What I discovered and learned at TMI was invaluable. It was truly a life-changing experience for me. I learned how to become a Montessori teacher, but even if I chose to never use this knowledge to teach in a classroom, I gained something so valuable from TMI. I learned about people and humanity. I learned about the universe and the environment and how things are all interconnected. I have a love of learning that I didn't have when I was younger. After learning about Maria Montessori's vision, I see the world with new eyes. I believe those new eyes make me a better teacher, a better mother and a better person. I wish I went to a Montessori school as a child. I am so happy that my daughter has the opportunity to learn in this kind of a wonderfully rich environment. And I feel truly blessed that I have a career as a Montessori teacher that I love.
-Tracey Cole, Elementary I & II Diploma Programme
As a graduate of the TMI training I found the course to be excellent. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and present that knowledge in a clear, precise manner. Their insights have been invaluable to me as a teacher. Now that I am Head of School I have sponsored two Casa assistants to the training. The summer mode course gives me the best of both worlds: an assistant still working full time hours who will be a fully trained Montessori Elementary teacher within two years. Toronto Montessori Institute provides an invalauble service to the Toronto Montessori community. Thanks TMI!
-Lori Priolo, Elementary I & II Diploma Programme, Head of Schools, Phoenix Montessori School
My Early Childhood diploma from TMI opened the doors to an entirely new way of seeing children and their possibilities. It was like opening a box and finding exactly what I'd hoped for. Decades later, I returned to TMI for my Elementary diploma and discovered that Dr. Montessori's work was deeply profound at that level as well. If only everyone could capture a glimpse of that Montessori perfection - what a world it would be!
- Laurie Parker, Early Childhood and Elementary I & II Diploma Programmes
As an ECE, enrolling as a student in the Toronto Montessori Institute has taken my expertise in child development to a whole new stratum. Montessori’s understanding of children’s needs and their ability to learn best from the concrete to abstract is an environment built for children. Through specially designed materials that are shear genius, learning is turned into a joyous exploration, while laying the foundational processes for math, reading, writing, grammar, self-discipline and scientific thinking. Through respecting the child’s need for freedom of movement, choice and self-direction, the child grows in self-motivation, patience, focus and socially responsible conduct. As a TMI student, I have been able to observe these dynamic principles in action within the Toronto Montessori School’s classrooms and am still amazed.
Isabelle Czubak, Early Childhood Diploma Programme
I believe that TMI grads are positive additions to our faculty! They have solid foundations in Montessori theory and hands on experience applying their knowledge. Their teacher training provides them with knowledge about Montessori, refined observation skills, classroom management skills, the ability to create materials and establish a prepared environment and the importance of being a contributing member of a community. TMS School also benefits from their support, fresh outlook, enthusiasm and inquiring minds as they spend their year training to become teachers at TMI.
Carolyn Reid, Head of Children’s House, TMS School
