When early educators are deciding where to work, it is important that they find a place that matches their belief systems. Two of the most well known philosophies in the early education space are Montessori and Reggio Emilia. In this article, I will first give a brief overview of both Montessori and Reggio Emilia. Then I will delve into what makes a teacher a good fit for a program with the respective Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. 

Montessori Philosophy:

The Montessori philosophy was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in Italy in the early 1900s. Montessori believed that children learn best through self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. She developed a unique approach to education that emphasized the child's individuality and natural curiosity. Montessori education emphasizes a prepared environment that is designed to meet the needs of each child at their own pace. Montessori education also emphasizes the development of social skills and emotional intelligence, as well as academic skills.

Reggio Emilia Philosophy:

The Reggio Emilia philosophy was founded in the Italian town of Reggio Emilia after World War II. This approach to education emphasizes child-centered learning, hands-on learning, and creativity. Reggio Emilia education is designed to be responsive to the needs and interests of each child, and emphasizes collaboration between teachers, parents, and children. The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes the importance of the environment in learning, and the use of the creative arts as a means of expression and exploration. Reggio Emilia education emphasizes the development of strong social skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity, as well as academic skills.

History of Montessori and Reggio Emilia:

Maria Montessori began developing her educational philosophy in the early 1900s, when she opened a school in Rome for children from low-income families. Montessori's approach became popular in Italy and spread throughout Europe and the United States. The Reggio Emilia approach was founded in the Italian town of Reggio Emilia after World War II, when parents and educators came together to create a new approach to education. The Reggio Emilia approach has become popular throughout the world, particularly in the United States, where it has been embraced by educators who value child-centered learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Why Work in a Montessori Early Education Program?

The Montessori approach is based on the belief that children learn best through exploration, hands-on experiences, and self-direction. Montessori education emphasizes the importance of following the child's lead, allowing them to move at their own pace, and engaging in collaborative play. Montessori classrooms are carefully designed to meet the needs of each child, with a wide range of materials and activities that encourage independent learning. Here are some reasons why a teacher might choose to work in a Montessori early education program:

1. Respect for the child's individuality: Montessori education is based on the belief that each child is unique and has their own pace and style of learning. As a teacher in a Montessori program, you would be expected to respect and honor each child's individuality.

2. Focus on hands-on learning: Montessori education emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences and exploration. As a teacher, you would have the opportunity to create and design materials that facilitate this type of learning.

3. Prepared environment: Montessori classrooms are carefully designed to meet the needs of each child. As a teacher, you would have the opportunity to create and design this type of environment, and to observe and respond to each child's needs.

Why Work in a Reggio Emilia Early Education Program?

The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the belief that children learn best through exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Reggio Emilia education emphasizes the importance of child-centered learning, and creating a strong sense of community and collaboration between teachers, parents, and children. Here are some reasons why a teacher might choose to work in a Reggio Emilia early education program:

1. Emphasis on creativity: Reggio Emilia education places a strong emphasis on the creative arts as a means of expression and exploration. As a teacher, you would have the opportunity to facilitate this type of learning and provide opportunities for children to explore their creativity.

2. Strong sense of community: Reggio Emilia education emphasizes the importance of building a strong sense of community and collaboration between teachers, parents, and children. As a teacher, you would have the opportunity to work closely with families and to build strong relationships with children.

3. Child-centered learning: Reggio Emilia education is designed to be responsive to the needs and interests of each child. As a teacher, you would have the opportunity to observe and respond to each child's needs and to create an environment that meets those needs.

4. Emphasis on documentation: Reggio Emilia education places a strong emphasis on documentation as a means of tracking children's progress and learning. As a teacher, you would have the opportunity to create and design documentation that reflects each child's unique learning journey.

If you align with the Montessori philosophy, you are likely to be a teacher who values child-centered learning and promotes independence. You may believe that children are capable of making choices and learning at their own pace. You may also value the use of natural materials and a calming environment to support learning. 

If you align with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, you are likely to be a teacher who values collaborative learning and sees the environment as an essential part of the learning process. You may believe that children learn best through exploration and inquiry and value the use of documentation and reflection to support learning.

When considering which program to work in, it is crucial to reflect on your own educational philosophy and style. If you are a teacher who values child-centered learning and independence, the Montessori approach may be a better fit for you. However, if you value collaborative learning and see the environment as a critical component of the learning process, the Reggio Emilia approach may be a better fit.

In conclusion, as an early childhood educator, it is important to choose a program that aligns with your personal educational philosophy and style. Both the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches offer unique and valuable learning experiences for children, but it is essential to reflect on your own values and beliefs when making a decision. By doing so, you can find a program that allows you to be your best self as an educator and provide the best learning opportunities for your students.

Above photo credit: Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/faceless-toddler-playing-with-wooden-shapes-of-different-size-and-pasta-at-home-while-putting-biggest-shape-on-3933260/