Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Course consists of 374 Academic Hours that take place primarily during the concentrated eight week summer session. During the Academic Phase adults learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observation of active classroom experiences. The curriculum at Montgomery Montessori Institute offers the adult learner extensive background knowledge in all the areas necessary to successfully guide 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 following the Academic Phase. During the Practicum Phase adult learners work in the classroom of an approved supervising teacher, for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week for nine consecutive months for at least 540 hours of instructional class time. Additional 72+ Practicum hours consist of Practicum Seminars held at MMI and research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as advisor, classroom observer, and liaison between the adult learner, the Supervising Teacher, and Montgomery Montessori Institute. The intern is visited a minimum of three times throughout the Practicum Phase by the Practicum Supervisor. Adult learners holding a Bachelor’s degree and who have completed either two or more years of previous teaching experience at the early childhood level or prior experience as an assistant 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 during the self-directed Practicum. Practicum sites are available locally.
Infant and Toddler Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Course consists of 230 Academic Hours, that take place primarily during the concentrated five week summer session, plus five Saturdays in the fall and winter. During the Academic Phase adults learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observation of active infant and toddler environments. The curriculum at Montgomery Montessori Institute offers the adult learner extensive background knowledge in all the areas necessary to successfully prepare and guide a variety of infant and toddler settings. Course work during the Academic Phase covers the areas of Montessori philosophy, infant and toddler pedagogy; child development; observation and research techniques; the child, family and community; environmental design and curriculum; program leadership and administration; and personal growth and development.
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Adult learners enter the Practicum Phase following the Academic Phase. During the Practicum Phase adult learners work in the environment of an approved supervising guide, for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week for nine consecutive months for at least 540 hours. Additional Practicum hours consist of Practicum Seminars held at MMI and at other nearby locations, plus preparation of a research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as advisor, observer, and liaison between the adult learner, the infant or toddler Guides, and Montgomery Montessori Institute. The intern is visited a minimum of three times throughout the Practicum Phase by the Practicum Supervisor. Adult learners holding a Bachelor’s degree and who have completed two or more years of pior experience as an assistant in a Montessori infant or toddler environment, 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 during the self-directed Practicum. Practicum sites are available locally.