Secondary

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

Through a combination of residential classes and e-technology video lectures and presentations, CGMS offers a deep and comprehensive exploration of the Montessori approach for the adolescent. 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.

Certification Level: IMC Montessori Certification for teaching ages 12-18 years of age. (Full Certification is MACTE accredited).

Length of Course is 18 months and includes:

• Distance learning course work over the entire 18 months with a one or two week break approximately every 9 weeks and a three week winter and summer break
• Residential Sessions – Two separate 60 hour sessions take place over 8 days during the first summer and second summer. Locations vary from year to year. To see currently scheduled residential locations, click here. 
• Practicum Requirement – 9 month internship , adult learner teaching for a full school year in a Montessori Secondary classroom

Elementary Overview

Adult learners who do not hold Montessori Elementary teacher certification from a MACTE accredited teacher education program also complete an online Elementary overview. This overview is included within the 18 months of online coursework.

Program Description

Below is an overview of the structure of the Secondary program. If you would like to understand more about the underlying philosophy of this program, you may wish to read our Secondary Cornerstones document.

Secondary full certificate adult learners will complete all three phases of the CGMS teacher education program:

Distance Learning Phase – New cohorts (groups) of adult learners begin several times a year. Adult learners follow a specific schedule of course curriculum working with fellow adult learners and Instructional Guides on a weekly basis. Adult learners should plan eight – ten hours for completing coursework each 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 adult learners participate in a one hour virtual live class via video conferencing. During this phase adult learners will need access to a Montessori Secondary classroom to complete assignments involving observation, adolescent study, curriculum and study guide development and instruction, and the 9 month practicum/internship.

Residential Phase – The Full Certification Programs require attendance at 2 residential sessions, which are held during the first and second summer of training. Both summer sessions offer further coursework in curriculum and instruction, classroom leadership, and the development of businesses, travel, environmental study and service learning experiences for the adolescent. The emphasis on classroom leadership skills, for example, helps prepare adult learners 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 Secondary classroom. This adult learner- teaching phase may take place in a Montessori Lower Secondary (typically 12-15- year-olds) or an Upper Secondary classroom (typically 15-18- 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, curriculum and learning schedules must provide learners an opportunity to put the Montessori secondary principles in practice as outlined in our Secondary Cornerstones document. Practicum situations that do not fit with the principles outlined here may require an Alternative practicum plan with additional observations, assignments, and fees.

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

Adult learners at the secondary level will generally need to complete a Self-Directed Internship. This occurs when a qualified, Supervising Teacher with Montessori certification is unavailable to work directly with the adult learner as the lead teacher in the practicum classroom on a daily basis. Under these circumstances the adult learner 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 Secondary Coordinator. A Self- Directed Support Plan must be submitted to assure that the adult learner has the additional guidance needed for success. All self-directed interns are assessed a fee of a minimum of $700 to cover the expense of this additional support and additional evaluations that are required by the accrediting agency.