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Master of Education in Montessori Education

Elementary I Credential

Elementary Online Blended Course Montessori Credential 6-12

(With the Master of Education option) Credits

Total Program Hours: 70 Credits

Course Descriptions

  • EDME 508 - Early Childhood Overview: The Montessori Early Childhood Overview course provides an overview of the Montessori philosophy of education, particularly concerning the 3-6-year-old child. The Early Childhood overview course offers the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the Montessori curriculum for 3-6-year-olds while obtaining a “real world” feel of the workings of the Montessori early childhood classroom with a particular focus on how these classrooms lay the essential foundation for the Lower Elementary experience.
    University Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
  • EDME 509 - Philosophy / Observation of the Lower Elementary Child: The Philosophy / Observation of the Lower Elementary Child course allows candidates to study Dr. Montessori’s major philosophical and pedagogical concepts, particularly for the lower elementary child (ages 6-9). Candidates will encounter the elementary child's specific social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs through Dr. Montessori’s writings on the child in the second plane of development. Candidates will examine the role of the enlightened generalist educator as a “saint, servant, and scientist” (observer, guide, and evaluator), offering an integrated curriculum to a diverse community of learners. As an online course, candidates will engage in dialogue through spoken and written forms, the principles of Montessori education.
    University Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
  • EDME 560 - Montessori Global Leadership: The Montessori Global Leadership course provides students with research-based practices for engaging diverse cultural communities involving all stakeholders for the benefit of the elementaryaged child. Candidates will explore issues concerning developmentally appropriate practices for Montessori schools, with particular attention paid to the elementary years. This course will empower candidates to advocate for high-fidelity Montessori practices that embrace issues impacting children’s physical, social, and emotional development.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 578 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction I: The Montessori Mathematics Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Mathematics for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the Montessori Mathematical numeration concepts and operations, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the course. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the Mathematics curriculum in grades K-3. This course is paired with Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction II and is intended to be taken before EDME 579.
    University Credit Hours: 2 Credit Hours
  • EDME 579 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction II: The Montessori Mathematics Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Mathematics for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the Montessori Mathematical numeration concepts and operations, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the course. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the Mathematics curriculum in grades K-3. P prerequisite course: E DME 578 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction I University
    Credit Hours: 2 Credit Hours
  • EDME 580 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction I: The Montessori Geometry Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Geometry for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of Montessori Geometry constructs, transformations within the plane, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the Geometry curriculum in grades K-3. This course is paired with Geometry Curriculum & Instruction II and is intended to be taken before EDME 581.
    University Credit Hours: 1 Credit Hour
  • EDME 581 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction II: The Montessori Geometry Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Geometry for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of Montessori Geometry constructs, transformations within the plane, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the Geometry curriculum in grades K-3. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the Geometry curriculum in grades K-3. P prerequisite course: EDME 580 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction I.
    University Credit Hours: 1 Credit Hour
  • EDME 582 - Language Curriculum & Instruction I: The Montessori Language Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of literacy for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the oral language, reading and writing, the function of words, phonogram study-spelling, word study, mechanics, sentence analysis, and library/reference and research skills will be developed throughout the semester. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the language curriculum for grades K-3. This course is paired with Language Curriculum & Instruction II and is intended to be taken before EDME 583.
    University Credit Hours: 2 Credit Hours
  • EDME 583 - Language Curriculum & Instruction II: The Montessori Language Methods course provides candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of literacy for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the oral language, reading and writing, the function of words, phonogram study-spelling, word study, mechanics, sentence analysis, and library/reference and research skills will be developed throughout the semester. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the language curriculum for grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 583 - Language Curriculum & Instruction I.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 584 - Integrated Cultural Studies I: The Montessori Integrated Cultural Studies courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of History, Geography, Biology, and Physical Science for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori cultural studies from History, Geography, Government, and Economics, as well as natural science studies from botany, zoology, ecology, earth science, physics, and chemistry, will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the integrated cultural studies curriculum in grades K-3. This course is paired with Integrated Cultural Studies II and is intended to be taken before EDME 585.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 585 - Integrated Cultural Studies II: The Montessori Integrated Cultural Studies courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of History, Geography, Biology, and Physical Science for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori cultural studies from History, Geography, Government, and Economics, as well as natural science studies from botany, zoology, ecology, earth science, physics, and chemistry, will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the Natural Sciences and curriculum for grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 584 - Integrated Cultural Studies I.