Elementary I
Ages 6-9
The Elementary I course prepares the adult learner for their role as a Montessori guide in a multi-age classroom of children ages 6-9. The program aligns with all philosophies and principles of the Montessori methodology.
Program Details
Academic
The AMS minimum academic course requirement is 325 hours of coursework delivered in a hybrid model (onsite and online). The course integrates subject content with Montessori components, philosophy, methodology, and MACTE competencies, to create an overall experience of learning, growth, and transformation. There is an additional 40-hour 3-6 Overview class which is a prerequisite for Elementary training. Onsite training includes three weeks in July and six weekends during the school year. There are additional Zoom meetings from 7:00- 8:30 pm, approximately 3-4 times per month.
Practicum
The Practicum phase consists of the adult learner working in the Montessori classroom of their practicum site for a minimum of 1080 hours. These hours are met by working in a well-equipped, multi-age classroom for three hours each day (during the morning work cycle), five days a week and over the nine months of the academic school year. In most cases, the practicum phase begins at the start of the school year following the first summer academic section of the course.
Credentials Awarded
Graduates of the PCTE Elementary I Teacher Education Course must hold a Bachelor’s degree and will earn an Elementary I Full Credential, which is accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), with the affiliation of the American Montessori Society (AMS). Please note that the 3-6 Overview class is a prerequisite for the Elementary I program, unless the adult learner already has an Early Childhood credential.