CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 17Introduced by Senator NielloJanuary 28, 2025 Relative to Montessori Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSCR 17, as introduced, Niello. Montessori MonthThis measure would designate February 2025 as Montessori Month, and would urge all Californians to take note of that month and to participate fittingly in its observance.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill TextWHEREAS, Dr. Maria Montessori, a native of Italy whose observations of children and their development led her to design what has come to be known as the Montessori Method of education, provided to the world a great departure from the educational philosophies of the early 20th century and instituted a movement that has spanned the globe and continues today to influence educational practices throughout California, the United States, and the world; andWHEREAS, A system for the education of children from birth through secondary schools, the Montessori program focuses upon providing materials, techniques, and experiences that support the learners natural development and encourages children to learn how to learn, to gain independence and self-confidence, and to promote the principles of peace and responsible world citizenship; andWHEREAS, The Montessori Method is based upon thoughtful observation of individual children and includes developmental teaching, one-to-one lessons, and the promotion of respect among the children and peace to humankind; andWHEREAS, In February 2025, Montessorians will celebrate the 118th anniversary of the first Montessori school; andWHEREAS, There are hundreds of public and private Montessori schools in California; andWHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that we recognize the immeasurable contributions of Californias Montessori schools, and congratulate all Montessorians upon the 118th anniversary of the first Montessori school; andWHEREAS, There is a need for more qualified and credentialed teachers in California; andWHEREAS, Twelve states currently offer pathways for teachers with Montessori credentials to qualify for public school teacher certification or licensure; andWHEREAS, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is currently in discussions around recognizing the significance of Montessori certification as an alternative pathway to earning Child Development Permits; now, therefore, be itResolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates February 2025 as Montessori Month in California, and urges all Californians to take note of that month and to participate fittingly in its observance; and be it furtherResolved, That the Legislature hereby recognizes our states many Montessori schools as valuable educational resources in their communities; and be it furtherResolved, That the Legislature pays tribute to the long and distinguished history of the Montessori Method and to the teachers, both past and present, who have contributed immeasurably to the education of our citizens; and be it furtherResolved, That the Legislature encourages the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to work quickly towards approving a pathway for Montessorians to obtain Child Development Permits and to contemplate the creation of additional Montessori pathways; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 17Introduced by Senator NielloJanuary 28, 2025 Relative to Montessori Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSCR 17, as introduced, Niello. Montessori MonthThis measure would designate February 2025 as Montessori Month, and would urge all Californians to take note of that month and to participate fittingly in its observance.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 17
Introduced by Senator NielloJanuary 28, 2025
Introduced by Senator Niello
January 28, 2025
Relative to Montessori Month.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 17, as introduced, Niello. Montessori Month
This measure would designate February 2025 as Montessori Month, and would urge all Californians to take note of that month and to participate fittingly in its observance.
This measure would designate February 2025 as Montessori Month, and would urge all Californians to take note of that month and to participate fittingly in its observance.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
WHEREAS, Dr. Maria Montessori, a native of Italy whose observations of children and their development led her to design what has come to be known as the Montessori Method of education, provided to the world a great departure from the educational philosophies of the early 20th century and instituted a movement that has spanned the globe and continues today to influence educational practices throughout California, the United States, and the world; and
WHEREAS, A system for the education of children from birth through secondary schools, the Montessori program focuses upon providing materials, techniques, and experiences that support the learners natural development and encourages children to learn how to learn, to gain independence and self-confidence, and to promote the principles of peace and responsible world citizenship; and
WHEREAS, The Montessori Method is based upon thoughtful observation of individual children and includes developmental teaching, one-to-one lessons, and the promotion of respect among the children and peace to humankind; and
WHEREAS, In February 2025, Montessorians will celebrate the 118th anniversary of the first Montessori school; and
WHEREAS, There are hundreds of public and private Montessori schools in California; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that we recognize the immeasurable contributions of Californias Montessori schools, and congratulate all Montessorians upon the 118th anniversary of the first Montessori school; and
WHEREAS, There is a need for more qualified and credentialed teachers in California; and
WHEREAS, Twelve states currently offer pathways for teachers with Montessori credentials to qualify for public school teacher certification or licensure; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is currently in discussions around recognizing the significance of Montessori certification as an alternative pathway to earning Child Development Permits; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates February 2025 as Montessori Month in California, and urges all Californians to take note of that month and to participate fittingly in its observance; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby recognizes our states many Montessori schools as valuable educational resources in their communities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature pays tribute to the long and distinguished history of the Montessori Method and to the teachers, both past and present, who have contributed immeasurably to the education of our citizens; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature encourages the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to work quickly towards approving a pathway for Montessorians to obtain Child Development Permits and to contemplate the creation of additional Montessori pathways; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.