Elementary Montessori Credential

The Montessori method is a child-centered educational approach that incorporates self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Children are able to make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer activities to guide the process.

With a CMTC Elementary Montessori Credential, you can provide support for the development of the whole child — physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual — in a thoughtfully prepared learning environment. You will be prepared to lead a Montessori classroom.

There are two phases that include the same summer intensive classes and nine month practicum, but render different certificate levels based on your current level of education.

  • Full Track: Renders a full Montessori Credential (provided you have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher).
  • Associates Track: Renders Montessori Associate Certificate (provided you have earned an Associates degree).

(Those who desires to take weekly courses a-la-carte to render Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) sign up for our Professional Development Track through the https://www.childaliveinstitute.com/.)

Who Should Enroll

  • K-12 licensed teachers seeking a Montessori credential to teach in private or public Montessori schools
  • Persons with a bachelor’s or associate’s degrees seeking a Montessori credential to teach in a public or private Montessori school.

Elementary Credential Program Classes

This course is designed to be an introduction to the philosophy, history, and educational method of Maria Montessori.

This course is designed to teach participants the theory as well as practice in the Montessori philosophy as they work with and observe elementary level children in the classroom. It is developed to help the participant learn skills and proper techniques in the observation of young children and Montessori classroom management. It is accomplished through a variety of charting options, as well as how to apply what you have observed, toward a peaceful and normalized environment.

This course is designed to develop techniques and processes for introducing concepts in, science, geography and history through the presentation of Montessori materials to children aged 6 -9.

This course continues the study of Montessori history and geography. The student will build on the foundational understanding of history and geography covered in level I. Concepts, lessons, and materials geared towards an older elementary-aged child will be presented and practiced.

This course continues the study of Montessori science. The student will build on the foundational understanding of science covered in level I. Concepts, lessons, and materials geared towards an older elementary-aged child will be presented and practiced.

This course presents the processes of learning geometric concepts through the use of Montessori materials at the Elementary level for children ages 6 – 12. Emphasis is placed on learning these concepts through developmental procedures using concrete materials and moving from concrete to abstract concepts.

This course continues the study of Montessori geometry. After taking Geometry I, the student will build on that foundational understanding of geometry. Concepts, lessons, and materials geared towards an older elementary-aged child will be presented and practiced.

This course applies Montessori theory and materials to the analysis of language as spoken and written including grammar, sentence analysis, reading, writing, word study, and spelling. These processes are taught in developmental sequence. Students will gain an understanding of Montessori’s holistic approach to developing language in all areas, throughout the elementary years.

This course continues the study of Montessori Language. After taking Language I, the student will build on that foundational understanding of Language. Concepts, lessons, and materials geared towards an older elementary-aged child will be presented and practiced.

This course presents the processes of learning mathematical operations through the use of Montessori materials at the Elementary level for children ages 6 – 12. Emphasis is placed on learning these concepts through developmental procedures using concrete materials and moving from concrete to abstract concepts.

This course continues the study of Montessori mathematics. After taking Mathematics I, the student will build on that foundational understanding of mathematics. Concepts, lessons, and materials geared towards an older elementary-aged child will be presented and practiced.

During this course students will be introduced to the life and history of Dr. Maria Montessori with an overview of her theories and principles of incorporating faith with children – with an emphasis on learning the three important principles of the Montessori method in the classroom – learner, guide, environment. In addition, the students will gain knowledge of the five aspects or dimensions of child development and increase their sensitivity and understanding of the world of the child with an emphasis on spiritual faith formation. This course is a study of the purposes, methods, and instructional materials used in spiritual formation and development of the young child.

This course will enable the participant to develop and refine skills to implement lessons in Fine Arts (music, movement, art, drama) at early childhood and elementary levels. Strategies in lesson plans and presentations through the Fine Arts in listening, moving, singing, playing classroom instruments, storytelling, drama and art responses will be explored and implemented within a Montessori Classroom Environment.

This course will guide Adult Learners through the Montessori literature in exploration of various Montessori topics that are relevant to their role as Montessori classroom guides. Learners will deepen their knowledge and understanding of child development and observation, the Montessori prepared environment and specialized materials, and the role of the Montessori teacher as guide.

This course will guide Adult Learners through the Montessori literature in exploration of various Montessori topics that are relevant to their role as Montessori classroom guides. Learners will deepen their knowledge and understanding of creativity and the child and the spiritual formation of the child.

This Practicum course is one semester of an academic school year under the direction of a Cooperating Teacher and a Field Supervisor in a Montessori elementary classroom (ages 6-9 or 9-12 yrs.) as indicated in the Student Teacher Resource. During this time, the student will experience and participate in preparation of the environment, observation, planning, recordkeeping, assessment, individual/group presentations, conferences, parent orientation, interviews, staff meetings, as well as interaction with staff, parents, children, and school management. Practicum I and Practicum II are required for the completion of the internship.

This Practicum course is one semester of an academic school year under the direction of a Cooperating Teacher and a Field Supervisor in a Montessori elementary classroom (ages 6-9 or 9-12 yrs.) as indicated in the Student Teacher Resource. During this time, the student will experience and participate in preparation of the environment, observation, planning, recordkeeping, assessment, individual/group presentations, conferences, parent orientation, interviews, staff meetings, as well as interaction with staff, parents, children, and school management. Practicum I and Practicum II are required for the completion of the internship.

This course covers the 6 P’s of a healthy school culture, and the parent-school partnership. Special attention is given to methods and techniques of engaging parents in the life and work of their child in the school environment. A special field trip is planned to the Montessori Museum that will aid students in the global perspective of the method and influence.

This course is designed to develop, refine, and implement skills necessary to become an effective Montessori teacher in the area of Practical Life.