Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. Certification Program

THE MONTESSORI METHOD
Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. addresses the education of the developing child, ages
2 ½ -6 years. Students learn about Montessori’s philosophy of education as well as current child development principles. They also become capable in presenting Montessori materials to young children. This program is given in response to the growing need for Montessori teachers all over the world, and to provide well-prepared and creative teachers for Montessori classrooms.

MONTESSORI TEACHER PREPARATION: A Career in Education

Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. (MTP of U.S.) prepares graduates to teach in Montessori schools in the Philippines, in the U.S. and in other countries. The program consists of the academic course work (Phase I) and a nine-month teaching internship (Phase II). Classes are held in Quezon City at Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. base, inside the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus. Candidates must possess a college degree, or experience working daily with young children in a classroom, or a combination of the two. Upon successful completion of Phases I and II, students may apply for and will receive a teaching certificate for the level 2 ½ -6 from the Montessori Institute of America.


WHY MONTESSORI TEACHER PREPARATION OF THE U.S.?

MTP of the U.S. classes are given in response to the need for certified Montessori teachers in the Philippines, in the U.S., and other countries. Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. an added dimension to Montessori training. Classes are based upon Christian concepts of respect for individuals and for their potential, as well as upon Dr. Montessori’s philosophies of education.

Other Innovative Aspects to the Program

• Trainers are actively involved in Montessori schools in the U.S. and in the Philippines, supervision of the teachers, and of the children.
• Original and creative projects for children are encouraged.
• Materials written by Mrs. McClurkin over her thirty years in Montessori education are available to all students and comprise the “philosophy notebook”
• School startup information and limited assistance is provided. Limited internships in the U.S. are available on a first-come, first-served basis. F-1 forms from Montessori Teacher Preparation of WA are available to qualified students.




TEACHING STAFF: More than 30 Years ‘Experience

Mrs. Sharlet McClurkin - directs the training programs. She has been the director of Montessori Plus Schools since 1971 and of Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington since 1973. Mrs. McClurkin holds a B.A. from Sterling College and an M.A. in American history from Florida State University. She received her teaching certificate for the 3-6 level from the Montessori Institute of America in Kansas City in 1972. She also took the Birth to 3 courses from the American Montessori Society in 1996. Mr. Donald McClurkin, co-director and administrator, received his MIA certificates in 1982 for the 3-6 level, and in 1992 for the 6-9 level.

Normi Son - Program Director, received her MIA Teaching Certificate in 2001 and her MIA Trainer Certificate in 2005. She holds an M.A. in education from University of the Philippines

ACADEMIC COURSE

The 210-hour classes model dynamic, interactive discussions among student teachers and trainers. Students will:
• Consider the history of the Montessori movement
• Observe a variety of Montessori schools
• Learn the use of Montessori materials in eight areas: practical life, history, science, mathematics, language, art, sensorial, and geography
• Study Dr. Maria Montessori’s theories and philosophy
• Examine relationships between Montessori learning and communities
• Prepare a child study
• Create two learning projects
• Compile guidelines for using Montessori materials in the classroom (a total of six albums and four notebooks)
• Prepare weekly plans for group activities
• Integrate modern child development principles with the Montessori learning process

TEACHING INTERNSHIP

To complete the MIA certication, a 720-hour internship must be completed in an approved Montessori school. The 720-hour internship gives the student teacher an opportunity to put the
Montessori philosophy into practice with children while under the supervision of a certified teacher.
Student teachers may intern at Montessori Plus School in Kent, Washington, or in other Montessori schools certified by MIA. The internship is one-half day, usually five days per week, for nine months. Self-directed internships may be approved as well. Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. field supervisors make three field supervisions per student in order to meet the MIA certification requirements. These supervised visits are provided at no cost to students within 50 mile radius of the MTP U.S. training center in Quezon City.



SITE LOCATION AND CLASS SCHEDULES


Onsite classes are held in Quezon City, at Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S. base, 2nd Floor, Virata Hall, Emilio Jacinto St., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

The Montessori Institute of America is a U.S. organization chartered in 1960. Visit: www.miaworld.org


For more information, contact:

Montessori Teacher Preparation of the U.S.
2nd Floor, Virata Hall, Emilio Jacinto St.,
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
Manila: (02)624-1346; 0920-9047031; 0922-8018153; 0917-5090132 (Normi G. Son)
Washington: 253-859-2262 (Sharlet McClurkin)
mtpus.phils@gmail.com
Visit: www.miaworld.org
www.montessoriplus.org