Overview
Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program
CMSTEP
Secondary I and II (ages 12 – 18)
Certification Program
CMSTEP’s purpose is to prepare Montessori teachers, following AMS/MACTE guidelines, for careers in Montessori Education in the Secondary I & II levels for Montessori programs in public and private schools.
CMSTEP is an innovative, multidisciplinary graduate program for teachers interested in creating hands-on curricula and field studies for students age 12-18. The program involves the mastery of an established body of curriculum and a thorough understanding of the philosophy, program structure, and specific instructional strategies needed by the educator to establish a Montessori secondary program. In addition, there are opportunities for personal transformation through field studies, experiential courses and coaching and supervision.
CMSTEP’s aim is to prepare a Montessori professional who:
- knows the steps in creating a developmentally appropriate and academically challenging curriculum and environment
- can create a community of adolescent learners in an inclusive school culture
- helps the adolescent find their place in society by developing an understanding of the Montessori philosophy
- fosters a sense of stewardship and community
- honors the principles of peace and understanding
This Secondary I and II Certificate is a general credential reflecting mastery of an integrated curriculum and specific instructional strategies based on Maria Montessori’s philosophy. It is not issued in specific fields of teaching specialization. Graduate Credit towards a master degree is available through Xavier University. Each participant assumes responsibility for graduate costs.
The Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program was designed by the founders of Clark Montessori School – the first public Montessori Secondary School in the nation – to train Montessori teachers and staff to provide the highest, most complete academic environment for each student. Clark has received numerous accolades, including:
- Cited as one of five model high schools in the United States by the Center for School Change, sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Named one of the top four (out of 120) public and private high schools in the Greater Cincinnati Area by Cincinnati Magazine
- Consistent Excellent and Effective ratings by the State of Ohio.
CMSTEP Classes
Seminar, Curriculum Development, and Structure and Organization are held at:
Clark Montessori School at Jacobs Center
5425 Winton Ridge Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45232
Overview and Philosophy are held at:
The New School
3 Burton Woods Lane
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
and in the field...
Erdkinder
Pedagogy of Place
Program Cycle
CMSTEP is designed to meet the needs and busy schedules of full-time teachers. The next Program Cycle begins in the summer of 2009 and concludes in late summer 2010 (or 2011 for those choosing the three summer option.) To complete the program in two summers, the summer 1 is four weeks of course work and a fifth week of field study/Erdkinder in June and July, . This is followed by a year long practicum, with two mid-year seminars. The student works at a practicum site for a minimum six (6) hours a day, five (5) days a week for nine consecutive months (1080 Practicum hours required.) Students conduct a research project during the practicum year. Course work (Structure and Organization) and a final field study (Pedagogy of Place) are taken in the final summer. There are two visits in the practicum year and a final visit the following fall by Certificate Program staff. As mentioned earlier, if necessary, the program may be spread over three summers, rather than two. However, any exception to the program cycle is at the discretion of the Program Director and must be determined prior to the commencement of the program.
(Practicum may not precede the first summer academic phase of the program.)
- Secondary I and II classes take place at The New School and Clark Montessori in Cincinnati, OH.
- Ample parking is available at each site.
- Available housing is indicated on the back of the application form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure housing.
Dates for 2009 – 2010 Program Cycle
Summer 2009: June-July (4 weeks and Erdkinder)
Practicum Phase: September 2009 – June 2010
Practicum Mid-Year Institutes: October (3 days) and February (3 days)
Second Summer 2010: June-July (1 week of Structure and Organization and 1 week of Pedagogy of Place)
Program Fees
- Registration fee $250.00 (due at time of application.)
- Certification Program fee $7,000.00 which includes all 9 CMSTEP courses, reasonable expenses for 3 intern visits (2 visits during the Practicum year and a final visit the Fall of the school year that follows the final summer of the training program) and AMS membership
- Books and Materials fee $500.00
Not included:
- Field Studies travel expenses
- Graduate credit from Xavier University
