MACTE is pleased to share our Spotlight on Program Directors series. These profiles are a chance for program directors to share about their teacher education programs and their own personal stories.
Name and Title: Michael Duffy, Co-director
Program Name: Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative
Program Website: mettc.org
Tell us a little about your program.
The Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) was founded to continue the elementary level training of CMTE/NY. Operating out of Lexington, MA, METTC has offered high quality elementary training since 2013. Our staff boasts three AMS Living Legacy recipients and decades of experience training EI and EII teachers. Our albums are being constantly updated, and we provide a rich collection of unique classroom materials for our adult learners. An emphasis on community means our adult learners join a family of supporting staff and colleagues that continues long after they finish training.
What excites you about the future of your program?
While the core faculty have long experience in teaching and teacher training, the incorporation of dynamic young teachers onto our staff promises an exciting future for METTC and those who come to us for training.
What has MACTE accreditation meant to your program?
It indicates that we meet all the standards for an authentic Montessori training program so prospective adult learners can know their investment of time and money is worth it.
What was your path to Montessori?
I followed my children and my wife, D’Neil Duffy, into Montessori later in life after working as a journalist for 20 years.
What are your top reading recommendations?
Maria Montessori, “Spontaneous Activity in Education,” highlights the unique paradigm of Montessori education as auto-education.
Describe your perfect meal.
New Orleans style seafood.
What is your dream destination? What would you like to do there?
Italy. Spend some time enjoying the Italian lifestyle.
For those considering becoming a Montessori teacher, what advice would you give them?
You will be helping to change the world for the better through a new generation of children.
Thank you, Michael, for sharing your story with MACTE!
If you are a director of a MACTE accredited program and would like to participate in this series, please complete this form; we’d love to share your story!
