The Center for Guided Montessori Studies

Virtual Information Session: Leadership Program
2022-09-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-10-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
This Leadership Virtual Question and Answer Session is designed for those interested in the School Leadership Certification Program and is hosted by our Director of Education, Kitty Bravo and Leadership Course Director, Martha Carver! During this information session, you will learn about the training program for school administrators, which is designed to give school heads everything they need to manage successful, authentic, and long-lived Montessori schools. As with our other programs, the Leadership Credential is a blend of the best of online learning with a single, short on-site residency.
The Leadership program is taught by leading Montessorians with decades of experience in Montessori school administration, teaching, finance, marketing, community building, and more. For more information on the leadership faculty, click here.
This session will take place on our Zoom video conference platform. Email info@cgms.edu for a reservation and the link, or save the link: https://zoom.us/j/4227351717

Professional Development: Special Needs
2022-09-12, 2022-10-17
Most of us have asked and been asked this question many times: Is Montessori for every child? In this 5 week course we will explore that topic while we look at practical ideas for how to adapt to, and meet the needs of children with challenges. The course will survey a variety of issues in special education including emotional and behavioral, academic, developmental, speech and language challenges, and children with multiple concerns. Video lectures and discussion forums will explore characteristics of children with learning differences with an emphasis on how to more effectively guide them to success. Topics also include school policies to address issues of children with special needs, communicating with parents, and working in partnership with specialists.
Participants will receive two manuals, one on Supporting Children with Special Needs in the Montessori Environment and another focusing on Movement and Motor Development. This manual is filled with activities to help active children with attention and motor challenges. Many of the ideas and movement activities presented in this course and the manual are also great for typically developing children and provide many opportunities to support the growth and development of the whole child. Participants who complete the entire 5 weeks and all assignments will be awarded a CGMS Professional Development Certificate.
To register for a course, please complete the online application. For questions about our professional development program, or to inquire about group discounts, please contact us.

Professional Development: Early Childhood Level
2022-09-12, 2022-10-17, 2023-02-13
This program is designed for Montessori assistants, volunteers, substitutes and support staff, plus it makes a reinvigorating refresher for an experienced certified teacher. Combining our extremely popular Classroom Leadership course with our new Early Childhood Overview course, the combined 10 week course includes:

An introduction to Montessori philosophy and key concepts
Qualities of the Prepared Environment
How to start the school year
Positive discipline
Classroom roles
An introduction to each Early Childhood curriculum area (Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Cultural and Science) with video lectures about the purpose of the area, best practices, and many lesson videos

Course content includes: an introduction to Montessori key philosophical concepts, classroom roles and working in partnership with co-workers, designing and maintaining the prepared environment, establishing daily routines, lesson strategies, as well as techniques for positive discipline and problem solving in implementing effective classroom strategies. This course primarily focuses on 3-6 classrooms, but many of the topics relate to all age groups.
Those who complete the entire 10 weeks and all assignments will be awarded a CGMS Professional Development Certificate.
To register for a course, please complete the online application. For questions about our professional development program, or to inquire about group discounts, please contact us.

Professional Development: Infant-Toddler Level
2022-09-12, 2022-10-17, 2023-02-13
Montessori Beginnings is an introduction to supporting development during the earliest years of life. This course will provide information that can be useful to assistants, administrators, parents, and anyone interested in learning about how to apply Montessori philosophy, principles, and practices to caring for the youngest members of our human family.
Topics will include:

Montessori Principles and Practices at the Infant Toddler Level
Caregiving the Montessori way
Child is the Curriculum
The Importance of Responsive Care (Empathetic Gestures and Nonverbal Communication)
Supporting Transitions
Creating Healthy Rhythms and Routines
Matching the Timeline of Development with Environmental Design and Supports
Preparing Ourselves to Work With Young Children
Being Part of a Montessori Faculty

Those who complete the entire 10 weeks and all assignments will be awarded a CGMS Professional Development Certificate.
To register for a course, please complete the online application. For questions about our professional development program, or to inquire about group discounts, please contact us.

