Weekend Classes and Weekday Practicum Opportunity
Click image to open the Course of Study brochure (PDF)
We offer a Montessori Early Childhood Credential for those with a Bachelor’s Degree, or an Associate Early Childhood Credential for those with an Associate’s Degree or high school diploma (who qualify under policies set by the American Montessori Society and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education).
For the Academic Phase of our program, classes are scheduled at ADMTEI during 16 weekends of the academic year, beginning in August and ending with graduation in early May. Credits transfer to Siena Heights University toward both Undergraduate and Graduate degree programs. Ask us for details.
The Practicum Phase of the program — a ten-month teaching experience with children 2½ to 6 years of age — can be completed during the academic phase or immediately afterwards. Many schools offer wages for this experience.
The entire program can be completed in just ten months. Please note we do not offer a summer credential program.
The ADMTEI program is designed to prepare each learner to meet competencies for early childhood educators as defined by MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education).
If you have any questions about our program, please fill out our contact form or call our office at 517-266-3415.
WEEKEND ACADEMIC PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The Program begins in late August and ends in early- to mid-May. Classes meet approximately every other weekend (see schedule for details) at these times:
- Friday: 12:00 to 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lodging (room and board) for ADMTEI academic weekends is not included in tuition and must be arranged for independently by each adult learner. We do provide a list of local hotel options. We are sorry to note that onsite lodging at the Weber Conference and Retreat Center is no longer available for our adult learners.
CURRICULUM
During the 10-month course of study, you will cover the following topics:
- Educational Philosophy
- Child Development
- Classroom Leadership & Observation
- Family Involvement
- Montessori Curriculum Areas:
- Everyday Living
- Sensorial
- Math
- Language
- Music & Movement
- Art
- Social Studies
- Peace Education
- Physical & Life Sciences
GAINING TEACHING EXPERIENCE
The American Montessori Society requires each Montessori teacher candidate to complete a nine-month practicum experience in an Early Childhood (ages 2½ through 6) classroom. This requirement can be met in one of two ways:
- Supervised Practicum: The practicum is completed under the daily supervision of a teacher credentialed by AMS, AMI, NCME or MACTE and with two years experience.
- Self-Directed Practicum: The practicum experience involves the adult learner working as a head teacher in a Montessori classroom without the daily guidance of a supervising teacher. This adult learner must receive additional support during the year from a representative of ADMTEI.
Please note: Practicum positions are typically salaried positions. However, all such arrangements are to be made between the adult learner and the practicum site. ADMTEI does not guarantee or arrange payment for the practicum phase of the program. We encourage applicants to contact Montessori schools near them to inquire about practicum possibilities (a directory of Montessori schools by location is available on the AMS website).
The Practicum experience can occur during the Academic Program or immediately afterwards. However, ADMTEI will not issue certification until it is completed.
Incoming Learners:
- Course of Study Brochure – Full overview of the Credential Program. (A smaller booklet version for printing is available here)
- Weekend Program-Schedule 2021-22 Lists the academic weekends required for the Credential Program.
- Course Schedule 2021-22 Lists the courses, schedule, and instructors for the Credential Program.
- Application Packet #1 – The first step of application materials for the Credential Program; requires $250 non-refundable fee.
- Suggested_Reading_Material– Incoming learners should read one title from each category prior to beginning coursework.
- ADMTEI Policy Handbook – Full details of our Institute’s policies and procedures.
Practicum:
- Form D – Practicum Site Information, completed by school hosting the practicum
- Practicum Site Information and Agreement Form – Completed by ADMTEI adult learner and all teachers who will supervise the practicum.
- Adult Learner Reference File – Complete file of all forms used for practicum plus the Practicum Guidelines.