The teacher's role in the Montessori classroom is to provide the environment, rich in opportunities, for the child. The teacher then follows the child as they engage in the many experiences in the classroom. With guidance from the teacher, the child makes choices throughout the day and develops their own self-discipline in order to become a more independent learner. The child is an active participant in the learning process and may be observed working independently or in small groups.

The classroom facilitates several age groups working together at one time. For example, in the 3 to 6 year old classroom, the older children act as role models for the younger children and develop a sense of responsibility and leadership. Younger children have opportunities to progress at their level due to the many layers of academic materials throughout the areas of the classroom. Children develop a sense of others in a small community of children learning from each other.