This graduate-level course introduces students to the foundational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the theoretical underpinnings of Montessori education, with a particular focus on children ages 6–12. Grounded in Montessori texts, current research, and practical application, this course engages students in critical examination of the development of the child, the role of the adult, and the unique characteristics of the Montessori approach. Through readings, guided reflections, and discussions, students will deepen their understanding of Montessori’s scientific pedagogy and its relevance in contemporary classrooms. This course is designed as part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I-II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6-12 years old.

This graduate-level course prepares Montessori educators to integrate core philosophical principles with effective classroom leadership, culturally responsive practices, and family engagement, particularly within diverse and inclusive public school settings. Rooted in Montessori theory and aligned with Montessori educator preparation standards, the course emphasizes the application of observation, assessment, documentation, and classroom management systems in support of optimal child development. Topics include freedom and discipline, the prepared environment, classroom systems and structures, environmental design, observation and assessment, contextualizing learners and communities, and family engagement. Students will also be introduced to observation tools such as the Developmental Environment Rating Scale (DERS) and engage in public space and classroom-based observation as a lens for analysis and reflective practice. Through readings, classroom-based discussion and assignments, and critical reflection, students will construct a practical and philosophical foundation for leading a Montessori environment. This course is designed as part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I-II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6-12 years old.

This graduate-level course explores child development through neurobiological and Montessori-informed lenses, equipping Montessori educators with a foundational understanding of human development in support of responsive, inclusive, and healing-centered educational practice. Rooted in Montessori theory and aligned with Montessori educator preparation standards, the course emphasizes the integration of contemporary neuroscience with the principles of Montessori pedagogy. Topics include trauma-informed and healing-centered practices, executive function development, learning differences and special education, multilingual language development, and culturally responsive support for multilingual learners. Students will examine current research in developmental neuroscience and its implications for educational environments, engage with Montessori’s theoretical writings, and reflect on how these insights inform their identity and practice as educators. Through readings, personal reflection, discussion, and applied assignments, students will construct a developmentally grounded and deeply personalized understanding of how to support the whole child—cognitively, socially, emotionally, and linguistically. This course is designed as part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I–II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6–12 years old

This graduate-level course prepares Montessori educators to implement the Lower Elementary mathematics and geometry curriculum as envisioned by Maria and Mario Montessori. Rooted in Montessori philosophy and aligned with the developmental characteristics of children in the second plane (ages 6–9), the course emphasizes mathematics and geometry as universal languages that foster order, spatial reasoning, and abstraction. Topics include the sequence and progression of foundational mathematics and geometry across domains—numeration, operations, the decimal system, fractions, plane and solid geometry, memorization, and problem-solving—as well as the direct and indirect aims of each lesson. Students will gain proficiency in assessing a child’s current level of understanding, placing them on the continuum of mathematical and geometrical learning, and prescribing appropriate materials and activities matched to their developmental needs, abilities, and learning styles. Through hands-on material work, readings, discussions, and critical reflection, students will create comprehensive Mathematics and Geometry Albums, curate a collection of lessons and materials, and design engaging extensions that allow children to move from concrete manipulation of Montessori materials to abstraction, fluency in the language of mathematics, and an understanding of geometric relationships. Connections to other curriculum areas and real-world applications are emphasized to bring global meaning and purpose to mathematical and geometrical study. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the Elementary I level, preparing teachers for children ages 6–9. Practicum Components: Students will engage in hands-on exploration of Montessori math and geometry materials including the golden bead materials, stamp game, bead cabinet, and constructive triangles. Practice sessions focus on the development of number sense, place value, operations, and early geometry concepts. Students will practice delivering lessons in a developmental sequence, plan individualized progressions, and assess learning through observation and children’s work. Emphasis is placed on connecting Montessori math to the conceptual strands of public math standards. The professional album will reflect instructional mastery, sequencing knowledge, and assessment strategies for math learners in the 6–9 classroom.

