News & Events

Published Date:  09 August, 2023

The AMI Primary Montessori Diploma Course - Age Level 3 to 6 Years.
* Sponsorships available for the course

Published Date:  14 November, 2022

The Montessori Training and Research Trust is offering an ONLINE Workshop “ A Friendly Approach To Error” by Ms. Teenaz Reporter

Published Date: Monday, 9 August, 2021
First Graduating Batch of Erdkinder Program.

The first graduating batch of the Erdkinder program (10th grade) of Pragnya Montessori School appeared for the IGCSE examinations of the Cambridge University in February-March 2021 and excelled with flying colors. Our students passed with distinction (The highest honor Cambridge IGCSE has to offer) scoring around the 90th percentile. While the minimum number of required subjects to achieve 10th grade certificate is 5, our students have appeared for 8 subjects and in the process earned and an additional ICE certificate which recognizes their broad-based subject choice.

We congratulate the students on their monumental achievement especially during the time of the pandemic when they weren't able to attend school to conduct their coursework. They have achieved a commendable feat and have shown how Montessori education has truly helped their learning and tackle mainstream examinations.

We have watched them grow from our primary program and we have keenly observed their development through various phases. This has helped us understand the child better and be better equipped to meet their needs. Since this is the first batch, it was very experimental for us to design the Erdkinder program. Fortunately, the adolescents guided us at every stage and our program turned to be a collaborative effort and we grew as a community. The ErdKinder program was never a one-way process, we mentor them in academics and they guide us in many other areas. Our students were good friends, critics, guides and motivators.

It was also interesting to observe the way they approached academic study. They never studied to become the first in the class or outperform their peers. Rather, they were always focused on improving themselves which created a healthy learning atmosphere without rivalry and competition. They grew together as a community and that reflected in their academics as well.

We thank the parents of these children for their unwavering trust in us and the philosophy. Their commitment has motivated us to stick to our principles and work with determination in grooming the first Montessori adolescent batch of India.

Publishing Date: November 29, 2020
The MTRT has started a new initiative of a series of monthly ZOOM talks.

The MTRT has started a new initiative of a series of monthly ZOOM talks. The first talk has been given by Mr Pavam Goyal of the Blue Blocks Montessori School on Saturday the 28th November. Patents in drones by elementary children. The talk was most informative and focussed on creativity in elementary children. There were 74 participants and it was well-received.

Publishing Date: August 27, 2020
Inauguration of MTRT 20- AMI Primary Diploma Course MTRT, Hyderabad

After much thought and contemplation we at the Montessori Training and Research Trust in consultation with AMI decided to start our MTRT20 Primary Diploma Course online with the hope to return onsite as soon as the situation allowed us to do so.

The Montessori Training and Research Trust Hyderabad held the Inauguration of the Primary Diploma Course for the batch MTRT20 online on August 26, 2020. It started with a welcome address by the Director Training, Ms. Teenaz Reporter. A ‘sloka’ was rendered by Ms. P. Madhavilatha signifying the journey of learning. The Secretary of MTRT, Dr. Usha Naik also addressed the gathering and wished the students the very best.

The students were welcomed to the course by the Director of Training, Ms Teenaz Reporter and were congratulated for their decision and the trust they place in MTRT. She assured the students that all care will be taken to render the course with integrity and responsibly and no compromise will be made in delivering the course. It was a simple and modest event that was full of hope and enthusiasm to move forward in these uncertain times.

Publishing Date: August 27, 2020
Elementary Assistants’ Certificate Course at MTRT, Hyderabad

The Montessori Training and Research Trust conducted its first AMI Elementary Assistants’ Certificate Course during the period August 10th to August 27th 2020. Incidentally it happened to be an online course due to the current COVID 19 situation. Being online, it allowed the participants to attend the course without the restrictions of travel and the concern of safety. The Assistants’ Course was conducted by Auxiliary Trainer Ms. Madhavi Gaddam.

The Assistants’ Course introduced Montessori’s ideas about the development of the child during the 6 to 12 years of age, his character, his need for freedom and the responsibility. The adult’s role was discussed in preparing the environment and the type of activities to organize to support the child. The session included narration of great stories and some interesting observation activities. There was also a guided session on how to make a story. The testimony of a student below gives an idea of what the students took away from the sessions.

“Your course has brought me a ray of new light, new wisdom and new insight. I feel so blessed to be having this opportunity to “know” and “learn”, and I hope this new information will help me understand better and also help my child into a better person and maybe other children too.