Professional Development: Elementary Level
2022-09-12, 2022-10-17
After much anticipation, CGMS has launched our new Elementary Fundamentals professional development course. This 10 week program is designed to introduce the wonders of Montessori at the elementary level to assistant teachers, support staff, and Montessori administrators who are new to Montessori or Montessori for the elementary years.
Topics will include:

Key Montessori principles
Classroom leadership for elementary classrooms
Classroom roles and supporting the work of the elementary child
Positive Discipline
An introduction to the Montessori Elementary Curriculum for children 6-12 with a focus on the Cosmic Curriculum as the heart of the classroom.

Those who complete the entire 10 weeks and all assignments will be awarded a CGMS Professional Development Certificate.
To register for a course, please complete the online application. For questions about our professional development program, or to inquire about group discounts, please contact us.

Virtual Information Session: Certification Programs
2022-09-20 20:00 - 21:00, 2022-09-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-10-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-12-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-01-05 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-02 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-09 20:00 - 21:00
Want to learn more about how CGMS teacher certification programs work? Join us for a Virtual Information Session about our CGMS Teacher Education Programs.
Find out about:

How our interactive online course structure provides more opportunity for reflection and deep discussion of Montessori theory and practice.
The advantage of continual online study during the practicum phase, enabling learners to observe and practice course topics and lessons as they learn them and then get quick feedback from instructors and fellow learners in weekly live video classes.
Our commitment to continuous support for adult learners and schools to assure success.
Our unique approach to our residential seminars with an emphasis on providing a Montessori Experience for adult learners and preparing them for their practicum classrooms.

This will take place on our Zoom video conference platform. Email info@cgms.edu for a reservation and the link or save the link: https://zoom.us/j/4227351717

Virtual Information Session: Secondary (12-18) Program
2022-09-29 20:00 - 21:00
Interested in the Secondary I-II Certification Program?
Becoming a Montessori Secondary Guide is a transformation, not just a certification. It means you are on a Montessori journey, an ongoing voyage where you are ever-growing as a practicing Montessori Secondary Guide. CGMS invites you to take this journey with us.
This session is specifically for those interested in the Secondary Certification Program and will take place on our Zoom video conference platform.
Email info@cgms.edu for a reservation and the link or save the link: https://zoom.us/j/4227351717

Deadline for Training Program Registration
2022-10-10
The Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) is currently accepting applications to our teacher training programs.
All applications must be submitted by October 10th for enrollment consideration. Infant/Toddler (0-3), Early Childhood (3-6), Elementary (6-12), Secondary (12-18) and Leadership cohorts will all begin on October 24.
For more information, read on below:

Montessori Training Enrollment and Application
Training Center Information
Admissions Process
Tuition
Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in more information, send us an email at: admissions@cgms.edu

Early Childhood Assistant Training
2022-10-17
By successfully completing this 12-week course, you will earn an IMC Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Credential for supporting teachers and children in a 3-6 years old classroom.
What to expect:
Approximately 8 hours of coursework each week including video viewing of Montessori lectures and lessons, online discussion forums, observation and or other practical assignments to put what you are learning in practice, journaling, and a 1 hour live video class in zoom each week.
Instructors:
Your course will be led by one of our experienced CGMS Instructional Guides. Video instructors include: Kitty Bravo, Tim Seldin, Cathie Perolman, Jana Morgan Herman, and Lorna McGrath.
Tuition: $650
If you have previously completed the Montessori Fundamentals Professional Development Course with CGMS, please contact admissions@cgms.edu for a payment link that will provide a discounted rate.
For more information on our programs, click here.

Teacher Training Programs Begin!
2022-10-24, 2023-01-23
CGMS Montessori certification prepares you to work with every age, from infants through adolescents.
You can download our combined short brochure or click below on the program you are interested in for more information. You can also view samples of some of our videos.
Each program is offered in two tiers, either a Full Certificate or an Associate Certificate program. These are essentially the same programs, except that the Full Certificate program includes either one or two short residencies in addition to the online component. The Associate Certificate is not generally made available to North American Elementary adult learners because of the increasing requirement of schools to have teachers with certificates from MACTE-accredited programs.
For more information on our programs, click here.