This graduate-level course prepares Montessori educators to implement the Upper Elementary mathematics and geometry curriculum as developed by Maria and Mario Montessori, with an emphasis on supporting the unique developmental needs of children ages 9–12. Building on the foundations of Lower Elementary, the course integrates advanced mathematical and geometrical concepts with the Montessori approach to interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning in the second plane. Topics include the progression of advanced mathematics and geometry—fractions, decimals, base systems, square and cube roots, algebraic thinking, plane and solid geometry, measurement, and complex problem-solving—and the direct and indirect aims of each lesson. Students will gain proficiency in presenting advanced mathematical and geometric exercises, developing spatial reasoning skills, and facilitating children’s progression from concrete material exploration to abstraction, logical reasoning, and applied problem-solving. Through material presentations, collaborative projects, and critical reflection, students will create comprehensive Mathematics and Geometry Albums, curate a collection of lessons and materials, and develop meaningful extensions that stimulate imagination and connect mathematical and geometric concepts to Cosmic Education. Opportunities for integrating community resources, such as guest speakers and applied projects, are emphasized to deepen understanding of mathematics and geometry as they relate to real-world contexts and professional applications. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the Elementary II level, preparing teachers for children ages 9–12. Practicum Components: This course supports students in mastering the use of advanced Montessori math and geometry materials, including algebraic cube chains, squaring and cubing works, key geometry nomenclature, and formulas. Students will practice giving presentations, plan long-term individualized progressions, and evaluate student learning through recorded observations, error analysis, and student work samples. Practical emphasis is placed on fostering abstraction and mathematical reasoning while aligning with public standards in upper elementary math. The completed album demonstrates deep understanding of Montessori math pedagogy and provides a planning tool for instruction and formative assessment in the 9–12 classroom.

This graduate-level course prepares Montessori educators to support the foundational literacy development of children ages 6–9, focusing on oral language, reading, writing, and grammar through the lens of Montessori philosophy and materials. Emphasis is placed on the integration of language across the curriculum in alignment with both Montessori principles and public school standards. Topics include phonemic awareness, phonics, grammar, sentence analysis, word study, reading comprehension, early writing, and oral language development. Students will also engage with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) to strengthen students’ interpretive thinking and communication skills, supporting language as a tool for expression and understanding. Coursework includes material presentations, lesson creation, written reflections, and the development of a comprehensive language album. Assignments are designed to build fluency with Montessori materials and strengthen educators’ ability to benchmark learning goals to Common Core standards and science of reading frameworks. Through readings, classroom-based assignments, and reflective practice, students will learn how to foster fluent, confident young readers and writers in developmentally responsive ways. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6–9 years old. Practicum Components: Throughout this course, students will engage in repeated practice with Montessori language materials—including phonics, grammar symbols, sentence analysis charts, and word study tools—and practice delivering lessons through role play and classroom-based application. Emphasis is placed on supporting early readers and writers through individualized instruction and observation. Students will gain experience planning developmentally appropriate lesson sequences, adapting instruction for diverse learners, and using observation and work samples to assess progress.

This graduate-level course prepares Montessori educators to support advanced literacy development for children ages 9–12, emphasizing writing fluency, literary analysis, research, and critical thinking in alignment with Montessori philosophy and public education frameworks. Topics include advanced grammar and word study, sentence and paragraph analysis, essay writing, reading comprehension strategies, literary response, research skills, and oral presentations. Students will engage with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) as a tool to deepen students’ verbal reasoning, interpretation, and collaborative discourse. students will present upper elementary language materials, plan integrated lessons, complete research-based assignments, and develop a professional language album. The curriculum is aligned with Common Core State Standards and integrates contemporary understanding from the science of reading and authentic assessment practices. Through readings, lesson development, and reflective practice, students will learn to guide upper elementary learners as they explore language as a tool for reasoning, self-expression, and engagement with the wider world. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 9–12 years old. Practicum Components: Practical application includes classroom-based practice, lesson delivery, and assessment of upper elementary students’ reading, writing, and oral language development. Students will plan writing progressions, align lessons with public school literacy expectations, and assess comprehension, expression, and analysis through observation, writing samples, and discussion.

