Overview of Courses
Montgomery Montessori Institute's two-phased program consists of Academic and Practicum Phases for the Early Childhood and the Infant & Toddler courses.
Early Childhood
Summer
7 weeks
Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Academic Phase, totaling 304 hours, consists of a concentrated eight week summer session. During the Academic Phase adult learners learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observation of active classroom experiences. The curriculum at Montgomery Montessori Institute gives the adult learners extensive background knowledge in all the areas necessary to successfully manage an early childhood classroom. Course work during the Academic Phase covers the areas of Montessori philosophy, child development, observation and research techniques, language, math, sensorial activities, practical life, social studies/geography, physical and life science, art, music, movement, and classroom management and administration.
Adult learners enter the Practicum Phase of the course once they have satisfactorily completed the Academic Phase. During this 612 hour phase students work under the direction of a qualified teacher at an approved internship site for a minimum of 540 hours. The additional Practicum hours consist of seminars held at MMI and research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as an advisor, classroom observer, and liaison between the student and the Supervising Teacher. Each adult learner is visited a minimum of three times throughout the Practicum Phase by the Practicum Supervisor. Adult learners currently holding a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree and who have completed at least one year of teaching and/or assisting in a Montessori early childhood classroom, may apply to the Course Director to participate in a self directed internship. A minimum of three Practicum Site visits plus documented additional support is required for candidates participating in self-directed internships. Practicum sites are available locally.
Infant / Toddler
Summer
5 weeks
Infant and Toddler Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Academic Phase, totaling 184 clock hours, consists of a concentrated five-week Summer Session plus seminars, one Saturday each month through June. Course work during the Academic Phase follow AMS and MACTE requirements for certification. Courses include Montessori philosophy; infant and toddler pedagogy; child development, prenatal trough early childhood; observation and research technique; the child, family and community; environmental design and curriculum; program leadership and administration; and professional growth and development. Additional topics, such as Inclusion, Special needs, and Outdoor environments add a necessary component to today's classroom.
Course work, exams, and seminars held at MMI, as well as a research-based independent study. A 24-hour Overview course is required of candidates not holding a Montessori Early Childhood teaching credential.
Adult Learners are encouraged to join a Facebook or Google group to help and support each other during their studies.
Practicum Site Overview
Through the Academic Year
540+ Practicum Hours
All Practicum Sites and Supervising Teachers must meet the standards of the American Montessori Society and be pre-approved by the Course Director. MMI will assist in locating a practicum site for each adult learner. Practicum sites outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area may be faciitated by a local mentor teacher plus an approved Practicum Supervisor affiliated with a MACTE-accredited teacher education course. Practicum sites more than a 1 1/2 hour drive from either a local or out of area Montessori institute must be approved by the Program Director. The cost of out of the area site visits will be arranged between the MMI adult learner and the Program Director prior to the beginning of the Practicum Phase.
During the Practicum Phase adult learners have their choice of either serving in a volunteer capacity or being compensated by the practicum site. Adult learners gain experience in preparing learning environments, developing observation and research skills, presenting lessons, planning strategies for classroom management, keeping records, and participating in events designed to improve parent and staff development. Adult learners are also required to attend scheduled MMI Saturday seminars throughout the Practicum Phase. Some of the written and oral/practical exams are held during the Practicum Phase.
Seminars
One Saturday per month during the academic school year
Seminars are held one Saturday per month during the academic year. These seminar are designed and place specifically to coincide with what may be going on in your practicum classroom. For example, October's seminar may consist of techniques and format of Parent - Teacher conferences, which typically occur in November in most schools. During the seminars is also when you will find support for your Research project. Your instructor will walk you through researching a topic of interest and professionally prepare it ready for submission to an AMS conference, should you wish.