Originally called a ‘Directress’ the Montessori teacher functions as a facilitator of learning. She is a role model, coach, designer of the environment, demonstrator, resource person and observer of each child’s growth and development. She is trained to recognize a child’s readiness according to age, ability, and interest in a specific lesson, and is prepared to guide individual progress. She encourages, respects and loves each child as a special, unique individual. She also provides support for parents and joins them in partnership to nurture the development of the child.