PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Montessori teachers must be exceptionally well prepared.

Well-prepared Montessori teachers need to have a thorough understanding of human development and the process by which children develop knowledge and skills. They need to practice how to analyze and reflect on observations in order to plan experiences and curriculum to meet each child’s interests and capabilities. They need to develop excellent communication skills in order to collaborate with children, parents and colleagues. They must be committed to on-going self-reflection and inquiry and ultimately see themselves as teacher-researchers within the Montessori scientific pedagogy.

The well-prepared Montessori teacher is a lifelong learner.

FOR INDEED, THEY TOO ARE LEARNERS.

Infant Toddler Montessori Credential Program

Birth – 3 years old

Our Infant Toddler Program prepares students for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Infant Toddler credential. Courses are offered in New York, NY, Whitehouse Station, NJ, and Beijing, China. The program is typically completed in 1-2 years and consists of an Academic Phase and a Student Teaching (Practicum) Phase.

2.5 to 6 years old

Our Early Childhood Education Program prepares students for the Early Childhood American Montessori Society (AMS) credential. Courses are held at West Side Montessori School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The program is typically completed in 1-3 years and consists of an Academic Phase and a Student Teaching (Practicum) Phase.

Elementary I: 6 to 9 years old

Elementary I-II: 6 to 12 years old

Our Elementary Programs prepare students for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary I (ages 6-9 years) or Elementary I-II (ages 6-12 years) credentials. Elementary I can be completed in 1-2 years; Elementary I-II can be completed in 2 years. Courses are held at Metropolitan Montessori School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The program consists of an Academic Phase and a Student Teaching (Practicum) Phase.

Administrator Montessori Credential Program

Our Administrator Program prepares students for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Administrator credential. Three models of study are offered based on prior experience; all models are completed in one academic year with two summer sessions. Summer sessions are held at West Side Montessori School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, with distance learning courses held throughout the academic year. The program consists of an Academic Phase and a Practicum Phase in a supervised Administrator position.

Montessori Inclusion Endorsement (MIE)

Our MIE Program prepares candidates for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Montessori Inclusion Endorsement, an additional qualifier to the teaching credential. Courses are held primarily online with monthly synchronous sessions, as well as at West Side Montessori School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for 6 days in the summer. The program is estimated to be completed in 18 months and consists of an Academic Phase and a 16-week Practicum Phase.

Master’s Degree Program in Partnership with Manhattanville College

Early Childhood and Special Education: Birth to 2nd Grade

Childhood and Special Education: 1st to 6th Grade

Students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Montessori credential from a MACTE-accredited program within the last ten years are eligible to earn a Master’s degree through Manhattanville College at a reduced tuition rate in this accelerated 21-month program. Courses are held at West Side Montessori School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Graduates are recommended for Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities or Childhood and Students with Disabilities New York State certification, depending on the program selected. Federal financial aid is available.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW