Montessori glossary · Teaching
Directress or guide
Traditional Montessori terms for the teacher, chosen to describe what the adult actually does.
In plain English
What it actually means
Montessori avoided ‘teacher’ because the adult’s primary work is not instruction: it is preparing the environment, observing closely, giving brief individual presentations and then getting out of the way. Many schools now simply say ‘teacher’ or ‘guide’ to avoid sounding archaic. The job is the same.
Why it matters to you
On a tour
Whatever the title, ask where they trained and for which age range.
More terms
Other words you will hear
Hear these words used properly
Tours run mid-morning, during the work cycle, year-round.