A little about you:
My name is Fang Luan, orginally from China. I worked at Hunan
University of Technology in Hunan, China for two years before moving to
United States. I had four years teaching experience at St. Alcuin
Montessori School in Dallas, TX as a Mandarin Chinese teacher. I never
expected this trip to US (2006) became my first step to know about
Montessori education.
Describe the course workload:
In general, the workload is good for me. I always typed my notes on the
same day that I received the lecture or demonstration! Do not
procrastinate, then you will be fine. Good typing skills, some basic
computer skills and amateur photography background or certain drawing
skills are a plus.
How well did the course prepare you to be a Montessori teacher?
I had six years' teaching experience before the training. I had many
years of schooling, including my Master's of Education in United States.
However, there are no other classes that have better prepared me for
early child education. This course prepared me not only finding a job
but also finding myself. I have never been this confident about my
future career.
Did you enjoy your training at MINW?
I decided to come to the Primary training after over a year's serious
thinking and research. I moved from Dallas, TX all the way to Portland,
OR. I absolutely loved the primary training at MINW. This course is
extremely organized and informative. The trainers understand both
children and adults. All the staff are helpful, friendly and
professional. I could not ask for a better training. I really did enjoy
the course. I am organized myself in my daily life but the training goes
into more details regarding organization. It fit me very well.
What were some unexpected challenges?
The big challenge for me was the distance to school. I was in Texas
while I rented an apartment and signed a nine-month lease. But just like
the coin has two sides, the long distance to school gave me a chance to
observe ordinary people everyday and to relax after a day's
absorption.
What were some unexpected highlights?
The co-training was not expected but it turned out great. I was lucky to see two different styles and gain insights from both.
Would you recommend this course to others?
I would absolutely recommend this course to others, no matter if you
don't know what you want to do in the future, or you know exactly what
you're going to do after graduation. It is a retreat for yourself to
immerse in learning. It is a shortcut to invest your time and money in
understanding children of other people or your own children.
Any advice for incoming students?
Just enjoy being as a student. If you can, don't take a part-time job. Enjoy nature, diversity, and festivals in Portland, OR.