Sample Principal Rubric printable pdf download

Sample Principal Interview Rubric

The Importance of Strong Montessori Leadership

As in any school, leadership in public Montessori programs is crucial. In most public Montessori programs, the instructional leader will

hold the title of Principal. In some programs the Principal is assisted by a Montessori Coach, Program Coordinator or Lead Teacher. As a

rule of thumb, the more Montessori knowledge there can be at the top, the better for the program. The ideal instructional leader for any

Montessori school is an individual with a Montessori diploma from a highly respected training center. Without this theoretical and practical

background, leaders are significantly impeded in their ability to

 Evaluate Montessori instruction

 Communicate with teachers about their work

 Make programmatic decisions consistent with Montessori tenets

 Represent the program to parents, public officials, and other stakeholders

In most public Montessori programs, administrators will need to have state certification, which limits the pool of individuals with strong

Montessori experience. Likewise, some individuals without formal Montessori training demonstrate the capacity to lead a Montessori

school. These individuals have usually had direct experience with Montessori education. These individuals are able to articulate the logic

and language of Montessori and – just as important – they are aware of the gaps in their knowledge and seek opportunities to fill those

gaps through ongoing consultation with Montessori trainers and/or continuing adult Montessori education.

This rubric presents types of responses to key interview questions for the position of instructional leader. Responses that indicate strong

knowledge of Montessori theory and practice are represented on the left side of the rubric. Because the language of Montessori theory

and practice is specific, interviewers should listen for words and phrases such as normalization, work (including work cycle and work

period), prepared environment, materials, independence, and concentration. Interviewees who demonstrate no use of this vocabulary

or who confuse self-direction with free play or center-based work do not have a strong foundation for leading a Montessori school.

NCMPS, 6/12

Sample Principal Rubric