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College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

MEd in Education, Montessori Concentration

At a Glance

Our online master’s degree in education with a Montessori Concentration offers a unique combination of AMI teacher training with a graduate degree.

Online
Rolling Admission

Degrees Offered

Total Credits

MS

33-37 Credits

Overview

Our online Master of Education with a Montessori Concentration (MEd) is an established graduate program serving both public and private Montessori educators from around the globe. The MEd combines all levels of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher training diploma with a graduate degree. The programs are the result of more than a decade of partnership between the University of Hartford and the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE).

Learn More

About the Program

Montessori teacher and child

 

Our Montessori concentration courses recognize the strength of Montessori education and the rigorous preparation of Montessori teachers. Through our unique partnership with MTCNE, you can deepen your knowledge of Montessori methods through practical interaction with public school curriculum and contexts.

The coursework is fully online, with students completing all AMI training face-to-face at MTCNE or other AMI-approved training centers.

Program Offerings

We offer three graduate education programs with concentrations in Montessori that utilize AMI training to award University credits at a significantly reduced partnership rate:

  1. The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Concentration combines the AMI Primary Diploma Course with graduate classes in early childhood education. AMI Primary training translates to 15 University credits, with an additional 18 credits needed to earn the master's degree.
  2. The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education with AMI Assistant to Infancy diploma translates to 12 early childhood Montessori course credits plus one elective course (3 credits). An additional 15 credits are needed to earn the master's degree.
  3. The Master of Education in Elementary Education with Montessori Concentration combines the AMI Elementary Training Course with graduate classes in elementary education. AMI training translates to 16 University credits, with an additional 21 credits needed to earn the master's degree.

Each program results in a unique graduate degree with a focus in Montessori philosophy and pedagogy and evidence-based, public school practices for preschoolers through upper elementary-age students.

Graduates of all programs can apply for a Connecticut State Teaching Certificate with a Montessori Endorsement #511 or #512, allowing you to teach in public Montessori schools.

Curriculum

For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.

MEd in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Concentration - 33 Credits

  • 18 credit hours at the University of Hartford, typically completed during one summer session and two semesters
  • 15 credits of coursework during Montessori diploma preparation
  • Credits include professional preparation as a AMI Montessori-trained teacher and complementary, developmentally appropriate early childhood education coursework

ED Courses Required (33 credits minimum)

EDY 620: Planning and Administering Early Childhood Education Programs
EDY 630: Model Programs in Early Childhood Education
EDY 640: Theory and Research in Early Childhood Education
EDY 644: Birth-Kindergarten Integrated Curriculum
EDY 646: Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood (for the Montessori Guide)
EDY 647: Working with Families: Child, Home Community

Montessori Required Core

EDYM 500: Fundamentals of Montessori Methods
EDYM 510: Montessori Developmental and Social Skills
EDYM 520: Perceptual Motor Development
EDYM 530: Montessori Language Arts Reading Curriculum
EDYM 540: Montessori Practicum
Culminating comprehensive exam

Your AMI training is translated into specific University course credits towards the following courses: EDYM 500, EDYM 510, EDYM 520, EDYM 530, and EDYM 540.

View the course catalog for additional details about the program.

MEd in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Concentration - Assistant to Infancy Elective - 33 Credits

Candidates will complete 15 early childhood Montessori course credits plus one elective course (3 credits).  An additional 15 credits are needed to earn the master’s degree. More information about these credits can be found in the course catalog.

  • EDYM 500 Fundamentals of Montessori Methods
  • EDYM 510 Montessori Developmental and Social Skills
  • EDYM 520 Perceptual Motor Development
  • EDYM 540: Montessori Practicum
  • Elective 3 credit(s) 

MEd in Elementary Education with Montessori Concentration- 37 Credits

  • 21 credit hours at the University of Hartford, typically completed during one summer session and two semesters
  • 16 credits of coursework during Montessori diploma preparation
  • Credits include professional preparation as a AMI Montessori- trained teacher and complementary, developmentally appropriate elementary education coursework

ED Courses Required (37 credits minimum)

EDR 550: Fundamentals of Reading Instruction
EDR 544: Foundations and Strategic Actions of Literacy Learning
EDH 510: Children and Adults with Special Needs
EDE 664: Elementary Math Methods
EDP 540: Applied Developmental and Learning Theories
EDE 662: Planning and Assessing: Elementary
EDT 663: PreK-6 Science and Technology

Montessori Required Core

EDEM 500: Child Development and Montessori Philosophy
EDEM 510: Montessori Approach to Mathematics and Geometry
EDEM 520: Montessori Approach to Humanities
EDEM 530: Montessori Approach to Sciences
EDEM: 540: Montessori Classroom Methods and Practicum
Culminating comprehensive exam

Your AMI training is translated into specific University course credits towards the following courses: EDEM 500, EDEM 510, EDEM 520, EDEM 530, and EDEM 540.

