Master of Arts in Teaching Options
Master of Arts in Teaching/Montessori Early Childhood Education Certification
Belmont's Montessori teacher certification program offers Montessori teacher training within the framework of a graduate level teaching degree. Students enrolled in the program earn Montessori certification in early childhood education (ages 2 1/2-6) combined with the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Belmont University. Students have an additional option to obtain Tennessee state licensure.
Programs Offered: You may select one of the following two tracks to obtain an MAT and Montessori early childhood certification:
Montessori Certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching with State Licensure:
- 9 credit hours of core Education courses
- 30 credit hours of Montessori certification, including a one-year internship
- Comprehensive Exams
- 6-week placement in a grade 1-3 classroom
Montessori Certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching:
- 9 credit hours of core Education courses
- 30 credit hours of Montessori certification, including a one-year internship
- Comprehensive Exams
Structure: The program structure includes 4-week modules over 2 summers (4-week modules are divided into two, 2-week sessions each summer), a fall and spring weekend seminar, and a year-long internship. The multi-course format offers individuals who work during the school year, or those who currently serve as assistants in the Montessori classroom, the option of completing the program over 18-24 months. Students progress through the program as a cohort group of 10-25 students.
Course Schedule (these are anticipated dates and are therefore subject to change) :
Summer 2008
- 4-week module (structured as two, 2-week sessions with 8-hour instructional days)
Monday - Friday, July 14 - 18 and July 21 - 25
Fall 2008
- Weekend seminar
Friday and Saturday, October 10 -11
Spring 2009
- Weekend seminar
Friday and Saturday, March 13 - 14
Summer 2009
- 4-week module (structured as two, 2-week sessions with 8-hour instructional days)
Monday - Friday, July 13 - 17 and July 20 - 24
Education Core Coursework: Can be completed prior to, during or after internship
Comprehensive Exams (Written and Oral)
Internship Year:
May be completed from August, 2008 - May, 2009 or August, 2009- May, 2010
Additional info:
- The 30 hours of Montessori courses are listed as individual courses for registration purposes. However, the actual instruction is presented as an integrated, interdisciplinary program of child development, methodology, practice, observation, and internship.
- Belmont University will follow MACTE/AMS guidelines, as well as University policy for setting a time limit for completion of the program.
Application Deadlines:
Completed application materials are due by May 1, 2008.