One of the best takeaways I had from this course was learning to balance the self-work of the child and intervention from an adult. I always struggled to understand when to let the child work on his own and when to intervene, but when I heard on one of your sessions that an “adult should intervene before the frustration kicks in”. It's such a simple logic and explanation. Still, yet we as adults fail to understand, This line made me think and put the entire concept of enabling the child to be an independent worker into the correct perspective for me.
---- By Farhat Aziz (Student)

Publishing Date: July 26, 2020
Graduation Ceremony of MTRT 19- AMI Primary Diploma Course MTRT, Hyderabad

Like many first to happen this year, we at the Montessori Training and Research Trust celebrated the Graduation of our batch MTRT19 online. In March 2020 when students and the faculty were getting themselves ready for the Oral exams the lockdown was announced. As a preventive measure and abiding by the rules of the Government the centre went into lockdown. As we had finished all lectures and written exams, the only component left was the oral exams. We waited for the situation to get better, but we soon realized that the situation was to continue. After a lot of discussion and reflection, a decision was made to conduct the oral exams online. We then started preparing the students to take the exams online. We successfully conducted the oral exams by July 12, 2020 without realizing that the Montessori Training and Research Trust was creating history by being the first centre in India to conduct the oral exams online. The Graduation Ceremony too was conducted on the Virtual platform on July 25, 2020.

The ceremony had brought together the students, their families, friends, and well wishers, the staff and the faculty of Montessori Training and Research Trust to celebrate the completion of the course. The Graduation Ceremony was graced by the presence of the AMI External Examiner Ms. Rukmini Ramachandran, Director of Training, Navadisha Foundation, MTRT Secretary and Trustee Dr. Usha Naik and Ms Shashi Agarwal. Ms. Rukmini Ramachandran and Dr. Usha Naik addressed the gathering and congratulated the students and the MTRT training team for successfully completing the course.

The ceremony started with a prayer song. The students put together a video that showcased their journey during the course. They also played a song to thank everyone for the support they received. It all ended with a vote of thanks from the Director of Training, Ms. Teenaz Reporter and a toast was raised virtually. The ceremony was warm and filled with joy, and a promise to meet once the current restrictions are eased.

Below is a Poem recited by one of the students on their Graduation:

The bitter and the better
We wanted to practice with the material,
But didn’t want to come forward for the directed practical.
We loved to see the presentations,
But none of us embraced submissions.
Days went by, our breaks became shorter,
But each day you taught us with love and laughter.
School observations were fun,
But by the end of it we were all done.
The course got extended,
But what matters is that we feel contended.
You’ve taught us the best,
And hopefully our reading will take care of the rest!
~ By Shazia Dayani.

Publishing Date: July 6, 2020
AMI Refresher course at MTRT, Hyderabad

Montessori Training and Research Trust conducted an online AMI Primary Refresher Course to help the Montessori trained teachers to reflect and revisit Montessori ideas. The Director of Training of MTRT Hyderabad, Ms. Teenaz Reporter, conducted the Refresher course. The ideas revisited were around “Supporting the child’s self judgment, self correction and self control in the Prepared Environment." The course saw teachers from all over India and Abroad. There was a global representation on the course. The course was conducted over two weekends-June 27 & 28 and July 4 & 5, 2020

The Refresher Course looked at the Planes of development and the how the prepared environment and the work that the child did in the environment helped him towards strengthening his personality and character. The need for harmony between the adult, the environment and the child was emphasized. The sessions included reading of Montessori books and group discussion around the topic.

The participants were happy to have this time to revisit essential ideas in their work and look deeper at Montessori principles. They requested for more of such sessions to be organized by the Montessori Training and Research Trust in the future.

Publishing Date: November 13, 2019
AMI Adolescent Introductory Workshop

Montessori Training and Research Trust, acknowledges the kind donation made by Pragnya Montessori School to MTRT following the Adolescent Introductory Workshop. The workshop was conducted by AMI Elementary Trainer Ms. Jenny Hoglund who also holds a Primary and Elementary Diploma. The course was jointly organized by Pragnya Montessori School, Great Works Incorporated and Montessori Training & Research Trust. It was conducted over a period of 4 days from Saturday November 9 to Tuesday November 12, 2019.

The workshop was very received by the Hyderabad Montessori Community. The presenters made all the participants think and contribute their personal opinions on essential topics related to Adolescents. The breakout sessions allowed the participants a chance to interact and share their experiences with teachers of different levels, school leaders and interested parents.

The Four Planes of Development were revisited to trace the development of the new born child to the adolescent stage. It was interesting to see how the adolescents get a chance not only to understand that they are part of human history and evolution but get an opportunity to understand the future and their role in it. They also get realize the cause and effect of their actions by the way of living and experiencing social justice; all of this in a safe Prepared Environment ‘Erdkinder’. The participants were able to witness the organizational skills and the adolescent’s capacity to take up responsibilities and deliver. The students of Pragnya Montessori’s Edrkinder program prepared and served with efficency and love delicious snacks and beverages, that they made on their own for more that hundred participants and members of the school present, for all the four days. The participants heard the theory and saw it’s practice through the work of the adolescents of Pragnya Montessori School.

