The Institute offers two levels of Elementary Montessori teacher
education: Elementary I (ages 6-9) and Elementary I &
II (ages 6-12).*
*An AMS certified Elementary I (6-9) teacher
may take the Elementary II (9-12) portion of the program to
upgrade his/her credential to Elementary I & II (6-12).
An IAMS Elementary student who does not hold an Early Childhood
credential must take the Institute's Preparatory Course offered
the week prior to the Elementary program. Program
Clock Hours: 49 Hours.
The Elementary I & II program involves a fifteen-month
course of study consisting of two nine-week summer academic
sessions with a nine-month elementary Montessori teaching
practicum during the school year. Students return to the Institute
for a seven-day mid-year seminar during the practicum year.
Program Clock Hours: 719 contact hours + 1080 practicum
hours = 1799 total hours.
The Elementary I program involves a thirteen-month course
of study consisting of an eight-week summer academic session
followed by a nine-month elementary Montessori teaching practicum
experience. Students return to the Institute for an seven-day
mid-year seminar during the practicum year and a two-week
wrap-up session the following June. Program Clock
Hours: 432.5 contact hours + 1080 practicum hours = 1512.5 total
hours.
The Elementary II portion of the program (for certified Elementary
I teachers) involves an eight-week course of study consisting
of an eight-week summer academic session. Program
Clock Hours: 305 contact hours (practicum not required).
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. The American
Montessori Society requires each elementary Montessori
teacher candidate to complete a full nine-month academic year
practicum in an elementary Montessori classroom for at least
six hours a day, five days a week, for a minimum of 1080 hours.
This requirement can be met in one of two ways:
1. A supervised teaching practicum in an approved elementary
Montessori classroom, under the day-to-day guidance and supervision
of an experienced Montessori teacher from a MACTE accredited
teacher education program.
or
2. With approval, an independent teaching practicum
in an approved elementary classroom, in which the student
teacher takes direct responsibility as a teacher, under the
external supervision of the Institute and with regular consultation
from an experienced AMS or AMI certified elementary Montessori
teacher. (Extra fees may be necessary to provide additional
supervision.)
In most cases, student teachers are paid a stipend by the
practicum site school. 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 a site. Practice Teaching Labs
Classes at the Institute offer 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
There is a large selection of hand-made learning materials
to be created for the elementary Montessori classroom. Their
purpose is to bring the world of nature and the culture of
humankind into the classroom in an attractive and enticing
manner. Working in our material-making lab, students learn
how to design and produce materials for their classroom. Assignments
Students prepare albums from lesson plans, provided by the
Institute, in each of the areas of the elementary 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
Elementary I or Elementary I & II credential (determined
by program of study). The Elementary I credential permits
the holder to teach in a Montessori classroom with children
ages 6-9; the Elementary I & II credential permits the
holder to teach in a Montessori classroom with children ages
6-12. 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
6-9 or 6-12 (determined by program of study). The Institute
does not guarantee employment, salary, or occupational advancement.
The Program