Practical Tips for Positive Redirection
2022-10-25 19:00 - 20:30
Dr. Montessori was very clear about interrupting a child at work, but redirection may be necessary when the 3 D’s (dangerous, destructive or disrespectful) are occurring in the classroom. Learn some new practical tips to use that are safe, constructive and respectful all at the same time.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Liane Watson
Liane earned her AMS-Early Childhood credentials in 1999 from CMTE-NC and was a classroom teacher for 16 years. She earned her Masters in Parent Education from North Carolina State University in 2013. She served as Parent Educator and Assistant Director for 2 years at Heartwood Montessori in Cary, NC. In 2016, Liane became the Director of Renaissance Montessori School in Cary, North Carolina for 4 years. Liane has been a part of CGMS as a Field Consultant, Residency Instructor, Finance Assistant and other roles during the past 7 years. She has recently completed her Montessori Leadership Credentials through CGMS.

Building a Theater Program: The Hero’s Journey and More
2022-11-03 19:00 - 20:30
Are you interested in building a theater program or expanding the scope of your current theater program? Are you interested in developing original screenplays in collaboration with your students and performing them for your school community?
Join Montessori Guide and college professor Adam Darlage as he shares concrete ways to build and develop a strong theater program at the Elementary and Middle School levels. He presents strategies and timetables with respect to the entire process of play production, including: playwriting; procuring costumes, sets, and props; rehearsals; musical choices; technological demands; and community outreach. In addition, he explores proven models to help you build compelling stories that matter, most notably the Hero’s Journey of Joseph Campbell.
Whether you want to perform a short play for a special event in your classroom or write and perform original full-length productions for the gathered school community, this webinar can help you achieve your theater performance goals as an Elementary or Middle School Montessori Guide.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Adam Darlage
Adam loves directing the annual Upper Elementary and Middle School Winter Celebration at DuPage Montessori School. Together he and his students have written and performed over a dozen original plays. In addition, he directs the annual Spring Play (usually a title through Music Theatre International) and collaborates with both Primary and Lower Elementary staff to present a full school production.
Adam has a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and has been teaching at both DuPage Montessori School in Naperville, IL and Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL since the autumn of 2009. He teaches World Religions and World Mythologies at Oakton and serves as the Lead Guide for both the Upper Elementary and Middle School programs at DMS. He received his Elementary I and II certification in 2016 after training with CGMS, and now serves as a Practicum Advisor, Field Consultant, and IG.

Bringing Work of the Hand into our Montessori Secondary Curriculum and Classroom
2022-11-10 19:00 - 20:30
To meet such essential human tendencies as movement, creativity, and exploration, we must create passageways in our classrooms – passageways for deeper physical, intellectual, and emotional connections. In early and elementary levels, this often happens through work of the hand. Such hand work, however, is sorely lacking in many middle and high school settings, underplayed as frivolous or menial in an era where education is driven by what is quantifiable. Yet to truly embrace a holistic approach to learning, we can’t ignore the vitality of authentic work nor what we can create by the power of our own hand – even in adolescence.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how we can incorporate the hand throughout our secondary curricula and learning activities, our solo sessions, our innovations. Together, we’ll look at the power and potential of the hand to spark the spirit of learning, to cultivate creativity and problem-solving mindsets, to support choice and differentiation, to build skills in practical life, and to empower the individual in preparing for a life that is satisfying and connected to the heart and mind.
Let’s see how the work of the hand can work into the subjects we teach, thread throughout three periods of learning, and find a place in our open work cycles. Let’s get the work of the hand back into our secondary classrooms!
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Jocelyn Bell Swanson
“The best part about being a Montessori secondary-level guide is the joy of helping students in their irresistible quest to discover their potential – a journey from discovery to exploration innovation.” Her specialty is in language arts and history. As a Montessori parent, she watched her local school grow beyond its original primary level to add an elementary program. Eventually, she agreed to become Montessori secondary-certified and open a secondary program there, now thriving in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Her work in the Humanities has centered on the Socratic method of discussion, a key takeaway from her Montessori training, and a philosophy that she finds essential to feeding the curiosity and character of her learners. In addition to working with children and adolescents, now at a farm school she recently founded, she enjoys working with adult learners, serving as the Secondary-level Director for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and an educational consultant and curriculum designer.
In her pre-teaching career, Jocelyn ran her own marketing business, starting out as a writer/editor. Jocelyn has an undergraduate degree in business/communications and a Master’s degree in education. She lives in Williamsburg, Virginia on a farm with her husband and children and a fun variety of animals. All of them fulfill a considerable role in Montessori Erdkinder experiences for children and adolescents in the community.

