Montessori teacher

You may:

• plan a programme of work and activities
•  prepare the learning areas and resources, and make sure they're safe
•  watch the children and make notes on their progress and any issues
•  make sure all children have equal chances to learn
•  support and involve parents
•  look after sick or injured children
•  help children with dressing and undressing when needed
•  feed children when required
•  attend staff meetings
•  keep records and write reports

• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role

If you're a teacher or early years practitioner in a state school, you could use Montessori methods to broaden your professional practice.

With experience, you could become a nursery manager, assistant headteacher or headteacher. You could also become an area manager for a group of schools or train other Montessori teachers.

You may be able to set up your own school, or take on a franchise either in the UK or overseas.