View the course catalog for additional details about the program.

Program Benefits

For Placement Only
  • High-quality training and professional development within a community of vibrant public and private Montessori schools.
  • Opportunities for qualitative and quantitative research in Montessori education with faculty mentors.
  • Online instruction allows for convenient, self-paced study with access to experienced Montessori and non-Montessori faculty. No specific login times are required; you can access the program from anywhere in the world.
  • Three opportunities to begin the program - fall, spring, or summer. You can begin the program with your AMI training or after completion of your AMI training.
  • This affordable program translates AMI training into Montessori course credits at a significantly reduced "partnership rate" of $100 per credit hour. (All other courses are paid for at the regular graduate credit rate for the University of Hartford.)

Admission Requirements

  • The MEd programs are for students currently enrolled in an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher training program or for those who have completed an AMI teacher training program. If training occurred more than five years ago, you must provide documentation of active practice in a Montessori setting within the last 10 years. MTCNE completes verification of employment and your AMI diploma.
  • A bachelor's degree and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. (Conditional admission may be offered if GPA is below 3.0).
  • An interview is required for admission to the program.

Application Steps  

  • Complete our online application.
  • Request official transcripts from bachelor’s degree-granting institution and for any graduate coursework completed. Have transcripts sent to: University of Hartford, Graduate Admissions, Online Programs, CC231, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 USA

Submit

  • A non-refundable application fee of $50.
  • An AMI Coursework Translation Form to the Montessori Training Center Northeast in order to verify your AMI diploma or enrollment in an AMI-recognized training program.
  • An essay describing your reasons for seeking admission.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources (may use recent MTCNE recommendations).
  • International applicants have additional admission and application requirements

See our checklist Matriculation to Graduation for a step by step guide.

Meet Your Success Counselor

Christopher Stuck
Assistant Director of Graduate Success
Admission - Graduate

View Full Profile

For more information

Hear from one of our students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your AMI training is translated into University credits that apply to following courses only, which are billed at the partnership rate of $100 per credit:

  • EDYM 500 Fundamentals of Montessori Methods
  • EDYM 510 Montessori Developmental and Social Skills
  • EDYM 520 Perceptual Motor Development
  • EDYM 530 Montessori Language Arts Reading Curriculum
  • EDYM 540 Montessori Practicum

Then, the program courses are sequenced as follows and billed at the current graduate education per-credit rate:

Fall

Spring

Summer

EDY 630

EDY 646 (on-ground option if desired)

EDY 620

EDY 644

EDY 647, EDY 640

EDY 646 (online for Montessori only

EDY 630 also offered

Students may begin the three semester sequence in the fall, spring or summer.  (Please note that the summer term begins in June and consists of one 7-week session.)

Your AMI training is translated into University credits that apply to following courses only, which are billed at the partnership rate of $100 per credit:

  • EDYM 500 Fundamentals of Montessori Methods
  • EDYM 510 Montessori Developmental and Social Skills
  • EDYM 520 Perceptual Motor Development

You will also take a Montessori-specific section of EDY 646 - Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood which complements your AMI training.

In addition to these 12 Assistant to Infancy elective credits, your program will include 18 other credits offered online. More information about these credits can be found here

Fall

Spring

Summer

EDY 630

EDT 663

EDY 620

EDY 644

EDY 647  EDY 640

EDY 646 (online for Montessori only(

EDY 630 also offered

Students may begin the three semester sequence in the fall, spring or summer.  (Please note that the summer term begins in June and consists of one 7-week session.)

Your AMI training is translated into University credits that apply to following courses only, which are billed at the partnership rate of $100 per credit:

  • EDEM 500 Child Development and Montessori Philosophy
  • EDEM 510 Montessori Approach to Mathematics and Geometry
  • EDEM 520 Montessori Approach to Humanities
  • EDEM 530 Montessori Approach to the Sciences
  • EDEM 540 Montessori Classroom Methods and Practicum

Then, the program Elementary Courses are sequenced as follows and billed at the current graduate education per credit rate:

Fall

Spring

Summer

EDH 510

EDT 663

EDR 544

EDR 550

EDE 662

EDP 540

EDE 664

Students may begin the three semester sequence in the fall, spring or summer.  (Please note that the summer term begins in June and consists of one 7-week session.)

Yes, students can receive CT Teaching Endorsement #511 or #512:

  • After successful completion of the required courses (see link below), students will be eligible to apply directly to the state of Connecticut for a Connecticut State Teacher Certificate with Teaching Endorsement #511 (Montessori, Elementary, Grades 1-6) or #512 (Montessori, Primary, Birth to Kindergarten), which allows them to teach in public Montessori schools.

