The National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) is a vital organization that supports and advocates for the growth of Montessori education in public schools across the U.S. Their mission is to ensure high-quality, equitable Montessori education is accessible to all children, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. While their primary focus is on public Montessori programs, the resources and insights they offer are incredibly valuable for private Montessori schools as well.
Key Resources Offered by NCMPS:
- Montessori Assessment Playbook
A core offering of NCMPS, this playbook provides a framework for integrating Montessori principles into assessment practices. Instead of traditional standardized testing, it promotes child-centered evaluation techniques that align with Montessori philosophy. Private Montessori schools can utilize this playbook to enhance their assessment strategies, ensuring they reflect the true progress of each child. - Teacher Professional Development
NCMPS offers various professional development programs aimed at helping Montessori educators deepen their practice. Their resources include workshops, seminars, and training sessions designed to equip teachers with strategies for reflective practice, classroom management, and student engagement—all crucial to the success of both public and private Montessori schools. - The Montessori Auditing Tool (MAT)
Private Montessori schools can benefit from NCMPS’s Montessori Auditing Tool, which helps schools assess the fidelity of their Montessori implementation. This tool allows schools to evaluate everything from classroom environments to teacher-student interactions, providing a roadmap for continuous improvement in Montessori best practices through the school communication platform. - Equity in Education Resources
NCMPS places a significant emphasis on equity in education, offering tools and frameworks for creating more inclusive, diverse, and accessible Montessori environments. Private schools, especially those seeking to broaden their reach and diversity, can use these resources to reflect on their practices and make positive changes toward greater inclusivity. - Coaching and School Leadership Support
School leaders in private Montessori settings can also benefit from NCMPS’s leadership coaching services, designed to foster strong, reflective, and adaptable leadership. Their coaching helps administrators navigate the challenges of school management while staying true to Montessori principles. - Research and Data on Montessori Education
NCMPS consistently publishes data and research on the effectiveness of Montessori education in the public sector, much of which is applicable to private schools as well. Their research can help private Montessori schools better advocate for Montessori education, justify their methods, and inform their ongoing development.
Why Private Schools Should Explore NCMPS Resources
While NCMPS’s primary audience may be public schools, the organization’s wealth of expertise on Montessori implementation, assessment, and equitable education can benefit any Montessori environment. For private Montessori schools seeking to refine their practice, support their teachers, or deepen their impact, NCMPS offers a treasure trove of resources that can be adapted to suit their specific needs with Montessori school software.
By integrating the tools, assessments, and professional development offered by NCMPS, private Montessori schools can continue to uphold the authentic Montessori tradition while innovating for the future of education.