Montessori Teachers College is pleased to provide answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as below. If your questions are not answered on these pages, or you simply wish to speak with a Representative, then you can contact us at 416-640-1565 or by email at admin@montessoriteacherscollege.com
A. Dr. Maria Montessori developed this educational approach based on her understanding of children's natural learning tendencies. The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative materials that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. For more information, see About Montessori and follow some of the links in Other Resources. They include a wealth of information on the Montessori method of education.
A. The MACTE Commission is the premier, internationally recognized, standard-setting and accrediting body for Montessori teacher education. The MACTE Commission accredits Montessori teacher education programs designed for age levels: Infant and Toddler (0-3), Early Childhood (3-6), Elementary Part 1(6-9), Elementary Part 2 (9-12), and Secondary (12-18).
An accredited program is one that meets the MACTE standards of excellence, demonstrates financial stability, offers a comprehensive curriculum, hires competent and credentialed faculty, and has an array of services that respond to students needs.
An institution or program that decides to apply for accreditation does a comprehensive, in-depth study of the quality of its programs, including its administrative practices, finances, curriculum, student services, faculty competence, and relationship with employers. Initial accreditation is issued for a maximum of 4 years. Programs must periodically demonstrate to themselves and the MACTE Commission that they continue to meet the standards by submitting annual reports and engaging in the same rigorous self-study process at least every 7 years.
For more information on MACTE, you can visit their website at www.macte.org
A. Students completing a MACTE-accredited program are assured of the broadest possible opportunity for acceptance of their Montessori credentials throughout the nation and world.
A. Yes. Our Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary courses are MACTE accredited. MACTE require accredited courses to have at least 200 contact hours. Our Classroom Assistants course is a shorter course.
A. All our courses are held at Banockburn School, 12, Bannockburn Avenue, North York.
A. Yes. Take the Yonge Subway to Eglinton Station then board the Avenue Rd. Bus #61A to Brooke Ave. Walk west one block to Kelso, turn right and follow Kelso to Bannockburn School, which is at the intersection of Haddington St. and Kelso.
A. Yes, there is free parking at Bannockburn School.
A. All courses start at 8:30 am and end at 3.30 pm with a 30 minute lunch break.
Some Elementary classes end at 5 p.m.
For the dates the courses are running this year see ' Course Calendar ' Courses Offered .
Punctuality is important. A call is appreciated if you are going to be late. If you are unable to attend class for any reason, please call the office in advance.
A. The Montessori Early Childhood Diploma course runs 1 full academic year (September to June). It is held on Saturdays. The course also has an internship portion. The internship involves being placed in a Montessori Classroom with a qualified Montessori Teacher supervising for a minimum of 550 hours. For more information on the content of the course ' see Course Calendar ' Course Descriptions.'
The Montessori Elementary Course involves a 5-week summer instructional session followed by a 1-year internship followed by a 2-week summer instructional session the following year. In addition, there are regular classes on Saturdays over the course of the internship year. The 1-year internship involves being placed in a Montessori Classroom with a qualified Montessori Teacher supervising for a minimum of 550 hours. For more information on the content of the course see ' Course Calendar ' Course Descriptions.
The Montessori Assistants' Course is an introduction to the Montessori philosophy and materials. It is 52 hours and runs 8 days/week from 8:30 am to 3.30 pm. An experienced Montessori Teacher teaches the course. For more information see ' Course Calendar ' Course Descriptions.
A. The Montessori Assistants' Course is evaluated through continuous assessment and dialogue with the instructor, and one written essay.
The Montessori Early Childhood Course involves significant coursework. Each assignment is evaluated and assessed using criteria published in the Student Handbook. The coursework makes up 25% of the final grade for the course. The remaining 75% is made up of the oral examination mark (25%), the written examination mark (25%) and the internship mark (25%).
