Course Descriptions

All adult learners without previous Elementary Montessori training (and credential) are required to complete the online Overview course before the AMS Secondary I-II Credential is granted. This course is fully self-paced. It is recommended, but not required, that this course be completed before Summer 1. The final deadline is June 1st after Summer 1. Required readings include:

The Secret of Childhood by Maria Montessori
The Discovery of the Child by Maria Montessori

This course is an examination of the basic tenets of Montessori philosophy through the exploration of Dr. Montessori’s deep understanding of the first two planes of development (birth through age 12). Using the seminal texts The Secret of Childhood and The Discovery of the Child, videos of working Montessori classrooms, and other resources, adult learners will learn about the goals of Montessori education, the characteristics of the child in the first twelve years of life, and how each component of the Montessori system contributes to the whole. We will explore deeply the role of the teacher as a guide and undertake exercises in observation. The course consists of a series of discrete modules that are to be completed independently at the adult learners’ own pace. Each module will involve a text, video and/or audio, an experiential exercise, and a reflection. Contact with the instructor will take place via e-mail.

Why This Course? Montessori is a highly nuanced pedagogical theory developed over the course of fifty years. It provides an overarching theory of human development that spans from birth through adulthood. A strong background in the framework of Montessori philosophy makes for stronger teachers and programs. Understanding the early years of development and how the human brain and personality are constructed will give adult learners a deeper appreciation for how the adolescent brain and personality develop.

Adult learners in this course will read about Montessori’s life and discuss current trends and issues in Montessori education, adolescent development, and philosophy specifically as they apply to the education of the adolescent. An overview of adolescent development will emphasize developmental characteristics in the physical, psychological, social and moral/spiritual realms. Adult learners will explore the writings of Montessori and discuss adaptations of these theories in light of current research and best practices. They will also be able to participate in experiential exercises in community building, mindfulness, and attachment theory. This course includes Fall and Winter Intensives.

Why This Course? It is important for all teachers to understand and be able to articulate the reasons they are teaching in a less traditional, more effective way, and how that connects to the development of the adolescent.

This course encompasses the basic principles and practices throughout the scope and sequence of the elementary curriculum within Montessori classrooms for ages 6-12. These principles include: an introduction to the concepts of sensitive periods and developmental stages, the three modes of learning, the three-period lesson, concrete to abstract, isolation of difficulty, point of interest, classification, and nomenclature cards used for early research. Presentations in each content area of Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies will demonstrate how the spiraling curriculum builds upon itself, sequencing into greater detail and focus. Adult learners will have opportunities for hands-on practice with Montessori didactic materials with a special focus on those that are appropriate for the secondary classroom. They will be expected to complete individual, paired, or group exercises in math and geometry, grammar, science classification, and timelines for history, as well as Montessori’s Great Lessons.

This course also contains a Socratic seminar component. This philosophy describes Socratic seminar as a mode of teaching that is essential for helping students develop true critical thinking abilities. By practicing the seminar process in this course as well as all other CMStep courses, adult learners will learn to select appropriate pieces to use in seminar discussions, to organize and orchestrate seminars for success, to scaffold questions to engage the students, and to routinely utilize the seminar approach to understand great works of literature, art, music, historical documents, and other writings in all subject areas. Critical and creative thinking will be emphasized.

Why This Course? Adolescents still need to occasionally see or work with materials to be reminded of their previous learning. Not only that, but there are also ways in which the materials can be used in very sophisticated ways to illustrate complicated concepts that are applicable to middle and high-school students!

This course is designed to bring Maria Montessori’s essay to life. Throughout this experience, adult learners form a strong community through seminars on stewardship and sustainability, shared work projects, and activities that illustrate the cycle of life and death. A packing list will be provided upon registration. This course encourages challenge by choice and the ability and tolerance of each participant is respected.

Why This Course? The web of life and the concept of interdependence permeate all of Montessori’s work. Every Montessori adolescent program has a land component, and this course gives adult learners a structure to help them establish projects in their own schools. It also helps teachers learn how to engage students in caring for themselves, the school, and all living things.

This course will provide adult learners with an overview of Montessori secondary classroom structure and organization, the structure for the development of a lively curriculum for the adolescent tailored to each individual school’s needs, and a model of the philosophy in action. In this course, the adult learner will understand the basics in:

• creating a Montessori classroom environment
• developing student leadership and community
• developing integrated curricula with impressionistic lessons, Montessori materials, and projects
• uniting academic content within a theme that is appropriate to development of the adolescent
• implementing Socratic dialogue in all content areas
• designing meaningful kick-off and culminating experiences
• making self-assessment opportunities for students
• facilitating and debriefing group initiatives
• introducing Socratic seminar to students and how to choose effective seminar pieces
• managing large blocks of instructional time, designing a daily schedule
• teaming with colleagues

This course also contains a Socratic Seminar component. Using Socratic dialogue/seminar as a mode of teaching is essential for helping students develop true critical thinking abilities.

Why This Course? Finding ways to teach in a more dynamic and integrated way requires a curriculum that reflects those qualities. Adult learners in this course will develop their first Montessori plan of study on which future studies will be based. This course provides a foundation that integrates Montessori philosophy, academic standards, and thematic study.

Pedagogy of Place gives adult learners a chance to experience a real field study. During this class, adult learners will also learn to design their own experiential courses that integrate field studies with Socratic dialogue and service projects.

Why This Course? We care about the things we understand. In well-designed field studies, adolescents take topics learned in the classroom and apply them in the real world. This approach engages and inspires students in ways that book-learning can’t.

This course is a continuation of Curriculum Development, where adult learners self-asses and hone their personal teaching practices in the following areas: Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist teaching practices, classroom routines, teacher and student organization and management principles, and assessment and evaluation. Adult learners connect all classroom practices to Montessori philosophy and the needs of the adolescent.

Why This Course? A Montessori teacher strives to create a prepared environment complete with routines, structures, systems, and a prepared self. This course helps prepare each teacher to grow in these areas.

This year-long series of courses encompasses all elements of adult learner’s secondary Montessori practicum experience. Participants will have the opportunity to investigate what makes a high quality secondary Montessori curriculum by sharing their second Cycle of Study, receiving and providing peer feedback, and exploring additional Cycles of Study from previous CMStep community members. Adult learners who complete a Year Long Project will gain guidance and support in designing and implementing a classroom project. This reflective, experiential, supportive practicum process will assist emerging secondary Montessori guides in deepening their understanding of Montessori philosophy, Cosmic Education, and the developmental needs of adolescents.