further improve my language skills and get my messages across clearly, I am working on this daily with a private tutor.
My plans after completing the programme
With the completion of the ToT programme, I look forward to the opportunities ahead. My main goal is to make a meaningful contribution to the training of Montessori guides - be it through workshops, diploma courses or mentoring programmes. I hope to work closely with institutions such as training centres, colleges and universities worldwide that wish to build Montessori training programmes for future teachers.
In addition, I would like to further promote international networking within the Montessori community. Through ongoing collaboration with trainers, researchers and educators from different countries, I hope to contribute to the global Montessori movement and support the spread of quality education.
Why participation in the ToT programme is worthwhile
For anyone considering participating in the ToT programme, I can say with conviction: it is a deeply enriching and transformative experience. The programme challenges you, encourages growth and opens up a new perspective on education. It provides a unique opportunity to not only better understand Montessori principles, but also to pass them on to future teachers.
If you have a passion for Montessori education, want to develop as a mentor and are ready to make a significant contribution to the educational landscape, then the ToT programme is an invaluable experience. It requires commitment and dedication, but the personal and professional rewards are priceless.
As I continue on this path, I am grateful for the experiences, challenges and insights that the programme has given me. I look forward to using my knowledge to inspire, train and support future Montessori educators - preserving the beauty of this pedagogy for generations to come.
István Szurkos, AMI 3–6 Trainer in Training
