Our Program
CMSTE accepts adult learners who hold a high school degree, bachelor’s degree, or international degree. This course may be completed in one or two academic years.
Adult learners begin the Independent Study component (Section I) the first week of August. Seminar Instruction (Section II), meets from September to June. The Practicum (Section III) may begin either concurrently or after Section II. Adult learners may take Independent Study (Section I) and Seminar Instruction (Section II) for one course cycle and complete the Practicum (Section III) the following academic year. One course cycle is 9 months.
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Chestnut Montessori School Teacher Education is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), the largest international teacher education organization, and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE - www.macte.org). AMS and CMSTE honor diversity and pluralism.
This course offers all components required to receive a Montessori credential. Seminar Instruction includes lecture, demonstrations, partnering, small group discussion, videos, adult learner presentations, supervised practice, and webinars. All required Montessori Materials will be demonstrated by instructors and are available during class practice times for adult learners. The classroom is ADA accessible.
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The course is a blended program, taught on the beautiful campus of Chestnut Montessori School. A cooperative and hands-on learning environment supports your growth. Our online classes provide you with in-depth instruction at your own pace. A wide variety of schools in the greater Puget Sound area are available as practicum sites.
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Classes are collaborative, rather than competitive, providing students with transformative learning experiences. If your goal is to teach young children, becoming a Montessori teacher is a most satisfying and joyful way.
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Learning and Working
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Teacher Education Classes are offered at Chestnut Montessori School, during Tuesday and Thursday afternoons throughout the academic year to provide students the advantage of working in a Montessori school while learning about philosophy, child development, methodology, discipline and art.
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Adult learners with a diversity of life and educational experiences have successfully completed their AMS certification. Our graduates have been very successful in finding employment.