AGE RANGE
6 to 12 years
- Elementary I: 6-9 years The foundation for working with elementary children ages 6 – 9 in a Montessori environment.
- Elementary II: 9-12 years The continuation of the Elementary I level, extending the EI credential to an EI-II credential. Requiring a second summer of academic coursework, it focuses on children ages 9 – 12 years. Montessori teachers who hold a 6-9 credential are encouraged to apply.
- Elementary I-II: 6-12 years The EI and EI-II components may be taken contiguously with the practicum year most commonly completed during the school year between the two summer academic sessions.
The integrated Elementary curriculum responds to the child’s developing imagination and intense desire for knowledge by providing a a framework for the exploration of nature, the world and the universe, while providing context and ample opportunity for the application of developing language and mathematics skills. To fully prepare future guides, MECR students receive specific instruction regarding Montessori philosophy, the expansive academic curriculum, the concrete learning materials and the instructional strategies that facilitate children’s individualized educational pursuits. In addition, students study the art of observation and the importance of the preparation of the environment to meet the academic, physical and social/emotional needs of the Elementary aged child.
ACADEMIC DATES
June 9 – July 25, 2025 — 8 – 4 M-F (no classes June 19, July 4)
PRACTICUM DATES
August 2025 – May 2026
SEMINARS
November (4 days ~ in person), April (2 days ~ online), June (4 days ~ in person)
APPLICATION FEE
$250 non-refundable ($150 before May 1)
TUITION
$9,950 – includes online Early Childhood Overview (a prerequisite), digital course handouts, seminars, AMS & MACTE student fees
Self-directed interns will receive additional Field Consultant visits at an additional cost of $800. *Credit Card payments are accepted for all fees, but for Credit Card charges above $700 there will be an added processing fee of 3%.
See details
Instructors
Nikki Conyers (Elementary Course and Practicum Coordinator), Michelle Baker Rogers, Andrea Blackwell, Shawn Bona, Sheela Dharmarajan, Mandi Franz, Laura Kruegel Goodman, Tatenda Muchiriri, Candy Proctor, Janel Wade, Mel Wheeler.
CURRICULUM
Montessori Philosophy; Mathematics; Language; Physical Science, History, Geography: The Universe; Biological Sciences; Curriculum and Materials Design; Physical Education; Practical Life; Classroom Leadership; Music; Visual Arts and Crafts; Student Teaching Practicum
PREREQUISITE
Overview Course required for Elementary I students who do not hold an AMS, AMI or MACTE recognized Montessori Early Childhood Credential.
GRADUATE SCHOOL CREDIT
Visit these links for more information:
Graduate credit: St. Catherine University
Graduate credit: TIES at Union Institute & University
ACADEMIC DATES
June 16 – July 25, 2025 — 8 – 4 M-F (no classes June 19, July 4)
PRACTICUM DATES
N/A
SEMINARS
N/A
APPLICATION FEE
$250 non-refundable ($150 before May 1, waived for students proceeding contiguously from MECR Elementary-I)
TUITION
$6,400 – includes digital course handouts, seminars, AMS & MACTE student fees. *Credit Card payments are accepted for all fees, but for Credit Card charges above $700 there will be an added processing fee of 3%.
See details
instructors
Nikki Conyers (Elementary Course Coordinator and instructor), Andrea Blackwell, Sakeenah Franzen, Reghan Lusk, Dakota Prosch, and Janel Wade.
CURRICULUM
Introduction to the Upper Elementary Classroom
Practical Life II, Language II, Physical/Earth Science II, Math II, Geometry II, History II, Biology II
PREREQUISITE
Elementary I
GRADUATE SCHOOL CREDIT
Visit these links for more information:
Graduate credit: St. Catherine University
Graduate credit: TIES at Union Institute & University
Summer Academic Phase (7 weeks)
Classes cover Montessori philosophy and child development, classroom leadership, curriculum design, and the academic areas including math, language, science, history, art, music, and physical education. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and observations. Students prepare detailed resource manuals in each curriculum area and design materials for the child’s environment. Instructors are supportive and bring diverse experience and expertise to their classes.
Student Teaching Practicum (9 months)
The Elementary I course has a nine-month practicum which provides the student with supervised practical classroom experience for a minimum of 1080 contact hours. During the practicum, students return to the training center for four seminars.
Practicum Arrangements
MECR assists in finding practicum positions. Final arrangements are the responsibility of the student and the participating school/center and must be approved by MECR. AMS-affiliated centers are preferred.
A MECR field consultant maintains monthly contact with the student teacher, including at least three onsite visits to observe the student working in the classroom. At least three visits and two consultations are required for self-directed practicum students.