For more information about the Teaching Endorsements for Montessori click here. Note: Students who successfully complete the Master of Early Childhood Education need to complete 9 additional credit hours to be eligible for the CT State Teaching Certificate with Teaching Endorsement #512.

There is a $50 application fee for the University of Hartford application.

There is no application fee for MTCNE when applying to the University of Hartford, however, there is a transcript evaluation fee of $400 if you are transferring your AMI courses from another AMI training center. If you are currently enrolled in an AMI program other than MTCNE, there is a $100 fee for enrollment verification (this $100 is credited toward the $400 when your AMI transcript is available for evaluation upon your successful completion of the AMI training).

To obtain a Montessori Transcript or a verified Letter of Attendance, complete the appropriate request at www.mtcne.org/masters.

All application items for both institutions (University of Hartford, Montessori Training Center Northeast) must be received at least two weeks before the start of classes. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, late applications may experience a delay in registration and access to courses, so early submission is highly recommended. Please contact Online Graduate Admissions at online@mxy163.com or 860.384.7494 for more information regarding start dates and application deadlines.

Yes, unless you have already completed your training at MTCNE or another AMI-approved training center. Both competitive MEd programs are for students who are currently enrolled in an AMI teacher-training program, or have completed an AMI teacher-training program within 5 years. If training occurred more than 5 years ago then the applicant must provide documentation of active practice in a Montessori setting within the last 10 years. MTCNE completes verification of employment and your AMI Diploma.

Submit the appropriate form (Transcript Request or Letter of Attendance Request) found at www.mtcne.org/masters to MTCNE to verify your AMI Diploma or enrollment in an AMI-recognized training program as required for admission into the graduate program at the University of Hartford.

No, you do not need to take the Praxis Core test for admission.

All international transcripts must be evaluated by WES on a Basic course-by-course basis. International applicants, who incur the expense of having their non-US academic degrees evaluated by WES, have their $50 application fee waived.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency via the TOEFL or IELTS.

The programs are fully online. International students do not need to enter the US for the program and are not required to provide a guarantor statement or complete a visa application.

Once accepted, email your admissions counselor at online@mxy163.com requesting to begin the course registration process. Your online admissions counselor will register you for the first semester. The Director of Montessori Studies will assist you with registration for future semesters, based on your program plan.

The registration process includes:

  • Signing and returning the terms and conditions form
  • Meeting with your advisor to determine a program plan

You will receive your University of Hartford ID number approximately 48 hours after acceptance to the program. Your student email account will be created 48–72 hours after acceptance to the program. You will receive a letter in the mail with this information.

You will access your online courses through the University of Hartford Virtual Campus. This vibrant learning community and social network allows you to interact with faculty and students and engage in a variety of activities. You will be able to access the virtual campus within 48-72 hours of course registration at the following link:

http://virtualcampus.instructure.com/login/canvas

Your user name is your Hartford email address without the @mxy163.com and your password is your student ID number.

If you have any issues logging into the Virtual Campus or forgot your password, please call our Information Technology Services at 860.768.5999 for assistance. If you cannot see your course links or have a technical issue within a course, please contact Tech Support at 860.788.4626.

No, they cannot be transferred to another university. They can be applied toward your Master of Education in Early Childhood or Elementary Education with a Montessori Concentration, or the Master of Education in Early Childhood with Assistant to Infancy Elective at the University of Hartford. This is the only program located in Connecticut that combines AMI (Association of Montessori International) teacher training with a graduate degree.

Tuition
Summer 2024, fall 2024 and spring 2025 tuition rates for the Montessori (Elementary or ECE), MEd program are below:
Per Credit Rate
Montessori (Elementary or ECE), Med
$683.00

Montessori MEd - Early Childhood and Elementary

Montessori Content Knowledge (Disciplinary) Demonstrates knowledge of Montessori human development and educational theory.

Montessori Professional Application of Knowledge, Skills and Ethical Practice Communicates the guiding tenants and best practices of Montessori education.

Montessori Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners Demonstrates inclusive Montessori practices. 

Content Knowledge (Disciplinary) Candidates will use specific content knowledge to differentiate teaching and demonstrate specific developmentally appropriate practice in Montessori.

Paige M. Bray
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
Director of Montessori Studies
Department of Education
860.768.4553
bray@mxy163.com

Tim Nee
Managing Director
Montessori Training Center Northeast
860.509.3650
tnee@crec.org

Online Graduate Admissions
University of Hartford
860.788.4626
online@mxy163.com

Center for Montessori Studies

Accreditation and State of Connecticut Certification

Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut. See Pass rate.

Professional Licensing Disclosure

Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.

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