The Montessori Elementary Course also involves significant coursework. Again, each assignment is evaluated and assessed using criteria published in the Student Handbook. The coursework makes up 25% of the final grade for the course. The remaining 75% is made up of the oral examination mark (25%), the written examination mark (25%) and the internship mark (25%).
A. The Montessori Early Childhood and the Elementary Courses have both a written and an oral exam. Each exam is worth 25% of the final grade.
There are no examinations for the Montessori Assistants' Course.
A. On successful completion of the Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary Courses, you will receive a Montessori Teachers College diploma.
On completion of the Montessori Assistants' Course, you will receive a Montessori Teachers College certificate.
A. Successful completion of the course means full attendance at classes and a minimum passing grade of 55% in each component of the course.
A. During your internship, you will have an assigned field supervisor. This is an MTC instructor who will evaluate you and guide you through your internship. In addition, you will work under the supervision and tutelage of an experienced Montessori Teacher. This teacher will supervise you day-to-day and provide input to your field supervisor.
A. Your field supervisor will make 3 visits to observe you during your internship. Each visit will include an evaluation with additional input from your supervising teacher and yourself. These 3 marks plus an essay and completion of a reflective journal will make up your final internship mark which accounts for 25% of your final mark for the course. The Elementary group complete an additional assignment called a Cosmic Project.
A. Normally, the internship is not a paid position. Some students can work out arrangements with the school to do paid lunchtime supervision or before/after school care. This is an arrangement between the MTC student and the individual school.
A. Most schools are flexible in setting up internship arrangements. In order to complete the internship program, you must have at least 550hours of internship time.
A. Yes, you can complete your internship program in the academic year following the year you take the course. However, you do not graduate from the course until your internship is completed.
A. MTC provides accredited internship sites. We will do everything possible to accommodate your requirements. If you have a school in mind, we will consider it. However, it must meet our criteria.
A. Yes, you may do your internship while working as an assistant as long as your school also agrees with the arrangement and provided your supervising teacher and school meet our requirements.
A. See Course Calendar > Application Process.
A. If you do not have all your papers in order, please contact us. We are very interested in interviewing eligible candidates even if some of your paperwork is delayed.
A. For the Montessori Early Childhood course, a degree is preferred. However, we will consider applicants with no university degree. Strong emphasis is placed on the interview and other qualifications of the individual.
Elementary Course applicants are required to have a university degree. There are very occasional exceptions.
There is open entry for the Montessori Assistants' Course, i.e. no degree is required
A. No, you do not need previous Montessori experience to apply for the Montessori Elementary Course. If you do not have a diploma at Montessori Early Childhood level and you wish to apply for the Elementary Course, there will be a one week introduction to the philosophy and materials of the Early Childhood classroom that you will be required to take before commencing the Elementary Course. This week usually takes place immediately before the Elementary Course begins.
A. See Course Calendar > Tuition and Fees
A. Montessori Teachers College is not listed with OSAP. However, banks offer loans to students and we have had students successfully make use of this service in the past. Also, we can offer a payment schedule if necessary to help out students who need it. In addition, EI (Employment Insurance) often will assist students.
A. There are a large number of Montessori schools throughout Canada who all need qualified Montessori Teachers at both the Early Childhood and Elementary levels (see CCMA website - www.ccma.ca). Many schools in the Toronto area will contact us to make us aware of job openings for the subsequent year. Montessori Teachers College passes all of these job postings on to our students. In addition, Montessori is an internationally recognized system of education.
You may be interested in becoming the Administrator of a Montessori school. The requirements for this role vary from school to school but usually require some amount of academic and/or business experience. Or, you may be interested in starting your own Montessori school. Again, there are no specific requirements for this, but you must get approval from the Ministry of Education to open your own school.
After 5 years of teaching, you are also eligible to apply to train as a trainer of Montessori teachers. Montessori Teachers College offers a Trainer of Trainers course.
Montessori Teachers College is registered as a Private Career College with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
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