1. Written Assignments Research
  2. Academic Workshop and Teaching
250 Clock Hours
360 Clock Hours
Philosophy and Child Development
Montessori philosophy, theory, and methodology are explored covering Planes of Development, Peace Education, Cosmic Curriculum, and Montessori as a unique learning environment. Montessori Philosophy is integrated with research-based, developmentally appropriate teaching and learning practices. Current developmental theories pertaining to the 6-9 year old child incorporate learning styles and diversity training with recognition and referral practices for students with special needs.

Classroom Management
Specific classroom management strategies are taught and practiced. The role of the teacher is stressed in the decision making process of how to start a new class and maintain it; how to communicate with parents; and how to use documentation techniques. Teacher liability and the law are covered so teachers are made aware of their responsibilities under state, local, and federal law.

Curriculum Design and Strategies
Long and short term curriculum planning incorporates teacher made materials, reconfiguring existing materials, and modifying materials to meet individual learning styles and needs.

Practical Life
Fostering a working community is a key component of a Montessori elementary classroom. Age appropriate life skills and service projects teach individual and global responsibility.

Mathematics
Static and dynamic mathematical concepts pertaining to the four basic functions of mathematics are taught using hierarchical apparatus that move from concrete usage of materials to abstract understanding.

Geometry
A construction and relationship study of geometric lines, angles, polygons, and curved figures is reinforced with hands-on manipulative apparatus, nomenclature study, and measurement exercises.

Language
Language arts is integrated into all curriculum areas and comes to life with historical narratives and drama, encompassing reading, writing, spelling, grammar mechanics, and use of resources.

Geography
Political and functional geography explain the Earths' ever-changing climate and terrain due to natural or man-made forces.

History
The notion of time, the Earth and her beginnings, the changing story of life, laws of the universe, and the history of people and early great civilizations are lessons designed to inspire and ignite the imagination.

Biological Sciences
Life science is integrated with Geography and History. The study of Zoology and Botany are the cornerstones of the science curriculum. Physical Science, biomes and ecology are incorporated to explain the interdependence of all living things.

III. Practicum
1080 Clock Hours
1080 hours of internship, spans a full school year in an approved Montessori elementary classroom offers the student time to practice and develop teaching skills 6 hours per day

Total Clock Hours 1690 Clock Hours

Mary Gilbert – Program Coordinator, Instructor, Field Supervisor, Language, Zoology, Art, Botany, Philosophy, Classroom Management, Practical Life.
Mary has a BFA from Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC. She holds Early Childhood and Elementary 6-9 certifications from NCME/Atlanta. She attended graduate courses in Education at Brenau University, Gainesville. She is also a teacher trainer for AMTE Montessori Early Childhood. She has served on the Elementary Education Committees of NCME and IAME. Mary has spent the last 18 years in the Montessori community, and is teaching a 9-12 Elementary Class at Covered Bridge Montessori School in Smyrna, Georgia. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Endicott College in Massachusetts.

Theresa Ray – Instructor, Field Supervisor, Zoology, Language History, Geography, and Math.
Theresa grew up in the low country of Charleston, South Carolina. She received her B.A. degree in Fine Arts from the University of South Florida. Her AMS Elementary 6-9 certification is from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education, N.C. She completed 9-12 Elementary workshops from the Claremont Montessori Training Center in Boca Raton. Theresa currently teaches a 9-12 Elementary class at the Montessori School of Rome, Georgia. She has many rich experiences with ecology clubs and survival skills camping. She has coordinated art programs and Native American studies with an emphasis on conflict and peace resolution.

Soozi Borland – Instructor, Field supervisor, Math, Botany, Geography, Philosophy, and History.
Soozi holds 3-6 and 6-12 Montessori certification from NCME. She attended the AMS 6-9 elementary training course from CMTE. She has worked as an Early Childhood, Elementary I, and II guide as well as a school administrator. She has also coordinated the Montessori teacher education program for Elementary studies for NCME/Atlanta. She currently works as an Elementary Coordinator and 9/12 Teacher at Harbour Oaks Montessori School, Snellville, Georgia.



© 2004 Atlanta Montessori Teacher Education