Member Tier Information

Member Tier InformationSAMA2024-05-31T13:50:36+02:00

SAMA has devised a three level membership, which is a self evaluation process. SAMA provides the Montessori guidelines of what is required, but it is essentially each member school choosing to affiliate’s responsibility to ensure they implement the requirements at each Tier Level. This is to guide our independently owned member Montessori communities, so that clear guidelines can be offered with specific emphasis on fully implemented Montessori education. Please see the SAMA Code of Conduct & Fundamental Principles.

The three levels of Membership allows for environments at different stages to obtain the support, inspiration of involvement in an Association and exposure to communities that have achieved the fundamental principles of Montessori practice.
The Executive Committee is currently in the final stages of concluding the further Quality Assurance processes for member schools.

Not Yet Operational Membership

Schools with zero enrolments and who do not have to be operational nor do they have to be registered. This will make a range of services, such as support, advice and resources for setting up a new school available to those very people who need it.

Initiate Membership

After the first enrolment, schools will be noted as being operational. This will include new schools or schools facing economic challenges which do not yet meet all the criteria outlined in various documents. This will allow emergent schools an opportunity to interact with, and benefit from the association, and mentorship from more established schools and experienced Montessorians.

Progressive Membership

Is for schools who are working towards compliance with all the requirements for Full membership. It is expected that most schools will achieve Full Membership within three years.

Full Membership

Is for a school committed to following globally accepted best practices in Montessori pedagogy, interpreted within the South African context. All classroom lead directresses hold a SAMA recognised Montessori qualification in the level(s) they are teaching. The School meets all SAMA fundamental principles.

Title

As South African Montessori Association Members, we pledge to conduct ourselves professionally, serve the child and uphold this code of conduct.

Commitment to the South African Montessori Association

A member of the South African Montessori Association:

complies with this Code of Conduct,
discloses all relevant information to SAMA,co-operates with SAMA,
accepts and complies with the procedures and requirements of SAMA.

Commitment to the Public

To uphold the interests and integrity of SAMA, commitment to maintaining a good public image is vital. In light of this, and bearing the aims and objectives of SAMA in mind, a member shall:

honestly represent the image of SAMA and Montessori education,
inform the public within framework of their Montessori knowledge and education,
disseminate accurate information,
be honest about the qualifications being offered through an organisation,
whenever speaking or writing about policies, the member should clearly and unequivocally distinguish their private views from the official position of SAMA.

Commitment to the Child

In fulfilment of the obligation to the child, the member shall provide a Montessori environment which reflects the implementation of authentic Montessori principals which

encourages independent action in the pursuit of learning,
protects the opportunity to provide for participation in educational programmes without regard to race, sex, colour, creed or national origin,
acknowledges the uniqueness, individuality, and specific needs of each learner,
guides and encourages each child to realise his or her potential,
takes reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of child,
keeps in confidence any information that has been secured in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law,
refrains from any form of harm or ill treatment deliberately inflicted on a child,
refrains from improper physical contact with learners,
promotes gender equality;
refrains from any form of sexual harassment (physical or otherwise) of learners,
refrains from any form of sexual relationship with learners at a school,
demonstrates Montessori Grace and Courtesy when interacting with the child.

Commitment to the Profession

The member should uphold the good reputation of SAMA and Montessori principles and other members. The member also endeavours to raise professional standards and conditions to attract persons worthy of trust to careers in Montessori education.
In fulfilling these goals, the member shall;

extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the Montessori education profession,
represent their own professional qualification with clarity and true intent,
use honest and effective methods of administering their duties, use of time and conducting business,
honour professional commitments; maintain obligations, and contracts,
not abuse the position he or she holds for financial, political or personal gain and is not negligent or indolent in the performance of his or her professional duties,
not actively canvass/solicit for the enrolment of student or the employment of staff from other institutions,
uphold the reasonable and legal expectations of confidentiality,
keep up to date and informed regarding Montessori and other educational trends and developments,
show commitment to continued Montessori and other education and training opportunities with a view to continuous professional development,
behave in a way that enhances the dignity and integrity SAMA and Montessori education and that does not bring the Montessori profession or philosophy into disrepute.

Commitment to theParent

SAMA members where applicable shall;

inform the parents about Montessori education and keep parents informed about developments within the Montessori community,
recognise the parents as partners in education, and promote a harmonious relationship with them,
keep parents adequately and timeously informed about the well‐being and progress of the child.