Program Information

To become a certified Montessori Early Childhood teacher, you must be formally admitted to the Montessori Teacher Academy by May 1 for the 2012-2013 academic session to work towards AMS certification. Early application is strongly encouraged. Successful completion of the summer academic session, a nine-month student teaching practicum, three weekend institutes during the 2012-2013 academic year, and the completion of all required coursework earns certification. For more information contact Julie Gabrielse at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes, 574.256.5313; fax 574.256.5493; or email jgabrielse@tma-el.org. Our website at http://www.iusb.edu/~cted/montessori.shtml has information, an application, and the latest student handbook.

What is Special About the Montessori Teacher Academy?

The Montessori Teacher Academy (MTA) was founded in 1989 to meet the growing demand for the teacher training necessary for certification as an Early Childhood (ages 2 ½ through 6 years) Montessori teacher. Training is conducted in a Montessori school, affording hands-on access and experience with the entire Montessori curriculum and all accompanying materials. Small class size assures each teacher trainee personal attention and the opportunity to form lasting friendships and professional relationships.

Practicum

After completing the summer academic program, students are required to complete an academic year student teaching in an approved Montessori school. Students arrange their student teaching with consultation from MTA. Student teaching sites can be obtained throughout the world. During the practicum, students will be supervised by an experienced, Montessori certified teacher. An MTA field consultant will visit three times during the academic year to observe the student in the classroom and provide feedback and support.

SUMMER 2012 CLASSES
June 10–July 20

Orientation
Sunday, June 10: 1–4 p.m.

Montessori Philosopy (Mary MacIntosh)
Monday–Thursday, June 11–14: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.;
Friday, June 15: 8–11 a.m.
Provides students with an in-depth study of Dr. Maria Montessori. This will include her philosophy and methodology, with an emphasis on the Montessori learning environment. Students will be exposed to the principles and techniques of education popular in our current society and to those of educators and philosophers of the past.

Practical Life (Debra Cage)
Practical Life education is the beginning point of understanding the Montessori Method. The adult will be taught the fundamentals of the prepared environment and the sequence of materials. Thorough grounding is provided in the relationship of concentration, coordination, confidence, independence, and order to the intellectual development of the child.
Monday–Thursday, June 18–21: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.;
Friday, June 22: 8–11 a.m.

Classroom Leadership (Julie Gabrielse)
Friday, June 22: 12–5 p.m.
Translating Montessori theory into practice, the techniques of individualizing instruction and the management of mixed ages in the prepared environment are discussed.

Observation
Friday, June 15: 12–5 p.m. (Mary MacIntosh)
Friday, June 29: 12–5 p.m. (Julie Gabrielse)
Explore the power and importance of observation of the child as a tool for preparing the Montessori environment and assessing individual needs.

Sensorial (Cynthia Pilot)
Monday–Thursday, June 25–29: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.;
Friday, June 29: 8–11 a.m.
Educating and refining the senses are the basis for this course. Lecture, discussion, demonstration and practicing of the materials will focus on the phenomena of learning in the young child and their discovery of the world through sensory experience.

Child Development (TBA)
July 2, 3, 5: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
July 4 off
Early Childhood is emphasized with a focus on cognitive, moral, personal, social and physical development. The teaching/learning process from infancy through middle childhood will be studied as it relates to the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of children.

Music for the Young Child (Ann Stebelton)
Friday, July 6: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Using the principles and methodology of Montessori, music materials are presented to integrate music, instruments, voice and rhythm into the classroom curriculum.

Mathematics (Debra Cagle)
Monday–Friday, July 9–13: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The logical progression from the concrete to the abstract is emphasized through materials in numeration, the decimal system, linear counting, and the four operations. This course is comprised of lecture, discussion, demonstration and hands-on time with the materials.

Language (Julie Gabrielse)
Monday–Wednesday, July 16–18: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Facilitating language development is an integral part of Montessori teaching. The Language curriculum provides a well-planned sequence that cultivates the child's success in oral communication, writing, reading and grammar.

Physical and Life Science for the Young Child (Deb Cyrier)
Thursday, July 19: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
A hands-on experience in science activities designed to develop curiosity and set the stage for scientific discovery. Montessori zoology, botany and physical science will be demonstrated.

Cultural Subjects / Social Studies (Deb Cyrier)
Friday, July 20: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Montessori's approach to cosmic education is introduced and materials that aid in the child's awareness to the world are demonstrated.

FALL 2012 INSTITUTES: OCTOBER 26–28

Classroom Leadership (Julie Gabrielse)
Friday, October 26: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Child Development (TBA)
Saturday, October 27: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Art for the Young Child (Deborah Weinstein)
Sunday, October 28: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

WINTER 2013 INSTITUTES: FEBRUARY 1–2

Observation (Julie Gabrielse)
Friday, February 1: a.m.–5 p.m.

Language (Mary MacIntosh)
Saturday, February 2: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, February 3: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

SPRING 2013 INSTITUTES: APRIL 24–27

Oral Exams
Thursday, April 24: TBA

Administration (Deborah Drendall)
Friday, April 25: 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Parent–Educator Partnership (Deborah Drendall)
Friday, April 25: 1–5 p.m.

Movement (Ann Stebelton)
Saturday, April 26: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Independent Study Presentation/Make Up Day
Sunday, April 27: 9 a.m.

The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes
530 East Day Road • Mishawaka, Indiana 46545
Phone 574.256.5313 • Fax 574.256.5493 • www.tma-el.org
Webmaster contact: m.sheetz@mchsi.com