Online Montessori Teaching Training: Program Information

Montessori teaching methods are based on the natural learning habits of children at different developmental stages. Training requires a specific type of classroom teaching experience and isn't widely offered online, although some programs that combine online coursework and in-person fieldwork are available.

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What Is the Montessori Teaching Method?

During the early 1900s, physician and educator Maria Montessori created a method for teaching children during developmental stages between infancy and adolescence. Currently, private and public schools worldwide use the Montessori teaching strategy, which focuses on creating classroom settings and using materials and projects to support specific principles such as freedom of learning choices, self-discipline, motivation, concentration, and respect.

Overview of Online Montessori Teacher Training

Online Montessori teaching training is typically provided by for-profit online businesses that specialize in this type of education. Students learn to teach and evaluate students using the Montessori method, which is typically segmented into three developmental levels - under 3 years old, ages 3 to 6, and ages 6 to 9. Some online programs offer training for ages 9 to 12. Each level includes training in observing and communicating with students.

Online Montessori teaching programs typically combine asynchronous coursework and teaching practicums. Students learn through videos of lectures and Montessori teachers conducting lessons in classrooms.

Online Montessori Training

Students take tests and receive assignments and feedback from instructors through an online course delivery system, via e-mail, with online discussion groups, and over the telephone. An online Montessori program may enroll students in cohorts - groups that take the same classes together.

Students typically must complete a supervised teaching practicum at a school approved by the online training program. During the practicum, students create and implement lessons under the supervision of a trained Montessori instructor.

Some online Montessori training programs provide the option to spend several months as a teaching resident at a Montessori school. During this experience, students experience what it's like to be a full-time member of a Montessori school staff. Online programs may require students to provide videotapes of their teaching experiences.

Admission Requirements

While some online Montessori training programs accept students with only high school diplomas, most require a bachelor's degree. Some online programs award non-academic certificates of completion that are certified by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

Common Classes

Montessori online classes cover areas such as childhood development, child-adult Relationships, the Montessori class environment and teacher-parent relationships. Courses in areas such as math, language, spelling and handwriting detail how to use Montessori methods in specific subject areas. Classes may include the following: