The Montessori teacher is constantly watching students' progress and knows when to step in to offer guidance, when to allow the student to work independently, and when to challenge a learner with the next stage in their learning sequence. The role of the Montessori teacher is not to lecture, but rather to guide. Montessori teachers are conduits between their students and the vast world of knowledge and discovery that surrounds them. Their role is to observe students, identifying their needs and responding with appropriate individualized guidance and instruction.