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 586 - Creative Development I: Creative Development I focuses on Health and Physical Education as well as Practical Living Skills as embedded in the classroom setting. This course provides candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the care of self and practical living skills for children ages 5-9 in the Montessori classroom. The knowledge of Health, Physical Education (along with creative movement), and Practical Life in the Lower Elementary will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum in grades K-3. This course is paired with Creative Development II and is intended to be taken before EDME 587.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 587 - Creative Development II: Creative Development II focuses on Music and Art in a Montessori context, providing candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the performing and visual arts for children ages 5-9. The integrated Montessori arts and music knowledge will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum in grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 584 - Creative Development II.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 600 - Montessori Classroom Methods: The Montessori Classroom Methods course provides candidates entering the classroom in the Fall semester with opportunities for preparation through a Montessori lens. In this course, candidates will have the opportunity to investigate and develop initial strategies for designing a Prepared Environment and utilizing previous methods of course content to initiate the implementation of the ‘Cosmic Curriculum’. Candidates will explore the ‘three-year cycle’ spiraling curriculum model and create a preliminary scope and sequence for the school year.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
  • EDME 601 - Curriculum Strategies: The Curriculum Strategies course provides the candidate with strategies and content to support their professional work in the classroom by integrating previous course work with further approaches to managing curriculum, lesson content, documentation, and student engagement. University Credit Hours: 2 credit hours EDME 602 - Montessori 9-12 Philosophy The Philosophy / Observation of the Upper Elementary Child course allows candidates to study Dr. Montessori’s major philosophical and pedagogical concepts with a particular emphasis on the upper elementary child (ages 9-12). Candidates will encounter the specific social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of the 9-12 elementary child through Dr. Montessori’s writings on the child in the second plane of development. Candidates will examine the role of the enlightened generalist educator as a “saint, servant, and scientist” (observer, guide, and evaluator) offering an integrated curriculum to a diverse community of learners. As an online course, candidates will engage in dialogue through spoken and written forms, the principles of Montessori education.
    University Credit Hours: 3 credits
  • EDME 605 - Montessori 9-12 Language & Children's Literature: The Montessori Language Methods course provides candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of literacy for children ages 9-12. The knowledge of the oral language, reading, and writing, word study- Greek and Latin roots, mechanics, advanced sentence analysis, the study of verbs, advanced grammar work, and library/reference and research skills will be developed throughout the semester. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the language curriculum for grades 4-6. Prerequisite course: EDME 589 - Language Curriculum & Instruction II.
    University Credit Hours: 2 credits
  • EDME 603 - Montessori 9- 12 Math Curriculum: The Montessori Mathematics Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Mathematics for children ages 9-12. The knowledge of the Montessori Mathematical numeration concepts and operations, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the course. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the Mathematics curriculum in grades 4-6. Prerequisite course: EDME 579 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction II.
    University Credit Hours: 4 credits
  • EDME 604 - Montessori 9- 12 Geometry Curriculum: The Montessori Geometry Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Geometry for children ages 9-12. The knowledge of Montessori Geometry constructs, transformations within the plane, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the grades 4-6 Geometry curriculum. Prerequisite course: EDME 581- Geometry Curriculum & Instruction II
    University Credit Hours: 2 credits
  • EDME 606 - Montessori 9- 12 Integrated Science Studies Curriculum: The Montessori Integrated Cultural Studies II courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of History, Geography, and Social Studies for children ages 9-12. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori cultural studies, from Social Studies to History, Geography, Government, and Economics, will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the Social Studies curriculum in grades 4-6. Prerequisite course: EDME 585 - Integrated Cultural Studies II.
    University Credit Hours: 3 credits
  • EDME 607 - Montessori 9-12 Social Studies Curriculum: The Montessori Integrated Cultural Studies II courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Biology and Physical Science for children ages 9- 12. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori cultural studies, from natural science studies to botany, zoology, ecology, earth science, physics, and chemistry, will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the Natural Sciences and grades 4-6 curriculum. Prerequisite course: EDME 585 - Integrated Cultural Studies II.
    University Credit Hours: 3 credits
  • EDME 608 - Montessori 9- 12 Creative Development: Adv. Montessori Creative Development I encompasses four areas: Practical Living Skills, Health, and Physical Education within a Montessori Context. This course provides candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the care of self, practical living skills, and fundamental creative expression for children ages 9-12 in the Montessori classroom. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. Creative Development adv. focuses on the application of Music and Art in a Montessori context, providing candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the performing and visual arts for children ages 9-12. The integrated Montessori arts and music knowledge will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum in grades 4-6. This course is paired with Montessori Creative Development II and is intended to be taken after EDME 607, 606, 605, 604, and 603
    University Credit Hours: 2 credits
  • EDME 680/681 - Practicum I & II: During this course, students are completing their Montessori Practicum I & II experience. It serves as a culminating experience, providing the opportunity to put into practice all methods and techniques learned throughout their coursework. All students interact daily with a variety of children with a variety of needs and qualities. They integrate developmentally appropriate practices and research-based teaching techniques. They are able to interact with children and their families in such a way that reflects a deep commitment to a quality educational experience. The daily classroom experiences mirror all elements listed above and allow for the creation of professional and sensitive educators.
    University Credit Hours: 6 credit hours

