Graduate of Arts in Teaching Options
Master of Arts in Teaching/Montessori Early Childhood Education Certification
Belmont's Montessori teacher certification program offers Montessori teacher training within the framework of a graduate level teaching degree. Students enrolled in the program earn Montessori certification in early childhood education (ages 2 1/2-6) combined with the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Belmont University. Students have an additional option to obtain Tennessee state licensure, PreK through third grade. Belmont Universities teacher education program holds full accredited status from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and holds full Affiliate Status with the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Programs Offered: You may select one of the following two tracks to obtain an MAT and Montessori early childhood certification:
Montessori Certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching with State Licensure:
- 30 credit hours of Montessori certification, and a one-year internship (including a Monday seminar - real or virtual)
- 9 credit hours of core Education courses
- Comprehensive Exams
- 6-week placement in a grade 1-3 classroom
Montessori Certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching:
- 30 credit hours of Montessori certification, and a one-year internship (including a Monday seminar - real or virtual)
- 9 credit hours of core Education courses
- Comprehensive Exams
Structure: The program structure includes 4-week modules over 2 summers (4-week modules are divided into two, 2-week sessions each summer), a fall and spring weekend seminar, and a year-long internship which includes a Monday seminar on real and/or virtual time. The multi-course format offers individuals who work during the school year, or those who currently serve as assistants in the Montessori classroom, the option of completing the program over 18-24 months. Students progress through the program as a cohort group of 10-25 students.
Course Schedule (these are anticipated dates and are therefore subject to change) :
Orientation Session- Prior to program beginning; 1-day committment-date and time will be provided upon your acceptance into the Montessori program.
Summer 2010
- 4-week module (structured as two, 2-week sessions with 8-hour instructional days)
Monday - Friday, July 19-23 and July 26-30
Fall 2010
- Weekend Seminar
Friday and Saturday, October 8-9
Spring 2011
- Weekend Seminar
Friday and Saturday, March 11-12
Summer 2011
- 4-week module (structured as two, 2-week sessions with 8-hour instructional days)
Monday - Friday, June 6-10 and June 13-17
Monday - Friday, July 18-22 and July 25-29
Education Core Coursework: Can be completed prior to, during or after internship
Comprehensive Exams (Written and Oral)
Internship Year:
May be completed from August, 2010 - May, 2011 or August, 2011- May, 2012
Additional info:
- The 30 hours of Montessori courses are listed as individual courses for registration purposes. However, the actual instruction is presented as an integrated, interdisciplinary program of child development, methodology, practice, observation, and internship.
- Belmont University will follow MACTE/AMS guidelines, as well as University policy for setting a time limit for completion of the program.
Application Deadlines:
Completed application materials are due by May 1, 2010. See Admissions Checklist for details.
Accommodations:
Housing and a meal plan are available on Belmont's campus for out-of-town students.