This graduate-level course prepares Montessori educators to teach science through the lens of Cosmic Education, with a focus on the First and Second Great Lessons—The Coming of the Universe and the Earth and The Coming of Life. These foundational stories ground children in a scientific worldview that fosters awe, interconnectedness, and curiosity about the natural world. Students will engage deeply with the Montessori science curriculum, including physical science, earth and space science, and life science. Topics include the laws of nature, states of matter, the formation of the Earth, the solar system, volcanoes, weather, the timeline of life, and the classification of living organisms. Concrete Montessori materials and scientific nomenclature are introduced to support hands-on learning and concept development. Students will practice presenting science materials, build a complete science album aligned to Montessori sequences and updated for 21st-century public school settings, and explore how to connect these lessons to Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core expectations. Through storytelling, material practice, and reflective inquiry, students will develop the ability to inspire scientific thinking and a sense of wonder in children ages 6–12. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I–II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6–12 years old. Practicum Components: Students will work directly with Montessori materials connected to the First and Second Great Lessons—such as charts, timelines, classification cards, and scientific nomenclature. Practice sessions emphasize clear storytelling, accurate scientific vocabulary, and hands-on presentations that foster inquiry and wonder. Students will plan integrated science units, connect presentations to student questions and interests, and assess understanding through observation, discussion, and student-created work. The science album will document mastery of Montessori science sequences and provide a practical guide for planning, instruction, and informal and formal assessment in the classroom. There will be a formal classroom observation conducted by an external field supervisor as part of this course.

This graduate-level course supports Montessori educators in delivering the social studies and cultural curriculum through the Third Great Lesson—The Coming of Human Beings. Through this lens, students explore the development of human society and civilization, with attention to the physical, political, and economic geography that shapes our world. The course includes lessons on early humans, the fundamental needs of people, timelines of civilization, early tools and inventions, political geography, economic systems, and civic structures. Students will study the role of geography in human development and explore how children come to understand cooperation, justice, stewardship, and social responsibility. A key component of this course is the Early Childhood Bridge, which supports students in building intentional continuity from the robust geography experiences in Early Childhood to the expanding elementary curriculum. This includes reviewing foundational EC materials and understanding how to honor and extend young children’s prior knowledge through storytelling, classification, and deeper exploration. Students will gain fluency in presenting Montessori social studies materials, develop a complete and updated social studies album for classroom use, and connect Montessori lessons to history, geography, civics, and economics standards used in public schools. Through narrative, cultural materials, and interdisciplinary connections, students will learn to guide children ages 6–12 in developing a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose within human history and their communities. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I–II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6–12 years old. Practicum Components: Students will apply their knowledge through lesson planning and presentation of key Montessori materials tied to the Third Great Lesson, including the Fundamental Needs of Humans, timelines, land and water forms, and early economic and civic concepts. They will practice using these materials to spark inquiry and historical thinking in children. Students will design lessons that bridge Early Childhood geography foundations with new cultural content, plan scope and sequence pathways, and assess learning through observation, conversations, and student projects. The professional album will reflect instructional mastery, cultural integration, and assessment planning aligned to public school social studies standards. There will be a formal classroom observation conducted by an external field supervisor as part of this course.