Academic Requirements for Completion of Credentialing Requirements

The Curriculum listed below includes the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)/ American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary I Credential (Ages 6 to 9). Also listed are courses that can be added to expand the Elementary I credential to the Elementary I-II Credential.

Successful completion (B- or above) of the following courses are required to enter the practicum phase. 502.5 hours from this coursework are applied to the required hours for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary I credential.

Required Courses for the AMS Elementary I & II Credential

  • EDME 508 - Early Childhood Overview- 3 credits
  • EDME 509 - Philosophy / Observation of the Lower Elementary Child -3 credits
  • EDME 560 - Montessori Global Leadership- 2 credits
  • EDME 563 - Human Development- 3 credits
  • EDME 578 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction I- 2 credits
  • EDME 579 - Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction II- 2 credits
  • EDME 580 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction I - 1 credit
  • EDME 581 - Geometry Curriculum & Instruction II - 1 credit
  • EDME 582 - Language Curriculum & Instruction I - 2 credits
  • EDME 583 - Language Curriculum & Instruction II - 2 credits
  • EDME 584 - Integrated Cultural Studies I- 2 credits
  • EDME 585 - Integrated Cultural Studies II- 2 credits
  • EDME 586 - Creative Development I - 2 credits
  • EDME 587 - Creative Development II - 2 credits
  • EDME 600 - Montessori Classroom Methods - 2 credits
  • EDME 601 - Curriculum Strategies - 2 credits
  • EDME 602 - Montessori 9-12 Philosophy- 3 credits
  • EDME 605 - Montessori 9-12 Language & Children's Literature - 2 credits
  • EDME 603 - Montessori 9- 12 Math Curriculum- 4 credits
  • EDME 604 - Montessori 9- 12 Geometry Curriculum- 2 credits
  • EDME 606 - Montessori 9- 12 Integrated Science Studies Curriculum- 3 credits
  • EDME 607 - Montessori 9-12 Social Studies Curriculum- 3 credits
  • EDME 608 - Montessori 9- 12 Creative Development Adv.- 2 credits

Total Hours: 52 Credits, 650 Hours

Practicum Phase

  • EDME 680 - Practicum I- 3 credits
  • EDME 681 - Practicum II- 3 credits

Total Hours: 6 Credits, 75 Hours

Master of Education Course

  • EDFD 500: History and Philosophy of Education- 3 credits
  • EDFD 505: Organization of Education Systems- 3 credits
  • EDFD 507: Education Research / Paper 3 credits
  • EDSP 505: Methods in Early Childhood Special Education- 3 credits

Total Hours: 12 Credits, 150 Hours