Montessori Teacher Academy Handbook

Click here

Montessori Teacher Academy Application Form

Click here

Indiana University South Bend
Division of Continuing Education

Montessori Teacher Academy

Early Childhood (Ages 2-1/2 through 6)
Teacher Preparation and Certification

  2007 - 2008 Class Schedule

The Montessori Teacher Academy (MTA) was founded in 1989 to meet the growing demand for Montessori teacher training. Through a unique partnership between Indiana University South Bend and The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes, Mishawaka, Indiana, the Academy is the only Montessori teacher training program in Indiana. MTA is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and has accreditation through the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).*

What is Special About the Montessori Teacher Academy?

Training is conducted in a Montessori school, affording hands-on access and experience with the entire Montessori curriculum and materials.

The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes, where the summer academic training takes place, is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility on an expansive campus serving students from toddler through Grade 8.
It is the only Montessori teacher training program in the state of Indiana.

Small class size assures each teacher trainee personal attention and the opportunity to form lasting friendships and professional relationships. The excellent reputation and quality of programming of the Montessori Teacher Academy has attracted students from throughout the Midwest and from as far away as Alaska and Great Britain.

Click here for a printable copy of the Montessori Teacher Academy Handbook

Our faculty is comprised of distinguished, experienced instructors from throughout the Midwest.

IUSB School of Education Credit

For students who do not have a bachelor's degree, 14 undergraduate education credits will be awarded. Students must pay a nominal additional fee, be admitted to Indiana University, submit SAT scores (if under 21 years of age) and complete a series of additional assignments.

For students who already hold bachelor's degrees, Indiana University South Bend education credit is optional. The additional fees will apply only if the optional credit is selected.

Program Content

The summer program is an intensive six-week academic session.  Students meet at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes, Monday through Friday,
8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Montessori Philosophy (35 hours)
Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy and educational theories are examined in depth and compared with current research.

Child Development (35 hours)
Early childhood is emphasized with a focus on cognitive, moral, personal, social and physical development.

Sensorial (35 hours)
Students focus on refining and educating the senses of the 2-1/2- through 6-year-old child and promoting the joy of discovery through sensory experience.

Observation (15 hours)
Teacher trainees explore the power and importance of observation of the child as a tool for preparing the learning environment and assessing individual needs.

Practical Life (35 hours)
The Practical Life curriculum emphasizes exercises that establish the order, coordination, concentration and independence necessary to the child's motor and intellectual development. Purposeful activities and peaceful interactions initiated through Practical Life work provide the child's foundation in the critical area of self-esteem and citizenship.

Language (35 hours)
Facilitating language development is an integral part of Montessori teacher training. The language curriculum provides a scientific and well-planned order that insures the child's success in reading, writing and self-expression.

Mathematics (40 hours)
The logical progression from the concrete to the abstract is emphasized from numeration through the decimal system.

After completing the summer academic program, students working toward certification are required to complete an academic year student teaching in an approved Montessori school. Students arrange their student teaching with consultation from MTA. Student teaching sites can be obtained throughout the world.

During the practicum, students will be supervised by a certified Montessori teacher. An MTA field consultant will visit three times during the academic year to observe the student in the classroom and to provide feedback.

Independent Study
Students will have an opportunity for creative and original thinking as well as synthesizing their learning across the curriculum. Projects might include research papers, original curriculum areas, etc.

Institutes
Additionally, student teachers working toward certification must attend three weekend Institutes held during the academic year immediately following the summer program. The Institutes present advanced material not covered in the summer phase. Topics have included Music, Movement, Social Science, Physical Science, Parent-Educator Partnership, Classroom Management, Administration and Fine Arts.

The Institutes are held Friday through Sunday in October, February and April at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes or Indiana University South Bend.

Student Competencies

Upon completion of the program, students shall be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of human development and education.

2. Demonstrate knowledge, application and analysis of the theoretical/philosophical base upon which Montessori early childhood programs have been and currently are being developed.

3. Plan programs that meet the individual needs and interests of children appropriate to their development, sociocultural background and experience level.

4. Evaluate objectives, children's individual growth, learning and programs.

5. Design and evaluate curriculum materials and resources appropriate to children with varying abilities and cultural backgrounds.

6. Demonstrate interest and involvement in the community served.

7. Demonstrate program leadership.

Successful completion requires
the following:

Payment Options
Full payment is due prior to the start of the program in June. Indiana University South Bend accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover. If specific information about financing options is needed, call Carolyn Fermoyle at 574/520-4191. Early application for financing is encouraged.

Students enrolled in Indiana University South Bend Continuing Education certificate programs may apply for loans from Wells Fargo Education Connection,  Education One Loans, Key CareerLoan and Collegiate Funding Services programs. Call for brochures at:
 574/520-4261.

To apply to the Montessori Teacher Academy, follow the procedures outlined in the Academy application. Candidates may be contacted for a personal or phone interview after receipt of required materials, application fees and transcripts.

Click here for the Montessori Teacher Academy Application Form

For further information, contact Carolyn Fermoyle at 574/2520-4191; fax at 574/2520-4428; or write Indiana University South Bend Continuing Education,  Box 7111, South Bend, Indiana 46634-7111.

email: (cfermoyl@iusb.edu).

If you have a disability and require assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. Call for more details.

Tours
Prospective students are encouraged to arrange a personal tour of the training facility, The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes, at their convenience by calling Julie Gabrielse at 574/256-5313. The Academy is located at 530 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka, Indiana.

International Students
English language classes for international students are available at the South Bend English Institute on the Indiana University South Bend campus. Call 574/287-3622 for more information.