Montessori Teacher Education courses are offered at Global Montessori International School through Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. These courses lead to an American Montessori Society Early Childhood or Elementary credential and qualify for graduate credit towards a Master’s Degree in Education at Saint Mary’s College. For more information contact Patricia Chambers at 925-631-4036 or pchamber@stmarys-ca.edu
CREDENTIALS:
AMS Montessori Early Childhood (Age 3 to 6)
AMS Montessori Elementary (Age 6 to 12)
START TERMS:
Summer, Fall, January or Spring
CLASS SESSIONS:
Late afternoon/evenings Mon.-Thurs. and some Saturdays
LOCATION:
Global Montessori International School
Bancroft Way and Ellsworth Street, Berkeley, CA
LENGTH:
Variable; generally 18-24 months
TUITION:
2011-2012 – $410/unit (significantly reduced)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Montessori Elementary: BA/BS
Early Childhood: High School Diploma
STRENGTHS:
Highly Qualified Faculty
Small Class Sizes
On-going Enrollment
Flexible Scheduling
Includes Online Components
Near Downtown Berkeley BART
Financial Aid Available
AMS Affiliated/MACTE Accredited
MONTESSORI EARLY CHILDHOOD CREDENTIAL (29 units)
The Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education Program prepares the student to teach young children in a Montessori classroom (2.5 through 6 years). The program includes the option to complete a Masters of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a Masters of Education Degree in Montessori Education.
MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY 6-12 CREDENTIAL (32 – 34 units)
The Montessori Elementary Teacher Education Program prepares the student to teach in a Montessori lower (usually 6 through 9 years of age) or upper (9 through 12 years) elementary classroom. The program includes the option to complete a Masters of Arts Degree in Montessori Elementary Education, or a Masters of Education Degree in Montessori Education.
Students completing our Montessori credential program have the option to pursue a Saint Mary’s College Masters of Arts in Montessori Early Childhood or Elementary Education, or a Masters of Education in Montessori Education by completing 3 additional courses. Passing the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) is required for unconditional acceptance to a graduate degree program and is a prerequisite to EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I). Therefore, all Master’s degree students are required to complete the WPE during their first semester in the program.
Note: Master’s degree courses with the EDUC prefix are held at Saint Mary’s College and are $810 per unit (increased annually).
GENERAL INFORMATION
MONTESSORI PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Saint Mary’s College Montessori Teacher Education Program is to prepare caring and competent teachers to work with the diverse population of children in preschool and the elementary grades, and to become agents of positive social change.
PROGRAM ADMISSIONS:
The Kalmanovitz School of Education at Saint Mary’s College accepts applications from students all year long. To begin the process contact Patricia Chambers to arrange an admitting interview (925-631-4036 or pchamber@stmarys-ca.edu) and request an application packet (packets are also available at Global Montessori International School). Admission documentation includes:
- Completed and signed application form
- Three letters of recommendation
- A statement of Intent
- Proof of TB test
- Proof of health insurance
- Two sealed official transcripts from each college or university previously attended
Completed applications should be submitted to our program assistant, Ronda Levy, in the School of Education at Saint Mary’s College (925-631-4690 or ral5@stmarys-ca.edu). A student file in deficiency of the items listed above may be accepted on a provisional basis awaiting the full documentation. Application files must be completed within 3 months of enrollment or a hold may be placed on the student’s account barring registration.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Prior to your first semester our Montessori Program Assistant (at 925-631-4690 or ral5@stmarys-ca.edu) will help you with the registration process. Once attending classes, registration will take place on-line during a designated enrollment period. Tuition is paid on a per semester basis; students are billed for classes once registered.
FINANCIAL AID:
Financial aid is available; contact Jane Joyce (925-631-4149 or jane.joyce2@stmarys-ca.edu) at Saint Mary’s College for more information.
EXPENSES:
Tuition: $410.00* per unit for Early Childhood and Elementary Education (*increased annually)
$80.00 per unit to audit a class
Fees: Early Childhood Elementary
Materials (including readers) $100.00 $ 130.00
Practice & Material Making Sessions —– $ 250.00
AMS/MACTE Certification $ 330.00 $ 330.00
*AMS and MACTE fees subject to change with notice.
Students will also be required to purchase their own textbooks, notebooks, and in most curriculum classes sheet protectors and tabs for albums. In addition, students will purchase materials for making curriculum activities and extensions. Students will benefit from bringing a camera to class and all are required to have access to a computer with Word Office software (student discounted packages are available through SMC).
PLEASE NOTE:
All units awarded are Carnegie academic units and are accepted by licensing and the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing for the Child Development Permit. Students holding a multiple subject credential or Montessori credential may qualify for a reduction in units depending on experience and course work completed.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
While it is possible for a student to enroll in the Early Childhood Credential Program without having a bachelor’s degree, the American Montessori Society strongly recommends that all Montessori teachers hold a bachelor’s degree. AMS grants full certification only to candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. An associate credential is granted to candidates of the Early Childhood Program who do not hold such a degree. All students entering the elementary program must hold a bachelor’s degree.