“Children have the ability to learn on their own.” —Maria Montessori

We live in a real society, and we encounter problems and challenges. Becoming a “problem solver” will help us to live better lives.

But when we encounter a problem and can’t find a solution, what happens?

Do we ignore it, criticize it, or run away from it?

The answer given by MSS is to learn.

To master the ability to solve problems, we need to ‘learn’.

Even when a problem can’t be solved, it’s ok because humans are born with the ability to learn and eventually evolve.

At MSS, we conduct Professional Development workshops for the faculty and staff to provide MSS teachers and partners with the opportunity to learn and improve, share experiences, exchange ideas, achieve continuous growth, and become ‘lifelong learners’.

Rationale: Helping Montessori Teachers is Helping Children

For Professional Development Days at MSS, we conducted six sessions each school year with the participation of all MSS staff. We have created a collaborative learning environment for all staff members.

At MSS, we continue the tradition of Professional Development Days because of our mission and responsibility as educators.

For almost 20 years, MSS has known what kind of children we want to educate through the Montessori philosophy.

We support the development of good concentration, autonomy and independence. Students that are full of responsibility, resilience and perseverance with good self-care and hands-on skills. Children that know how to work as a team and have leadership and problem-solving skills. Our students have self-discipline and management skills.

MSS hopes to equip children with the above abilities through Montessori Education so that they can maximize their potential and realize their self-worth in the future.

Parents’ words and examples certainly influence children’s futures; at the same time, we cannot ignore the role of teachers, which also has a profound impact.

Every school day, children spend time with Montessori teachers.

The behaviour and professionalism of each Montessori teacher play an important role in the future development of our children.

The Montessori philosophy advocates that children’s innate qualities can be supported and protected through a carefully prepared environment and appropriate teacher guidance.

By helping Montessori teachers grow, we are helping children.

The growth and improvement of teachers will ultimately benefit our children in the Montessori classroom.

Goal: To become a “lifelong learner”

The Montessori philosophy is to nurture children to become “lifelong learners”.

Our teachers at MSS love to learn, are curious and are highly self-driven.

What MSS can do and has been doing is providing teachers with opportunities to learn, create a learning atmosphere, and enrich the learning content.

During the “Professional Development Day” in November, our three campuses, West Hongqiao, Xuhui and Minhang, had a full and enthusiastic learning and discussion session on campus safety and daily life.

During the session, we continued to analyze and summarize our experiences by listening to other teachers’ ideas and expressing our views.

While sharing their teaching ideas, the teachers also gained the opportunity to open their minds.

Process: Montessori in Everyday Actions and Activities

During the professional development days, there is respect, sharing and cooperation, and the atmosphere is quite “Montessori”.

MSS is a big family. While learning, teachers can also experience kindness, respect, tolerance, and openness while feeling part of the team. The power of being together and moving towards the same goal is amazing.

This vibrant power is something we pass on to the children.

There is a sense of joy that comes from the sharing of ideas, spiritual support, encouragement, and companionship.

The road to education is long. Fortunately, we have our partners around us, and we can move forward together.

In Conclusion

Professional Development Day is a training program for all MSS staff. Every member of the MSS team, including Montessori teachers, health care providers, life teachers, and nutritionists, participated in the Professional Development Day. Together they learn and improve their work with children.

Even experienced Montessori teachers with humble hearts continue to refine themselves and communicate and learn from each other and their partners.

MSS adheres to a high level of professional development.

We work hard for the parents who have supported and trusted us. We work hard for our students, and we work hard to provide the highest standard of Montessori education.

The world is so big, and there is no end to learning.

We wish to maintain our reverence for knowledge and our love of learning.

We also hope to present a better version of ourselves on the road of Montessori and give back to every family.