The Indian Montessori Centre (IMC), which was registered in 1989 in Bangalore, is a national organisation with the prime object of propagating the Montessori method of education. Among its varied activities, the IMC also awards diplomas to the trainees of all its affiliated training centres in Bangalore (IMTC) as well as in Chennai (CMTC). These diplomas enable the qualified teachers to work in established Montessori schools for the age group of 3 to 6 years or alternatively, start their own Houses of Children. Besides, IMC offers certificates for students of the on-line course, OMTC.
In addition to these activities, IMC is also encouraging the training of the trainers (known as Directors) under the guidance of well-recognised and experienced Directors already running the various Training Centres. So far, the IMC has awarded certificates to three such Directors, and two more are in the offing. More such trainers are needed to train teachers, for a country of our magnitude, which needs many more teachers both at the primary level (3-6 years age group) and elementary level (6-12 years age group). The awareness to extend the Montessori education beyond six years is already receiving considerable attention even in our country, although it is already prevalent in a few advanced countries.
With the inspiration and impetus provided by visionaries and guiding forces like Dr B V A Rao, Chairman and Ms Meenakshi Sivaramakrishnan, Secretary-General, the IMC has recently launched a formal Montessori Directors’ Training Centre in Bangalore. MDTC will be headed by the luminary Ms Meenakshi Sivaramakrishnan who has also designed its course. This two-year comprehensive programme focuses not only on the necessary technical and intellectual expertise required to establish, operate and manage the training course, but also provides opportunities for the spiritual preparation of the Trainer. They no longer prepare themselves only to be ‘worthy of the child’, but also to inspire others to look at the child from a different perspective: to serve the child with passion and compassion, love, respect and dignity.
Requirements of enrolment would include a recognised Montessori diploma and experience of working at a well-established Montessori school for a minimum period of three years. Communication skills in English should be good. Directors for training teachers in other regional languages are also greatly needed and they are also eligible for admission as trainers, at specific training centres. Currently, Kannada medium is available.
On the successful completion of the course and submission of a report on their work and contributions, which would be presented before a board of examiners for validation, candidates will be awarded the Directors’ Certificate by IMC. This certificate is an acquired degree certificate and lifetime achievement recognition.
DHNS
