AM2: Online Master's Program for Montessori Teachers

Applications are now being accepted for students seeking to enter the AM2 program in September 2008. Because space is limited, we recommend applying as soon as possible. If there is sufficient interest a second group of students may begin in February 2009.

Admission Requirements

• A completed bachelor's degree from an institution that is accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting association
• Undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better on a 4.0 scale. If the applicant's GPA is less than 3.0, an explanatory statement should be included with the application. Additional information, such as Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, also may be required.

Applications will be reviewed on a “rolling” basis as they are received. Qualified applicants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit all items listed below to:

The College of St. Catherine
Graduate Admission, #4027
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105

Application Form

Print out the AM2 Application form, complete all sections, and mail to the address listed above. The application must be accompanied by a non-refundable $25 application fee.

Personal Statement
Prepare a personal essay that demonstrates written communication skills and clarifies your purpose in pursuing this graduate Montessori program. Please address the following in your essay:

• Reflect on your experiences in Montessori education.
• Identify your goals for personal and professional growth.
• Describe past experiences that have prepared you for the rigor of a writing intensive, master’s level program.
• Describe how you envision this degree will help you in your profession.

Two letters of recommendation must be completed by individuals who can attest to the intellectual ability, professional competence, and leadership ability of the applicant. These are confidential recommendation letters and must be sent directly from the references to the Office of Graduate Admission at the address listed above. Recommenders should respond to the following questions:

• How long have you known the candidate?
• What is your professional relationship to the candidate?
• This program requires a great investment of time and energy. Please comment on how the candidate’s past experiences indicate they will be able to meet this challenge.
• What are the candidate’s strong points?
• Comment on the candidate’s professionalism.
• Does the candidate take advantage of opportunities for professional growth?

Official transcripts are required from each post-secondary institution attended, even if courses are recorded on another transcript and regardless of the number of credits earned. All transcripts should be mailed directly from the Registrar of each institution to the Office of Graduate Admission at the College of St. Catherine.

GRE Scores

Applicants who do not meet the academic performance requirement (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) may be asked to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This requirement is waived for students who have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Montessori Credential

A copy of any Montessori credential already held must be submitted with the application. The credential must demonstrate that the applicant holds a valid Montessori credential for Early Childhood (ages 2.5-6), Elementary I (ages 6-9) or Elementary II (ages 6-12). This must be a full Montessori credential, not a provisional, temporary or associate credential. The credential must be granted by the American Montessori Society, Associate Montessori Internationale, or another program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). If the applicant earned academic credit from this Montessori credential training, the credit must not have been applied toward any other degree or program other than his or her original Montessori credential.

TOEFL / MELAB Scores

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 600 or better on the paper and pencil test, 100 on the iBT or 250 on the computerized test, or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a score of 90 or better. This requirement is waived for students who have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree in the United States.

Credential Evaluation

Applicants with a college or university degree completed outside of the United States must submit an official evaluation from a NACES-approved evaluation service (such as World Education Services), as well as original transcripts and official translations of all documents not in English. All costs related to document translation and evaluation are the applicant's responsibility.

International Application

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit an International Student Application and Certification of Finances, in addition to the program application. No additional application fee is required.

Fulfillment of the admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Each application that has been completed with the items listed above and received by the College of St. Catherine will be considered by the Admission Committee. No credentials will be returned to the applicant.