The Prepared Environment
“The teacher’s task is not to talk, but to prepare and arrange a series of motives for cultural activity in a special environment made for the child.”
Maria Montessori
The Prepared Environment: Students
The term “prepared environment” is specific to Montessori education. Maria Montessori believed that with a prepared environment, children will be inclined to work, learn, and explore.
The Prepared Environment: Teachers
In the secondary environment, the most important aspect of the prepared environment is a trained teacher who establishes a classroom environment and climate in which adolescents will grow.
Lakewood’s Montessori training partner is CMSTEP (cmstep.com). Over a two to three year process, teachers participate in graduate level courses both online and on site in Cincinnati, OH. At the conclusion of the coursework and practicum year, teachers earn a Secondary Montessori credential from the American Montessori Society. Elective teachers and other staff are also encouraged to participate in part of this training program as well.