This graduate-level course builds upon the foundational Cosmic Education curriculum introduced in Science and Social Studies, deepening Montessori educators’ ability to deliver an integrated, holistic learning experience for children ages 6–12. Drawing on the principles of Montessori’s vision for the cultural curriculum, this course emphasizes how the enrichment areas of practical life, art, music, movement, and physical education contribute to children’s understanding of the universe and their place within it. Students will explore how these subjects emerge naturally from the themes of the Five Great Lessons, using them to extend children’s curiosity and reinforce concepts related to history, geography, and the sciences. Topics include the Montessori music materials (such as tone bars), key art techniques, physical education activities, and classroom-based applications of movement and practical life activities that support concentration, independence, coordination, and executive functioning. This course also supports students in developing lessons and materials that are adaptable for public Montessori classrooms, where enrichment subjects may be offered through integrated instruction or in partnership with “specials” teachers. Emphasis will be placed on designing culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate experiences that align with Montessori philosophy and public education standards. Students will present integrated lessons, complete a curated album with rationale, and benchmark Montessori content to relevant public education standards and 21st-century skills. Assignments will support students in extending the reach of the cultural curriculum through imaginative, interdisciplinary, and hands-on learning. Through reflective practice, materials-based exploration, and connection to Montessori’s vision of the cosmic task, students will be prepared to foster joyful, purposeful engagement across all areas of the curriculum. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program that meets the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the level of Elementary I–II. This course prepares teachers for children ages 6–12 years old. Practicum Components: Students will apply their knowledge through lesson planning and presentation of key Montessori materials tied to the Third Great Lesson, including the Fundamental Needs of Humans, timelines, land and water forms, and early economic and civic concepts. They will practice using these materials to spark inquiry and historical thinking in children. Students will design lessons that bridge Early Childhood geography foundations with new cultural content, plan scope and sequence pathways, and assess learning through observation, conversations, and student projects. The professional album will reflect instructional mastery, cultural integration,

Restrictions: None

This graduate-level practicum provides Montessori students with supervised, hands-on experience in a 6–12 classroom, integrating theory with practice in a real-world Montessori environment. The students will serve children and the classroom environment in every way—preparing and maintaining the environment, planning for instruction, presenting lessons, redirecting behavior, connecting children with meaningful work, engaging with the school community, and conducting parent-teacher conferences. The practicum includes daily observation of children, documentation of student work choices and engagement, and informed decision-making about next lessons to support each child’s development. Residents will maintain detailed records of student progress, participate in Child Study meetings for their students and peers, and prepare to share observations with families during conferences. Residents will also engage in biweekly one-on-one mentoring with a school-based coach, participate in weekly Collaborative Lesson Practice, and attend regular team meetings. As part of their work in cultural integration, students will design and facilitate the Study of a Child’s Own Country/State, a culminating interdisciplinary project incorporating geography, history, biology, and economics. This project engages students in exploring the physical geography, political boundaries, plants and animals, historical features, economic geography, and fundamental needs of their home state, preparing them for further exploration of other states and cultures. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program meeting the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the Elementary I-II level, preparing teachers for children ages 6–12. There will be a formal classroom observation conducted by an external field supervisor as part of this course.

This graduate-level practicum provides Montessori students with supervised, hands-on experience in a 6–12 classroom, focusing on observation, record-keeping, lesson planning, and instructional practice. The students will guide children by preparing and maintaining the classroom environment, planning for instruction, presenting lessons, redirecting behavior, connecting children with meaningful work, engaging with the school community, and conducting parent-teacher conferences. Practicum includes daily observation of children, documentation of their work choices and levels of engagement, and intentional instructional decision-making to guide student growth. Residents will maintain detailed records of student progress, engage in Child Study of their students and peers, and prepare to share their observations with families during conferences. They will also engage in biweekly one-on-one mentoring with a school-based coach, participate in weekly Collaborative Lesson Practice, and attend regular team meetings. Residents will also design and facilitate the Imaginary Island Project, a culminating interdisciplinary geography-based study that integrates cultural, scientific, and creative exploration. This project challenges students to synthesize concepts from geography, economics, cultural studies, and science by creating a fictional island grounded in logical and scientific reality. Residents will gain practice in scaffolding complex, collaborative work that supports independence, critical thinking, and creativity. This course is part of a Montessori Educator Preparation program meeting the accreditation requirements of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) at the Elementary II level, preparing teachers for children ages 6–12. There will be a formal classroom observation conducted by an external field supervisor as part of this course.