As International Women’s Day comes around, we often look to the inspirational female figures in our life. Women who are creating positive societal change, who support others, and who work to inspire future generations.
This International Women’s Day we sat down with the founder and director of Montessori Partnership, Helen Prochazka, to speak about the impetus and evolution of her business, and why the Montessori method is critical in the pursuit of gender equality.
What inspired you to set up Montessori Partnership?
I had resigned from my post as Director of Studies at Montessori St Nicholas in London because I felt the Montessori training being offered was watering down the Montessori approach, ethos and values. Together with Helen Wheatley, a former principal of St Nicholas, I set up Montessori Partnership to offer Montessori training that was not just authentic, but robust and flexible as well.
Did you ever envision yourself becoming a business owner when you were younger?
Yes, before becoming passionate about the Montessori approach I had opened an early years provision in Saudi Arabia, and on our return to the UK my husband and I reached quite an advanced stage planning to set up an Arabic language institute, but changed circumstances prevented that from going ahead.
What has been most rewarding about the Montessori Partnership?
Finding innovative ways to support and encourage our students to realise their hidden potential and find their true vocation is very satisfying, and for me, nothing beats hearing a student announce, ‘This has changed my life!’
What has been your greatest achievement?
Getting our qualifications officially credit-rated and levelled, so that, despite being viewed as an ‘alternative’ form of education and training, Montessori qualifications are demonstrably on a par with mainstream ones.
What can mainstream education learn from the Montessori method when it comes to empowering children?
To observe children very closely so as to really know them as individual learners, their interests, their bio-rhythms, their levels of independence and perseverance so as to be able to harness their ability to learn by and for themselves.
Why do you think the Montessori Method attracts a predominantly female audience?
It is a vocational, rather than an academic, profession and the most skilled and experienced practitioners are still passionate about working directly with the children rather than climbing any greasy poles. In the UK Montessori provision is predominantly for the early years, and like the early years sector as a whole, is generally dependent on inadequate government funding. This means the levels of pay do not adequately reflect the dedication and passion Montessori teachers bring to their work with the children in their care.
What do you think needs to be done to raise empowered and confident women?
Fire girls with reality-based aspiration that’s untainted by celebrity culture and close the gender gap all round.
Which women do you admire?
Helena Kennedy QC, Margaret Hodge MP and, obviously, Maria Montessori!
Do you want to teach children in a way that encourages individual learning, allows them to reach their true potential and fosters fairness and compassion? Take a look at our Montessori teacher training courses here.
