The Early Childhood Montessori teacher education program involves
a thirteen-month course of study consisting of an eight-week
summer academic session followed by a nine-month Early Childhood
Montessori teaching practicum experience. Students return
to IAMS for a seven-day mid-year seminar during the practicum
year and a two-week wrap-up session the following June. Program
Clock Hours: 526 contact hours + 540 practicum hours = 1066
total hours.
During the summer academic sessions, classes meet Monday through
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; during the mid-year academic
session, classes meet from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Full attendance
is expected at all required classes, practice teaching sessions,
and material-making labs; students will be allowed to make
up no more than ten percent (10%) of missed contact hours.
Students will be notified if classes are canceled due to inclement
weather. The Practicum Experience
The practicum is an essential element in Montessori teacher
education programs. It involves a nine-month student teaching
experience in an early childhood Montessori classroom under
the day-to-day guidance and supervision of an experienced
Montessori teacher from a MACTE accredited teacher education
program.
The minimum practicum is defined as lasting a full nine-month
academic year, with the student teaching in the practicum
classroom for at least three hours a day, five days a week,
for a minimum of 540 hours.
In most cases, student teachers are paid a stipend by the
practicum site school as a teaching assistant. All such arrangements
are made between the student and the school, and no assurances
can be made by the Institute. Students may propose their own
practicum site or request our assistance in locating one. Practice Teaching Labs
Classes at the Institute offer a balance of theory and hands-on
experience. Students have time in the daily schedule to practice
new skills and explore the Montessori curriculum materials
under the guidance of our faculty. Material-Making Center
Montessori teachers traditionally design and prepare hand-made
learning materials to be used in their classrooms to supplement
areas where a commercially-made apparatus is unavailable.
Working in our material-making lab, students learn how to
design and produce materials for their classrooms. Assignments
Students prepare albums from lesson plans provided by the
Institute in each of the areas of the early childhood curriculum.
Over the course of the program, students prepare hand-made
learning materials for their classrooms. In addition, students
develop one special area of interest as a major year-long
project. Written and/or oral practical examinations are held
during each of the three academic sessions. Vocational Objectives
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student
is recommended to the American
Montessori Society for its Early Childhood credential.
This credential permits the holder to teach in a Montessori
classroom with children ages 2.5-6. Some states may require
additional credentials for full teaching responsibility; the
student must check local jurisdictions for particular employment
requirements. The student who is admitted to and completes
the program prior to obtaining a bachelor's degree would be
eligible for initial employment as an assistant in a Montessori
classroom with children ages 2.5-6. The Institute does not
guarantee employment, salary, or occupational advancement.
The Program