My mentors are inspiring me to be the best teacher I can be

Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Montessori Education?

I’ve always enjoyed working with children, but my passion for Montessori education was sparked when my youngest daughter attended a Montessori Nursery School and I saw how happy and fulfilled the children were.

I currently work with children part-time and wanted to improve my knowledge and skill set, and I aspire to develop my understanding further at Leeds Beckett: the only university offering this new degree in a format that I could access and fit around my life. 

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

Alongside my studies, I’m completing a work placement at a local Montessori Nursery School one day a week, where I primarily support a young boy with additional needs. This allows me to link theory to practice and offers many opportunities for reflective practice and observations which are key elements in assignments and Montessori teaching itself. The staff have been very welcoming and I am benefiting immensely from their experience.  

What do you most enjoy about studying BA (Hons) Montessori Education, and how does distance learning enable you to balance your home life and study?

I love learning. At Leeds Beckett, I can truly apply myself on my own terms; distance learning enables me to work at my own pace and time. We have one day of seminars, plus pre-recorded lectures to watch beforehand meaning I can fit learning around everything else I need to do.

We are all mature students on this course intake, some with families, full-time work and home commitments. This is what is different about Leeds: you get a high-quality experience plus the flexibility to fit a full-time degree around your life. It is a challenge, but there is plenty of support as you have access to the whole university network including the library, career advice and more., which is just amazing. The students are from all around the world but we have a common bond of support and wanting to be quality educators of the future, which would be impossible without this course or Leeds Beckett.   

What are the tutors like on your course?

Our main tutors Jeremy and Nathan are wonderful, both offer engaging lectures and seminars. They are both experienced teachers with a wealth of practical experience to draw from in addition to an extensive knowledge base on education theory. They are very approachable and supportive. One-to-one tutorials are flexible around family and work commitments and they are only an email away if you need help or advice. I feel very lucky to have such inspiring mentors to learn from. 

What skills are you learning on your course which will help you achieve your career ambitions?

The skills I’m gaining from this course give me many options for my future career. For instance: as the course condenses a 3-year degree into 2 years It’s possible to be a newly qualified teacher after only 3 years including completing the PGCE for one year. Leeds Beckett is also offering a master's degree in Primary Montessori Education in the near future. There are so many possibilities for future development or to apply gained knowledge to current practice.

What advice would you give other prospective students who may be thinking of studying Montessori Education?

For future students who are interested in child-centred education, this course is for you.  As I’ve already mentioned it is a challenge, but it is a truly amazing experience that will teach you so much, with the best teachers and all the support services of the University at hand. The skills you will learn will give you the foundation to teach in any type of classroom setting in the future. So go for It!!