Some of the main course components include

Leadership Practices

• Montessori Philosophy
• Understanding of the Adolescent Journey
• Observation Theory and Techniques
• Erdkinder:  Nature-Based, Microeconomy, Museum
• Interdisciplinary Practices in Science, Math, Social Studies, ELA, Art and Music
• Leadership Practices

IMC Montessori Certification for teaching ages 12-18. (Full Certification is MACTE Accredited.)

18 months, which includes:

• Distance learning coursework over the entire 18 months with a one-week break approximately every 9 weeks and a three-week winter and summer break
• Residential Sessions—Two separate 90-hour sessions take place over 1 ½ weeks during the first summer and second summer. Locations vary from year to year.
• Practicum Requirement—9-month internship, adult learner teaching for a full school year in a Montessori Secondary classroom

Adult learners who do not hold Montessori Elementary teacher certification from a MACTE-accredited teacher education program also complete an online Elementary overview.

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 an eight- to ten-hour 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 scheduled chat session. During this phase, adult learners will need access to a Montessori Secondary classroom to complete assignments involving observation, adolescent study, curriculum and instruction, and the 9-month practicum/internship.

The Full Certification Programs require attendance at 2 residential sessions, which are held during the first and second summers of training. Both summer sessions offer further coursework in curriculum and instruction, classroom leadership, and the development of business, travel, and service 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.

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 must be well equipped with the Montessori secondary 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 the student’s growth and progress as a Montessori Guide. 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.

The ideal practicum experience takes place in a classroom with a certified and experienced Montessori Secondary Guide. In this situation the adult learner serves as an assistant intern working under the guidance of the Supervising Teacher. This enables the adult learner 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 adult learners may need to complete a Self-Directed Internship. This occurs when a qualified Supervising Teacher 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 ensure 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.

CGMS offers two tiers of training. Full Certificate students attend a week-and-a-half-long training program in addition to their Montessori distance learning component.

CGMS Associate Certificate students can, either during their course of study or for up to five years after, upgrade to the Full Certificate by attending the summer sessions. This unique feature of the CGMS program means that you can begin your training now, when you can’t leave home, and then upgrade to the Full Certificate when your schedule improves.