Published Date: 18^th January, 2020.
IIMR - Cooking with Millets at  Hyderabad

Cooking with millets a full day programme at the Indian Institute of Millets Research 18th January 2020  for Heads of Montessori Schools.

Published Date: 29^th December, 2019.
MTRT Organizing a two-day Fete

MTRT is organizing a two-day Fete on 29^th February and 1^st March 2020 at MK Rao Hall, Sainikpuri.  The aim of the fete is to raise funds for the Montessori Training and Research Trust activities of training and outreach. The Fete also celebrates Maria Montessori’s 150th Birth Anniversary. The fete is a coming together of all the Montessori schools in the twin cities, together organizing for the children and their families a variety of games, art and delicious food. The fete promises to offer the children and families two days of fun filled activities. For more details contact us at # +91-8297263546.

Published Date: 29^th December, 2019.
IMF Fifth National Montessori Conference 

IMF is organizing its Fifth National Montessori Conference on 14th and 15th February 2020 at the Marriott Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hyderabad. This a momentous occasion as the conference is taking place during the period of the annual celebrations of Maria Montessori’s 150th Birth Anniversary. The theme of the conference is Kriya - purposeful work, for self and society. Eminent National and International speakers will come together to explore the importance of purposeful work in education. For more information please write to info@montessori-india.org.

Published Date: 10 September 2019.
AMI Introductory Adolescent Workshop

We are delighted to announce the AMI introductory Adolescent workshop in Hyderabad from 9-12 November 2019. The AMI introductory adolescent workshop is organized by Great Work Inc (GWI) in association with the Montessori Training and Research Trust (MTRT) and Pragnya Montessori School in Hyderabad, India. This 4-day workshop will provide foundational Montessori theory and methodology for working with adolescents (12-18 years).

Lecture topics focus on describing the developmental needs of the adolescent and the components of an adolescent program, including the prepared environment, the role of the adult, and the plan of work and study. Participants will leave with the key elements of an engaging adolescent environment to apply in their unique communities.

This workshop serves as a guide for schools who are planning to start adolescent programs and are yet to undergo the AMI training. It is also catered to teachers, parents and professionals in education who wish to understand the philosophy behind the adolescent education in a Montessori Setting. Participants will receive an AMI certificate (35 hours) upon completion of the workshop.

The details for the workshop are as follows:

Dates: 9th – 12th November, 2019
Venue: Pragnya Montessori School, Hyderabad
PL.NO: 45 TO 50, Vishnu Priya Enclave,
OPP. INCOIS, Pragathi Nagar, Hyderabad- 500090.

Cost: $ 225

Trainer: Jenny Höglund

Jenny Höglund is an AMI Elementary (6-12) Trainer. She holds AMI Primary (3-6) and Elementary diplomas. Jenny co-founded the Montessoriskolan Lära för livet in Sweden in 1995 and has taught elementary and adolescent students for over twenty-three years, as well as serving as Head of School since 2006. She has also lectured at the Bergamo Centre in Italy since 2006. Jenny Höglund is a founding Pedagogical Director of the AMI/NAMTA Adolescent Orientation and is a leading AMI Adolescent consultant in Europe.

Published Date: 1 May, 2014
Second Seminar: May 12-23, 2014

The Second Seminar of the AMI Primary Training of Trainers Programme, Asian Seminar began on Monday, May 12, and concluded on Friday, May 23, 2014 at the familiar and almost home like setting of Aalankrita Resorts in Hyderabad. The Seminar saw the return of all the participants who were eager to meet one another and share news of their progress in the Programme.

The Seminar was led by AMI Trainer Ms. Janet McDonell. Janet is the director of the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola University Maryland.  She holds AMI diplomas in Elementary and Special Education.  She has been a former member of the Training Group. She has a rich teaching experience in a wide variety of settings. Since, 1993, she has been engaged in training teachers.

Janet was supported by AMI Trainer Ms. Ruby Lau. The focus of the seminar was the Sensorial area. Presentations were discussed, essential theoretical ideas were reflected upon and variations were talked about. The participants enjoyed the intellectual excitement as they shared their own understanding of the method with each other and their course mentors. They returned home with not only a deepening understanding of various Montessori principles but also a rich repertoire of songs that they enjoyed singing throughout the seminar.

Inclusive Montessori Education by Ms Janet McDonell

The Montessori Training and Research Trust, Hyderabad organised a fund raiser talk on Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm on “Inclusive Montessori Education” by AMI Trainer Ms. Janet McDonell at St. Paul's School, Hyderguda. The session conducted by Janet, focused on how the essential aspects of the Montessori classroom makes it a responsive and challenging environment for all children. Opening the Montessori classrooms to all children she believed results in a rich and life-affirming environment to the benefit of all.

