Jalal-Abad State University holds a lecture on Montessori teaching

February 10, 2014 – Director of the International Institute of Montessori Pedagogy in Moscow, Nadezhda Smirnova, gave an introductory lecture on the teaching method at JASU with the support of the Roza Otunbayeva Initiative IPF. More than 70 educators, trainers and heads of local preschools attended.

 

Participants raised concerns about the high cost and difficulty of introducing the Montessori method into public preschools. However, the Simba Preschool in Jalal-Abad provides local parents and educators an example of a successful Montessori institution.

 

As a member of a Bishkek-based Montessori course, Simba has the necessary resources to run an effective program. Educators and parents can get a feel for the school by visiting and attending classes there. Additionally, Simba cooperates with local TV to air a weekly program on the Montessori method that has a high number of regular viewers.

 

An earlier lecture on Montessori teaching was held at Osh State University.

 

Background: Ms. Smirnova is an internationally certified trainer in Montessori pedagogy and member of the International Association of Montessori Teachers. In the early ‘90’s, Smirnova was an early pioneer of the Russian school of Montessori teaching who established a Montessori preschool in Snezhinsk.

 

Since November 2012, Smirnova has taught courses on Montessori teaching in Bishkek in association with the Roza Otunbayeva IPF. Currently, 25 teachers from private preschools in Bishkek and Jalal-Abad, teachers from the S.O.S. Children’s Village, and a group of mothers have completed a year long Montessori certification program. Each of them will receive a certificate from the International Institute for Montessori Teachers. The following preschools were adapted to Montessori teaching as part of the certification program: Shambala, Childhood Academy, Simba (Jalal-Abad) and Blue Bird.