Science in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:30
Boost curiosity about the world with the Montessori Science Curriculum. Join me in sparking the child’s sense of wonder through scientific projects and experiments. Learn how to dive deeper into the realms of earth science, astronomy, life science, zoology, botany, physical science and chemistry in your prepared environment.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Shelby Hiken
Shelby’s connection with Montessori began when she was just three-years-old and she’s been dedicated to the philosophy ever since. She has BA from University of Arizona, an M.Ed from LoyolaUniversity in Maryland and an AMI Primary Certification from the WashingtonMontessori Institute. She spent fifteen years as a Montessori Guide in both the private and public sector. Shelby is a founding member of Nurturing Nest Montessori School in Columbia, Maryland, where she held the position of Director of Primary Pedagogy. Currently, Shelby continues her dedication to Montessori’s mission as the Early Childhood Associate Director and Practicum Coordinator at the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. She is also a Senior Education Specialist at Port Discovery, Baltimore Children’s Museum.

Deadline for Training Program Registration
2023-01-09
The Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) is currently accepting applications to our teacher training programs.
All applications must be submitted by October 10th for enrollment consideration. Infant/Toddler (0-3), Early Childhood (3-6), Elementary (6-12), Secondary (12-18) and Leadership cohorts will all begin on January 23.
For more information, read on below:

Montessori Training Enrollment and Application
Training Center Information
Admissions Process
Tuition
Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in more information, send us an email at: admissions@cgms.edu

7 Types of Rest: The Key to Becoming the Prepared Adult
2023-02-07 19:00 - 20:30
Have you ever had a full night’s sleep and woke up still feeling exhausted? Do you lie in bed at night unable to shut off your mind? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by sounds and lights? If so, you might be experiencing a rest deficit! So often we confuse rest with sleep, leaving us feeling incomplete even when we are “fully rested.” Discover the 7 different types of rest necessary for each of us to reach our fullest potential and learn how they can be used to help each of us become the Prepared Adult Dr. Montessori so often described.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Heather White
Heather White, Ed.S., M.Ed., NCSP, is a Montessori educational consultant and content creator. She guides classroom educators, administrators, parents, and caregivers to better understand the Montessori Method in an effort to continue utilizing its wonder in their work with children.
Heather is a blog writer for many Montessori organizations including the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Guide & Grow, a Senior Educational Consultant for the Andrews Educational Institute, and a Montessori educator for adult learners through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS). She volunteers as an administrator for the Montessori at Home (0-3 Years) Facebook group and as the Early Childhood Chair for the Florida Association of School Psychologists.
Formerly, she was a Montessori guide (Early Childhood 3-6 and Elementary I 6-9) and assistant (Elementary II 9-12), Lower Elementary Coordinator, and Associate Head of School for Lake Mary Montessori Academy for more than 12 years. She also has worked as a Montessori nanny and in-home educator for toddlers and has experience as a School Psychologist intern.
Heather presents regular workshops on a variety of topics related to Montessori for LeadKid Academy and Guide & Grow and has been featured as a speaker at national and international online conferences including the US Nanny Association Conference and the Childhood Potential Montessori Conference.
Heather is AMS credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I), holds her National Certification of School Psychology (NCSP), and has also obtained a Masters in Education with a Concentration in Montessori Studies in addition to her School Psychology degree. Heather looks forward to putting her years o
