Montessri Credentials | Gulf Coast Montessori Teacher Training

MONTESSORI CREDENTIALS

Adult learner at Gulf Coast Montessori Teacher Education Center

What to Expect

GCMTEC has permanently moved to implement a blended learning model with asynchronous and in-residence courses.

Benefits

Learner friendly schedule
Age appropriate implementation after summer I for Elementary I-II
All summer sessions end in July
Simultaneous credentials for Elementary I and II
Flexibility for placement

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Montessori Administrator Course

The Administrator course will present a comprehensive program to assist current and future heads of Montessori schools to operate in accordance with the philosophy and best practices of Montessori education. Gulf Coast Montessori TEC will maintain a student/instructor ratio of no more than 15:1.

The Administrator Course is committed to providing a full, authentic, quality education course for Adult Learners who will become Montessori Leaders. This instruction is exemplified by adherence to Montessori best practices. The following characteristics have been identified as describing an Administrator program:

A comprehensive study of Montessori philosophy and research of Dr. Montessori’s writings
A study of all areas of the Montessori curriculum, including the materials and lessons in each area.
Understanding of and respect for the individual’s prior experience, current need, innate abilities, and aspirations
Sufficient time to practice and assimilate new ideas and skills
Instructors that serve as role models of good leadership, who are attentive, understanding, patient, encouraging, community builders, conflict handlers, role models, and mentors
Learning what is practical and prepares one for the challenges of leadership in today’s public, charter, and private schools

The Adult Learner’s instruction for the Administrator course includes, but is not limited to understanding the following points:

Preparation of the environment and the use of the Montessori materials at the developmental levels within each age grouping. Materials include teacher-made, child-made, and commercial materials in addition to Montessori didactic materials.
Children will spend no more than 25% of their week outside of the Montessori prepared environment to achieve their full potential.
Leadership skills to promote progress of teaching and learning.
Parent-school partnerships characterized by open communication, clearly defined responsibilities, and a common vision of the goals.

Elementary I-II

With a learner friendly schedule, Gulf Coast Montessori TEC provides instruction over 2 summers and 1 seminar sessions. Asynchronous courses begin in June and a three week in-residence course is offered in July each summer. Course work includes two mid-course sessions, one virtually in October, and one in-residence in February.

Each summer schedule finishes at the end of July
The entire course takes only 18 months from start to finish.

This new structure allows for Elementary I-II teachers to complete the entire course in a more timely manner. This AMS approved model will allow emerging teachers to be better supported through their first year, especially for those in an Upper Elementary classroom. Adult learners receive instruction in Elementary II practices during their first year, instead of waiting until the second year course is completed. Adult learners are presented materials and lessons for lower elementary as well as fourth level and half of fifth level in math, language arts, and cultural. Teachers begin their practicum phase in January of their first year and complete it in December.

The Gulf Coast Montessori model has an additional benefit to employers. Upon the candidate's completion, school directors can be assured of having a credentialed teacher in the classroom sooner, than under the 2-year model often used by other Montessori training programs.

Finally, teachers will receive an American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary I/II credential once they have successfully completed the course.

Early Childhood

With a learner friendly schedule, Gulf Coast Montessori TEC provides instruction over 1 summer and 1 seminar sessions. Asynchronous courses begin in June and a three week in-residence course is offered in July. Course work includes two mid-course sessions, one virtually in October, and one in-residence in February.

Each summer schedule finishes at the end of July
The entire course takes only 12 months from start to finish.

This structure allows for Early Childhood teachers to complete the entire course in one year. Teachers begin their practicum phase in September, and complete it by the end of May.

Finally, teachers will receive an AMS Early Childhood credential once they have successfully completed the course.

MACTE Accredited Montessori Teacher Education Program.