With the help of a power point presentation and anecdotal incidents she highlighted how the prepared environment along with the mixed age group of children could be beneficial for all children irrespective of their challenges.

The talk was well attended by Montessori alumni, staff of Montessori schools in Hyderabad and the participants of the Asian Seminar. The session concluded with an interactive question and answer session. 

Published Date: 13 December, 2013
First Seminar: December 2-13, 2013

The First Seminar of the AMI Primary Training of Trainers Programme, Asian Seminar began on Monday, December 2, and concluded on Friday, December 13, 2013 at the most beautiful, serene and lush green settings of Aalankrita Resorts in Hyderabad. The Seminar saw participants from all over the world come together towards one common goal, The Child and how to prepare themselves in their work of educating all who come in contact with children. There were a total of 21 participants who came together with their rich and varied experiences. There were participants from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Japan, Sweden, United States of America, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The Seminar was officially inaugurated by Begum Bilkees Latif, Chairperson of the Trust and attended by the members of The Montessori Training and Research Trust, Hyderabad (MTRT).

The Seminar was lead by Dr. Annette Haines. She is an internationally recognized AMI lecturer and is the director of the Montessori Training Centre of St. Louis. She has been involved in the field of Montessori education since 1972. She has extensive background in the Children’s House classroom, and has been training primary teachers since 1982. She holds an AMI Primary and Elementary Diploma, a BA from Washington University in St.Louis, M.Ed from Cleveland State and an Ed. D from S.I.U. Edwardsville. Currently she is the chairperson of the AMI Scientific and Pedagogy Committee.

Annette was supported by AMI Trainer (3-6) Ms. Rukmini Ramachandran who is the Director of Training, at the Navadisha Montessori Foundation. She currently serves on the Training Group. Rukmini holds an AMI Primary and Elementary Diploma. Annette was also supported by AMI Trainer (3-6) Ms. Ruby Lau who serves as a new member of the Scientific and Pedagogical Committee at AMI. She holds an AMI Primary and Elementary Diploma. Ruby currently works in many parts of South Asia, including India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China.

The First Seminar was a remarkable success, a tremendous learning experience and greatly appreciated by the participants.

Human Development in the Prepared Environment by Dr. Annette Haines

The Montessori Training and Research Trust, Hyderabad organised a talk on Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on “Human Development in the Prepared Environment” by Dr Annette Haines. The session conducted by Ms. Haines, focused on how the carefully prepared 3-6 age level environment, supports human development.

With the help of a DVD which followed the development of three children over three years, she highlighted the role the prepared environment and the role of the prepared adult. She emphasized the benefits of a mixed age group and the possibility of concentration by a child, when the mind and body are in harmony.

The talk was well attended by Montessori alumni, staff of Montessori schools in Hyderabad and the participants of the Asian Seminar Program. The session concluded with an interactive question and answer session.

Assistants Certificate Course (3-6 age level):
October 21 - November 8, 2013

The AMI Assistants Certificate Course (3-6 age level) which was organized by the Montessori Training and Research Trust began on Monday, October 21 and concluded on Friday, November 8, 2013. The Course was conducted by AMI Auxiliary Trainer (3-6 age level), Ms. Teenaz Reporter. It was well attended by parents, assistants in school, and others wanting to know more about the Montessori Philosophy. In their feedback, the participants expressed that they had both benefitted from and enjoyed the course and offered valuable suggestions like

• Have a similar course for the 6 to12 and 12 to18 age levels
• Have a shorter course designed only for parents.
• Introduce Montessori concepts to more young adults and college students-both as a career option and to learn parenting skills before they actually have children to raise.
• Keep Montessori in the public eye by publishing articles in popular magazines and newspapers, so more people know about it early enough to use the concepts for their own children.

School Fete:

The parents of the Model Montessori House of Children organized a fete as a gesture to raise funds for the Asian Seminars to be conducted by the Montessori Training and Research Trust. Parent meetings were conducted and after a lot of brain storming the ideas for the fete began to take shape. Committees were set up with varied responsibilities. The fete took place on the school premises and on the day of the fete it was as if the school had transformed into a wonderland of stalls offering a variety of games, art and delicious food. The children had lots of fun participating in the various games organized. The fete was a grand success which was enjoyed not only by the children but also by the parents and teachers.

The website of the Montessori Training and Research Trust was launched by Padma Shree Begum Bilkees Latif, Chairperson of the MTRT on the 31^st of May, 2013, at the Montessori Training and Research Centre, Hyderabad.

This date commemorates the 100^th Birth Anniversary of Ms. Khursheed Taraporewalla, a pioneer of the Montessori movement in India. She was trained by Dr. Maria Montessori herself, who fondly called her "my little soldier".