Teacher Training >> Montessori Middle School Teacher Training

Montessori Middle School Teacher Training

WMSTEP is a Montessori teacher education program designed for adults working with early adolescents. Our goal is to give participants a solid background in Montessori philosophy, adolescent psychology, and the best practices of Middle School curriculum. Participants will be provided with the information and support necessary to design programs that meet the developmental needs of early adolescents, as well as support the high standards of Montessori education.

The Montessori Middle School training program takes place over two summers, with a practicum year in between. During the school year, participants will gain classroom experience, complete a variety of reading and writing assignments, and research a topic relevant to their work. Participants will also attend two three-day seminars during the school year, and a weekend field-study during the second summer. Attendance at all classes is required.

WMSTEP has been designed by a staff with long experience in Montessori adolescent education. The Washington Montessori School, located in scenic Litchfield County, has run a successful program for early adolescents for over twenty years.

WMSTEP classes will be held at:

The Washington Montessori School

240 Litchfield Turnpike

New Preston, CT 06777

Phone: 860-868-0551

WMSTEP’s Summer I includes four weeks of course work :

July 6th, 2009 - July 31st, 2009. Classes begin at 9:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM. Summer I classes are followed by a year-long practicum in a Montessori adolescent classroom. Weekend retreats will be scheduled for two weekends during the 09/10 school year. WMSTEP staff will visit each participant in the course twice during the school year to provide support. A third and final visit will be scheduled after all requirements have been completed.

Summer II classes for participants who started the program the summer of 08 will begin July 7th, 2009 and end July 31st, 2009.

The Montessori Middle School training includes the following courses:

1. Montessori Philosophy and Child Development:

Instructor: Barat DelVicario

2. Montessori Elementary Overview:

Instructors: Sheila Coad-Bernard & WMS Elementary Staff

3. Adolescent Psychology:

Instructors: Tom Fahsbender & Mark Dansereau

4. Trends and Issues in Secondary Education:

Instructor: Mark Dansereau

5. Organization,Structure and Operation of Montessori Secondary Schools:

Instructor: Mark Dansereau

6. Curriculum Development:

Instructors: Sheila Coad-Bernard & Tom Fahsbender

7. Classroom Leadership:

Instructors: Sheila Coad-Bernard & Mark Dansereau

8. Teaching Strategies:

Instructors: Sheila Coad-Bernard & Barat DelVicario

9. Observation, record keeping and assessment:

Instructor: Sheila Coad-Bernard

10. Montessori Overview:

An additional course in Montessori philosophy and early childhood will be required for students who have not earned a Montessori 9-12 credential.

Requirements outside of summer classes:

1) Year long practicum: 1080 hours in an early adolescent

classroom.

2) Year long individual research project.

3) Weekly journal and reading assignments during the practicum year.

4) Observation assignments.

5) Attendance at two three-day retreats and one weekend

trip during Summer II.

After completion of all course requirements, students will receive a third and final visit for certification.

Housing:

Home stays will be offered to WMSTEP students on a weekly basis for the month of July. In addition, we have arranged group rates with several local inns and motels.

For more information please email scoadbernard@washingtonmontessori.org

Tuition 2008-2009:

$7500 including all fees and materials. Excludes cost of transportation and lodging for three practicum visits.