A comparison of regular preschools and their teachers with Montessori preschools and their teachers is made in order to assess the advisability of introducing Montessori teacher education in an Australian teacher education institution. The comparison involves a discussion of general educational objectives, curriculum, teacher education, the role of the teacher in the classroom and other educational and management issues in both kinds of preschool. Also discussed are the place of the Montessori method in early childhood education today and the persistence of Montessori schools. It is concluded that, to the extent that present day Montessori schools adhere to the original Montessori educational objectives, methods and materials (to the neglect of recent advances in theories of child development, child discipline and teacher training) those schools must be inadequate learning environments for today's young children. It is further concluded that there is no place for a traditional Montessori teacher education program in Australia. Appended materials include statements of the Montessori method, principles and code of ethics; guidelines for teachers and visitors observing Montessori classrooms; a brief profile of one Montessori school; and an annotated bibliography of publications about Montessori education. (Author/RH)