It's a different approach to teaching… and that's what draws you toward Montessori education.
You believe children learn best through active engagement, using a wide variety of carefully designed materials. You understand that classroom environments should foster the development of independence and self-discipline. You know children have an innate need to be part of a supportive community.
These are the tenets of the Montessori approach, and they are the standards by which you will train in Lander's Montessori program. Lander is the only institution of higher learning in South Carolina to offer a program leading to national certification in Montessori education. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Montessori emphasis and a Master of Education in Montessori Education.
With a longstanding tradition of producing talented teachers, Lander's Department of Teacher Education focuses on empowering and encouraging students to become not only competent professionals, but also lifelong learners and responsible citizens. Our faculty members have extensive experience in teaching children and young adults, and many also serve on statewide education committees, giving you invaluable access to the latest state regulations and policies.
And with small class sizes and many professional and student organizations on campus, you'll have opportunities to get to know others who share your interest in education.
You want to teach and to teach well. We'll help you achieve that goal with a degree from Lander.
To be considered for admission into the M.Ed. in Montessori Education program, prospective students must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and submit an application for admission. GRE/GMAT scores are not required but will be considered if students choose to submit them.
Dr. Maria Montessori, who originated this approach to educating children, was an Italian physician whose work with young special-needs children led her to design innovative materials and activities that provide hands-on learning experiences.
Montessori is an approach based on the belief that all children are unique and deserve classrooms and teachers that support and respect their individual development. Additionally, it is based on the premise that the most important years for learning are from birth through elementary school.
The Montessori educational approach has several key concepts:
Admissions requirements for the Master's in Education, Montessori Education include:
Teachers enrolled in the M.Ed. in Montessori Education program at Lander have the option to select one of two concentrations leading to American Montessori Society certification at the Early Childhood (ages 3-6), Elementary I (grades 1-3) or Elementary I-II (grades 1-6) level.
The degree is designed with a core of foundation courses supplemented by a field-based practicum that includes an action research component and a block of Montessori-specific pedagogy courses. You'll work in a Montessori classroom as part of your studies.
Lander also offers a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Montessori.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.| FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION | CREDIT HOURS |
|
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 622 | Advanced Growth and Development of the Learner | 3 |
| EDUC 623 | Methods and Materials of Educational Research | 3 |
| EDUC 678 | Introduction to Exceptional Children, Pre-K-12 | 3 |
| MONT 617 | Montessori Practicum I | 3 |
| MONT 618 | Montessori Practicum II | 3 |
| Total Foundations of Education Requirements | 15 | |
| MAJOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS | CREDIT HOURS |
|
|---|---|---|
| For concentration in ages 3-6: | ||
| MONT 683 | Montessori Methods: Practical Life | 3 |
| MONT 684 | Montessori Methods: Sensorial | 3 |
| MONT 685 | Montessori Philosophy and Educational Theory & Administration/Parent Education | 3 |
| MONT 686 | Methods of Observation and Classroom Leadership | 3 |
| MONT 687 | Montessori Methods: Language | 3 |
| MONT 688 | Montessori Methods: Mathematics | 3 |
| MONT 693 | Montessori Methods: Integrated Curriculum | 3 |
| Total for Concentration in Ages 3-6 | 21 | |
| For concentration in grades 1-3: | ||
| MONT 610 | Foundations of Montessori Elementary Education | 3 |
| MONT 611 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 6-9) Mathematics | 3 |
| MONT 612 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 6-9) Language | 3 |
| MONT 613 | Integrated Social Studies and Sciences | 3 |
| MONT 614 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 6-9) Biological & Physical Science | 3 |
| MONT 615 | Montessori Methods: Elementary Geometry | 3 |
| MONT 616 | Montessori Methods: Elementary Creative Arts, Movement & Practical Life | 3 |
| Total for Concentration in Grades 1-3 | 21 | |
| For concentration in grades 4-6: | ||
| MONT 610 | Foundations of Montessori Elementary Education | 3 |
| MONT 611 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 6-9) Mathematics | 3 |
| MONT 615 | Montessori Methods: Elementary Geometry | 3 |
| MONT 616 | Montessori Methods: Elementary Creative Arts, Movement & Practical Life | 3 |
| MONT 619 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 9-12) Language | 3 |
| MONT 620 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 9-12) Mathematics | 3 |
| MONT 621 | Integrated Social Studies and Sciences | 3 |
| MONT 622 | Montessori Methods: Elementary (ages 6-9) Biological & Physical Science | 3 |
| Total for Concentration in Grades 4-6 | 24 | |
| TOTAL FOR MEd DEGREE | 36-39 | |
For more information about the program or assistance with the application procedure, please submit a Request for Information.