Montessori Education
General Information
Montessori is a holistic educational philosophy with applications relating to children of all ages, families, communities, curriculum, learning materials and environments. Being a Montessori teacher may be the ideal profession if you think of yourself as a mentor, enjoy children and want a career with lots of opportunities.
Our task as teacher educators is the preparation of those committed to becoming Montessori specialists. It is essential that each person be offered the opportunity to receive the training in philosophy, theory, and methodology as presented by Maria Montessori, as well as the concepts of human growth and development which are age appropriate, with deep respect for childhood as well as for the child as an individual.
St. Kate's Montessori teacher education program prepares you to:
- create and maintain a Montessori environment that supports children's psychological, social, physical and intellectual development;
- effectively observe children in order to assess their needs;
- utilize the appropriate Montessori material to address all areas of the curriculum;
- prepare learning materials that are developmentally appropriate for each stage of growth;
- communicate with parents and fellow professionals;
- plan and implement programs that are safe, effective and responsive to children's needs while meeting all standards;
- successfully manage a Montessori program in various public and private settings.
Program Options
You may pursue
undergraduate credit toward a credential in the Early Childhood program or
graduate credit toward a credential in the Early Childhood or Elementary program. To earn a Master's degree, three to five classes beyond the credential are required.
There is also a non-credit credential option. When you graduate, you will be prepared to teach children positive life skills in an environment that both nurtures and challenges them toward individual growth.
Program options include:
Course of Study
The Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs offers you intensive study of Montessori philosophy, development psychology, pedagogy and environmental preparation. The curriculum includes observation of demonstration classes, applied theory, current practice and research in Montessori education.
To accommodate teachers and other working professionals, the program enables students to complete their academic requirements during the summer. Your learning will be enhanced by experienced faculty and numerous support services at the College of St. Catherine.
Practicum and Student Teaching
You will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an intern after you complete your academic course requirements. Under the guidance of certified and experienced Montessori teachers, you will teach for nine months in a school approved by the program director. To assess your progress and assure your professional development, the student teaching coordinator will visit the school at least three times during your practicum year.
Seminars
You can intensify your knowledge of Montessori theory through several seminars during the academic year. Seminar programs include review and extensions of the curriculum and methodology, as well as guest lecturers.
Practice Labs
You will have many opportunities to exercise your knowledge and skills through weekly practice sessions. Practice labs are held regularly on campus throughout the year.
Demand
Demand for Montessori teachers is rapidly increasing in public and private schools, day-care centers, nursery schools, parochial schools and individual households. To prepare you for a career in this fast-growing field, the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs offers a professional teacher training program affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS). You will earn college credit and an academic certificate from the College of St. Catherine-Minneapolis. You also will complete eligibility requirements for the AMS teaching credential, the nation's most widely recognized and respected Montessori credential.
More Information
For more information about our Montessori programs:
To speak with an admission counselor: