98 Montessori Elementary Diplomas. How Do We Measure the Impact of Teacher Training?
A letter to the community from Mirka:
I just printed our 98th diploma for a graduate of our Elementary (6–12) teacher training course. It was a profound moment for me. These 98 names on paper aren’t just numbers for us. They are 98 special human beings who have dedicated their lives to the transformation of education.
This is very moving for me. And it naturally leads me to a question: What is the real-world impact of the work we do at Montessori Institute Prague?
This question was the focal point of our recent strategic planning at MIP. We reminded ourselves of an important truth: the long-term sustainability of our services is our primary operational goal. To support you and help you bring Montessori to your communities, we must be here continuously and reliably. That is “Point A.” However, “Point B” is that sustainability cannot exist without a clear focus on impact.
Our mission is to help you bring Montessori to your communities. As a mission-driven organization, we need to constantly ask ourselves not only whether we can continue to operate, but whether our programs are truly changing the lives of children and the quality of schools through you.
But how do we measure the impact of Montessori teacher training?
Measuring this is a challenge because our most important result — the spread of high-quality Montessori throughout the world — is difficult to quantify. How do we bridge this gap?
At MIP, we are starting at the beginning. When you join us, we ask: “What is your goal?” When you leave us, we ask: “On a scale of 1 to 5, how equipped do you feel now to achieve that goal?”
But as we recently formulated for ourselves at MIP, the real work lies in what happens next.
We want to know if you actually achieved your goal when you leave our training.
We must strive to build a community where you return to us so we can ask the last part of the question: “How did it turn out? Did it work? And what obstacles did you face during implementation?”
As a teacher training center, we must find the tools to track the journey of our graduates and understand how the Montessori foundation they received from us influences their long-term contribution to society.
Only ongoing, systematic measurement will give us the certainty to say that when we print the 99th or 100th diploma, we truly prepare adults who serve the future of humanity.
Have you ever considered this important aspect of your work? And if yes, how do you measure the impact of your Montessori services?
Yours,
Mirka
Below are a few updates and resources I would like to share with you.
The AMI Global School Accreditation
We are very pleased to share continued progress in the development of AMI Global School Accreditation (GSA). Over the past months, the AMI Steering Committee, of which I am a member, has been working on refining the School Accreditation journey — from Initial Inquiry to the Accreditation Decision.
In collaboration with MIP, eight schools from Czechia, Romania, and Lithuania are currently going through the self-study phase as part of a group coaching program, which is one of the pathways to accreditation. Work is also advancing on the handbooks, review system, the business model framework, and equity provisions. We want to ensure that the program will be sustainable, transparent, and globally accessible. A group of trainers and other experts are working hard to see this project through. We are very grateful to our pilot schools whose insights help us build a truly developmental and Montessori-aligned accreditation model.
Points of Interest
New Second Timeline of Human Beings
The updated Second Timeline is out, together with the AMI Refresher on how to use this material in your 6–12 classroom.
So exciting!
Speaking Montessori with Impact
We are hosting a workshop you were asking us for on how to talk about Montessori to non-Montessori adults and be heard and understood.
Check it out here.
“We Were Never Meant To Do It Alone”
A friend of mine, Letty Rising, an AMI 6–12 guide, speaker, and mentor, started a Substack channel and shared an article which resonated with me.
Read it here.
Graduation of Our 5th 6–12 Diploma Course
Photos from the graduation are really wonderful, and yes, you can spot the AMI cookies :).
View the photos here.
From Chaos to Clarity: The 4-Step Weekly Review System
Tiago Forte introduces his 30-minute system for closing a working week. I especially love his email bankruptcy tip.
Watch here.
Montessori Events in 2026
Montessori events shape where we are heading as a global movement. That’s why I spent some time researching trends and milestones of events in the coming year. From local gatherings in our communities to large international summits, the year seems to be defined by a return to roots and a call for quality. It feels like we are at a turning point — perhaps this is a reaction to the upcoming launch of global Montessori accreditation?
The most essential events of the first two quarters of the year focus on preparing the adults and environments children really need, ensuring that every stage of life is met with high-quality implementation, purpose, and heart.
Rediscovering Montessori Conference (Brno, CZ)
This gathering brings world-renowned trainers to Czechia to focus on the integrity of the prepared environment and the inner work of the guide.
rediscovermontessori.cz
The Erdkinder International Conference (Warsaw, PL)
This summit explores the “Farm School” model and how adolescents find their purpose through meaningful work like beekeeping and carpentry.
kjm.wmf.edu.pl/the-conference/
The Best for the Youngest Conference (Online / Prague, CZ)
This digital conference focuses exclusively on the critical 0–3 period, connecting modern neurobiological research with daily infant care.
amiprague.cz/the-best-for-the-youngest-online-conference/
The 30th International Montessori Congress (Mérida, MX)
As the flagship global event of the year, this “Joyful Journey” celebrates the deep interconnection between the child, the family, and the community.
montessoricongress2026.org
Thank you for being part of this community and for the “thousands of real moments” you create every day. Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, just like the seeds we are planting together today.
Yours with love,
Mirka
