Practicum Internship Phase
Each Montessori teacher candidate is required to complete a teaching practicum experience in a classroom serving 2 1/2 to 6 year olds. It must cover at least three hours a day for 9 consecutive months (minimum 540 clock hours). The adult learner may start the internship phase after completing the summer session.
If we find ourselves with illness or other widespread safety concerns, internship guidelines will be revised as needed. It is important for each intern to keep track of hours spent in the classroom with children or holding online classes for the children. Any practicum guideline changes will be announced as they are received from AMS.
The internship requirement may be met in one of two ways:
In most cases, student teachers are paid a salary or a stipend by the practicum school site. All such arrangements are made between the student and the school and no assurances can be made by the Institute.
The Institute will work with the adult learners to help locate a qualified internship site.
Observations of the Intern:
A representative of OMTEI will conduct three visits during the practicum for supervised interns and six visits, or other contact methods, for self-directed interns. The representative will observe in the classroom, offer suggestions, and answer questions. S/he will also talk with the supervising teacher and administrator, when available. The Institute Director and the teachers will be available throughout the year to further integrate the student's academic experience with the practicum experience.
Each Montessori teacher candidate is required to complete a teaching practicum experience in a classroom serving 2 1/2 to 6 year olds. It must cover at least three hours a day for 9 consecutive months (minimum 540 clock hours). The adult learner may start the internship phase after completing the summer session.
If we find ourselves with illness or other widespread safety concerns, internship guidelines will be revised as needed. It is important for each intern to keep track of hours spent in the classroom with children or holding online classes for the children. Any practicum guideline changes will be announced as they are received from AMS.
The internship requirement may be met in one of two ways:
- Supervised Teaching Practicum: This internship is done under the day-to-day supervision of a certified Montessori teacher with at least 2 years of lead teaching experience after graduating from a MACTE accredited teacher education program.
- Self-Directed Teaching Practicum: This arrangement involves the intern working as a lead teacher in a Montessori classroom, without the daily guidance of a supervising teacher. There is an additional $300 charge for extra visits or services.
In most cases, student teachers are paid a salary or a stipend by the practicum school site. All such arrangements are made between the student and the school and no assurances can be made by the Institute.
The Institute will work with the adult learners to help locate a qualified internship site.
Observations of the Intern:
A representative of OMTEI will conduct three visits during the practicum for supervised interns and six visits, or other contact methods, for self-directed interns. The representative will observe in the classroom, offer suggestions, and answer questions. S/he will also talk with the supervising teacher and administrator, when available. The Institute Director and the teachers will be available throughout the year to further integrate the student's academic experience with the practicum experience.