Maria Montessori designated the term "directress" to describe the role of the adult in her child focused classroom.  "Follow the Child" was her cry to those she instructed, encouraging the adult to follow the interest of each individual child as they explored the carefully prepared environment.

 

Today, the adult in a Montessori classroom may be called a teacher, a leader, a guide or an instructor....but the term directress reminds us of our true role.