Institute for Montessori Innovation

About the Institute for Montessori Innovation

The Institute for Montessori Innovation at Westminster College integrates traditional Montessori theory and practice with contemporary research and methods that complement the Montessori approach. Through meaningful inquiry, exploration, and reflection, rigorous courses prepare teachers who are ethical leaders, practitioners of education for peace, and inspired guides for the development of the whole child.

The real preparation for education is a study of one’s self. The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than a learning of ideas. It includes the training of character, it is preparation of the spirit.

Options

The School of Education and Institute for Montessori Innovation offer three Montessori paths: a Montessori teaching certificate, a Montessori minor (with any bachelor’s degree), or a master of education with Montessori. These options are outlined in the table below.

Track	Certificate Only (No College Credit)	Bachelor's Degree with Montessori Minor	Master of Education with Montessori
Infant and Toddler (ages birth–3)	High school diploma or equivalent is required. These students will be eligible for the AMS Associate Infant and Toddler credential upon completion of this program. Students who enter the program with a BA or BS degree or higher will be awarded the AMS full credential.	High school diploma or GED required.	Bachelor's degree required.
Early Childhood (ages 2½–6)	High school diploma or equivalent is required. These students will be eligible for the AMS Associate Early Childhood credential upon completion of this program. Students who enter the program with a BA or BS degree or higher will be awarded the AMS full credential.	High school diploma or GED required.	Bachelor's degree required.
Elementary I (ages 6–9)	BA or BS degree required to enter the credential-only program. The applicant must be able to earn a Bachelor's degree within one year of completion of the practicum to be admitted to the Montessori training program at this level.	High school diploma or GED required.	Bachelor's degree required.
Elementary I–II (ages 6–12)	Bachelor’s degree required or applicant must earn a BS or BA within one year of the completion of the practicum. An upper elementary certificate requires that the applicant already has a lower elementary certificate.	NA	Bachelor's degree required.
Administration	Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria: Must hold an approved and valid state license or certificate for school administration Be a currently practicing or experienced school administrator with at least three years’ experience as an administrator Be in process of completing a state recognized collegiate program leading to licensing as a school administrator or equivalent required by state/school Have permission of the director of the Institute for Montessori Innovation	NA	Bachelor's degree required.

The Montessori Teaching Certificate

The Montessori teaching certificate includes a summer intensive session, with an orientation in June. Classes are held June–July and meet five days per week (with an occasional Saturday), 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The summer session is followed by a yearlong supervised practicum in an approved Montessori school. Fall and spring seminar and methods courses are also required. All courses are taught on the Westminster College campus.

Institute For Montessori Innovation Summer Schedule

Pricing

• Infant and Toddler: $6,300, plus approximately $1,500 for materials and fees
• Early Childhood: $7,200 plus approximately $1,500 for materials and fees
• Elementary I: $7,450 plus approximately $1,500 for materials and fees
• Elementary I–II: $9,800 plus approximately $1,500 for materials and fees
• Administration: varies, depending on courses taken

Housing

Students who live 100 miles or more from Salt Lake City may stay in a nearby hotel at monthly rates. There are some student-sublet apartments near the campus that are available in the summer as well. Scholarship housing may be available on campus.

Accreditation

The Institute for Montessori Innovation is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council on Teacher Education (MACTE) and affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS).