Principles Basic to the Montessori Philosophy
The child's mind from birth to six is quite unlike that of the adult mind which must learn laboriously and deliberately. With ease and spontaneity, the child absorbs all that the environment contains within it.
The Montessori Method allows the child to work on self selected tasks of interest in an environment which features the teacher as preparer and guide of the learning process.
The child's emotional environment should abound in love, security, understanding, and consistency. Only when the child is strong willed and well-integrated can he/she be truly obedient, for obedience represents will. The goal of the Montessori Method can be summarized in a few words: ". . . freeing the child's potential for self-development."
The Course Is Designed For
- Individuals who would like to enter the field of Montessori Early Childhood Education;
- Preschool, Kindergarten, and Early Childhood teachers who wish to use the Montessori method and/or Montessori materials in their classrooms;
- Teachers who would like to work in already existing Montessori schools;
- Individuals who plan to open their own schools and would like to use the Montessori Method;
- Teachers who would like to use the concrete Montessori material for remedial work in Reading and Math with children in grades 1 to 3;
- Special Education teachers who need manipulative and concrete materials to develop neuromuscular skills and abstract ideas.
Description of the Course for Teaching Children Ages 2 1/2 - 6 Years
Academic Component
The Adult Learner completes assigned reading and written reports on principles and philosophy of Montessori Education and Child Development. These assignments may begin upon enrollment in the course. Required textbooks are included in the tuition fees.
The five main areas of the Montessori program: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Subjects (including Botany, Zoology, Geography, Music, Art) are presented during this phase. Adult Learners are given illustrations and printed notes which make up the personalized Teacher's Resource Manuals. Montessori philosophy, classroom leadership skills, observation techniques, record keeping, administration, the child in the family and community, child development, and supervised practice are also included.
Schedule: Held during the months of October through May. Adult Learners attend classes each Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 to 5:00 PM, and four Saturdays during the course.
Practicum
Practical application by teaching in an approved Montessori classroom under the guidance of an experienced Montessori teacher occurs during the practicum. The Adult Learner observes, assists and participates in the classroom for a 9 month period. Monthly evaluations are made by the Adult Learner and by the supervising teacher. Financial arrangements are the responsibility of the student and the Practicum site. A curriculum development project is also developed by the student during the practicum.
Schedule: The usual time to begin the Practicum is September of the second year of the program.
Final Assessment
Following the practicum the adult learner returns for one week. During this week the adult learner demonstrates his/her ability to present Montessori materials, shares the years project, teacher resource manuals, and other assignments with the group. A written test on materials and philosophy is taken. Authentic assessment is finalized with course staff and the adult learner during a final assessment interview.
Schedule: Held in June or July each year
Early Childhood Course Staff
LoAnn Jundt, Director, Instructor for Philosophy, Sensorial, Language, Math, Observation,
Betty Bailey, Student Coordinator, Practicum Supervisor, instructor for Classroom Leadership.
Ms. Bailey has been a Montessori teacher since 1974. She is Co-Director of the Montessori School House / Maria Montessori Elementary. Ms. Bailey received her Montessori teacher education from lAPM in San Diego, California and has assisted in giving teacher education courses since 1976.
Additional Early Childhood Course Staff
- Dena Stoneman : Math, Science, Geography, Sensorial
- JoAnne Enochson : Music , Circle-time Activities
- Robin Cardin : Practical Life, Art
- Pam Maska : Science, Geography
- Cindy Clevenger : Field Consultant
For Further Information
Montessori Center for Teacher Education
4544 Pocahontas Ave.
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 270-9350
Montessori Center for Teacher Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.