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Elementary

The CGMS Elementary Teacher Certification program is a unique blend of distance learning with a low residency requirement. There are three programs offered. The Full Certification program is MACTE accredited and affiliated with the International Montessori Council (IMC).

Using the latest e- technology, CGMS presents video lectures and curriculum presentations offering a deep and comprehensive exploration of the Montessori approach for the elementary age child from 6-12. Adult learners complete a variety of meaningful assignments which relate directly to their classroom experience and provide opportunities for practical application of the course material. Weekly interactions with instructors and fellow adult learners in online discussion forums and chats serve to build a rich and supportive learning community and provide additional opportunities for integration of course topics.

The Elementary I-II (6-12) Full certification program is affiliated with the IMC and is MACTE accredited.

Certification Level: IMC Montessori Certification for teaching ages 6-12 years of age. (Full Certification is MACTE Accredited)

Length of Course: 26 months

Early Childhood Overview

Adult learners who do not have a Montessori Early Childhood/Primary Certificate from a MACTE accredited Teacher Education Program must also complete an online 5 week Early Childhood Overview that is incorporated in the curriculum. This is not a prerequisite.

The NEW Elementary I (6-9) Full certification program is affiliated with the IMC and is MACTE accredited.

Length of course: 18 months

The NEW Elementary II (9-12) Full certification program is affiliated with the IMC and is MACTE accredited.

Length of Course: 18 months

Early Childhood and Elementary I Overview- 100 hours

Adult learners who do not have any prior Montessori experience from a MACTE accredited Teacher Education Program must also complete an online 5 week course that is incorporated in the curriculum (this is not a prerequisite) followed by a week each of EL 1 Math, Language, Class Leadership, Geometry and Biology.

Program Description

Elementary Certificate adult learners will complete all three phases of the CGMS training program:

Distance Learning Phase –  The online phase is comprised of learning modules with a one week break approximately every 7-9 weeks and a two week winter and summer break. New cohorts (groups) of adult learners begin several times a year. Adult learners follow a specific schedule of course curriculum working with fellow students and Instructional Guides on a weekly basis. Adult learners should plan 10-15 hours per week, which can be scheduled at their own convenience, to view course video lectures and presentations, complete a variety of assignments, and participate in course discussions. Once a week students participate in a one hour scheduled live chat session. During this phase students will need access to a Montessori Elementary classroom for observation assignments, lesson practice, and the 9 month practicum/internship.

Residential Phase – The Full Certification Programs require attendance at 2 residential sessions, which are held in the first (120 hours)  and second summer (80 hours) of training. The EL 1 program requires one 120 hour residency and the EL 2 standalone program requires one 120 hour residency. Locations for these sessions vary from year to year.   To see currently scheduled residential locations,  click here.  The first residential session, EL – I, introduces students to each curriculum area with a focus on the curriculum for 6-9 year old children. The second summer (El –II) focuses on curriculum that overlaps both the 6-9 and 9-12 levels and then introduces the advanced work for 9-12. Both summer sessions provide opportunities for supervised lesson practice and material making. The emphasis on classroom leadership skills helps prepare students for the practicum phase so they are successful in translating Montessori theory and methods into daily classroom practice.

The Practicum Phase – Adult learners are required to complete a 9 month full day – full school year practicum/ internship in an approved Montessori Elementary classroom. This intern-teaching phase may take place in a Montessori Lower Elementary (typically 6-9 year olds) or Upper Elementary classroom (typically 9-12 year olds). Exceptions may be made for an alternative age grouping, at the discretion of the Director of Education, but a minimum of a 2 year grouping within these ranges is required. Classrooms must be well equipped with the Montessori elementary curriculum materials for the level served and Montessori best practices must be followed.

Adult learners will be assigned a Field Consultant who will visit the student in the practicum classroom to provide feedback and support, and to evaluate the student’s growth and progress as a Montessori Guide. CGMS makes an effort to find and contract certified Montessori consultants within reasonable driving distance of the adult learner to serve as the field consultant. When this is not possible, the adult learner or sponsoring school will be responsible for the additional travel cost for the practicum evaluation visits.

The ideal practicum experience takes place in a classroom with a certified and experienced Montessori Elementary Guide. In this situation the student serves as an assistant-intern working under the guidance of the Supervising Teacher. This enables the student to observe and learn from the mentor teacher while increasingly developing knowledge and skill in all areas of the curriculum and in the duties of a lead Montessori Guide.

In some circumstances students may need to complete a Self-Directed Internship. This occurs when a qualified Supervising Teacher is unavailable to work directly with the student as the lead teacher in the practicum classroom on a daily basis. Under these circumstances the student serves as the lead teacher in the classroom while in training. A Self-Directed Internship must be approved by the CGMS Director of Education or Elementary Coordinator. A Self- Directed Support Plan must be submitted to assure that the student has the additional guidance needed for success. All self-directed interns are assessed a fee of a minimum of $600 to cover the expense of this additional support and additional evaluations that are required by the accrediting agency.

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  • Upcoming Enrollment Dates

    Training cohort begins March 25th, 2024!

    Applications due by March 11th, 2024.

  • Upcoming Information Sessions

    Thursday, February 22nd at 8pm ET

    Thursday, March 7th at  8pm ET

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