ISTVAN SZURKOS

ISTVAN SZURKOS
AMI 3-6 Trainer in Training
Portland, OR/Pleasanton, CA

  • AMI 3-6 Diploma - Montessori-CH, Luzern

  • AMI 6-12 Diploma - Montessoir-CH, Meilen

  • 3-6 Guide, Montessori Schule Bern since 2014

  • BA, Pre-Primary and Primary Education

  • MA, Early Childhood Studies

  • Ph. D Candidate, Educational Science

  • President of the Swiss German AMI Training Center

  • Member of Editorial Board of the German Montessori Pedagogical Journal

What I do at MNW
I am in my third year of the Training of Trainers program, continuing to expand my knowledge under Sarah's mentorship.

What I like about MNW
Everyone I interact with at MNW is welcoming, supportive, and deeply committed to Montessori work

My Commitment to ABAR Work
I am committed to ABAR work by critically examining gender as a factor of inequality in education, encouraging self-reflection, and advocating for equitable opportunities for all learners.

Favorite Joke
Why did the scarecrow win and award? Because he was outstanding in his field!

Words to Live By
Stay curious, keep learning, and question everything.

Favorite Time of Day
I'm an early bird and wake up at 4 AM. I really enjoy the quiet and stillness of the morning.

Fact or Fiction
Definitely fact—I prefer reality and critical thinking over fiction.

Cats or Dogs
I love dogs; they bring so much joy and energy.

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

István Szurkos was born and raised in North-East Hungary and has been living and working in the German-speaking part of Switzerland since 2009. His journey into Montessori education began at the University of Teacher Education in Bern, where he discovered Montessori through an internship – a method that captivated him from the start. Since then, he has dedicated himself to Montessori education and has been working at a children's house in Bern for the past twelve years.

István has completed extensive pedagogical training, including a teaching diploma for preschool and primary levels, a Master's in Early Childhood Studies, and AMI certifications for the 3-6 and 6-12 age groups. He also pursued additional training in Montessori Geragogy. Throughout his career, he has worked in various Montessori kindergartens, schools, and day schools, and currently serves three days a week at a children's house in Bern while also writing his doctoral thesis on "Montessori and Gender."

As the President of the Swiss-German International Montessori Training Center, István leads workshops and lectures to promote Montessori education, which he views as a universal, adaptable method for all ages, cultures, and social backgrounds. He finds great joy in mentoring aspiring Montessori educators, guiding them in adopting this transformative educational approach.

In his free time, István enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and staying active with various sports. A fan of classic detective stories, he delights in the works of Agatha Christie, particularly her characters Poirot and Miss Marple.