Program Overview

Introduction to the Montessori Education Program

The Montessori Education program at Xavier University is designed to empower children to reach their full potential. This Bachelor of Science (BS) program prepares students for licensure and certification as a Montessori teacher, focusing on grades P-3. Through a combination of coursework, field experiences, and clinical practice, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to inspire and educate young learners using the Montessori philosophy.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum for the Montessori Education program is comprehensive and structured to provide students with a deep understanding of the Montessori method. The program includes the following courses:

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • ENGL 101 - English Composition
    • Second language I
    • BIO 130/131 - Natural Science
    • CORE 100 - First year Seminar
    • EDFD 110
    • CORE 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I
  • Spring:
    • EDUCATION 100 - Introduction to Education
    • Second language II
    • Historical Perspectives Elective
    • THEO 111 - Intro to Theology
    • PHYS 114/115 - Scientific Perspectives
    • CORE 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II
• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall:
    • MATH 201 - Foundations of Arithmetic
    • EDME 351 - Montessori Education: Philosophical Approach
    • EDME 364 - Early Childhood Montessori Methods
    • EDEC 210 - Early Childhood Development
    • Creative Perspectives Elective
    • PHIL 100 - Ethics as Introduction to Philosophy
  • Spring:
    • EDEL 251 - Instructional Technology
    • EDSP 505 - Foundations in Early Childhood and Special Education
    • EDME 376 - Early Childhood Phonics
    • MATH 202 - Geometry and Measurement
    • THEO 200 - Theological Perspectives
• Junior Year:
  • Fall:
    • ENGL 205
    • EDRE 312 - Reading Methods for Early Childhood
    • EDCH 324 - Children's Literature for Early Childhood
    • EDEL 260 - Cultural Diversity In Education
    • EDME 359 - Community and Advocacy in Education
    • EDME 354 - Montessori Language Arts & Reading Methods
  • Spring:
    • EDRE 478 - Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Disabilities
    • EDME 250 - Methods of Observation of Children
    • EDEC 230 - Play in Early Childhood
    • EDME 377 - Early Childhood Math & Science
    • PHIL 200 - Philosophical Perspectives
• Senior Year:
  • Fall:
    • E/RS Elective
    • EDME 366 - Curriculum Design Teaching Strategies I: Early Childhood
    • EDME 474 - Montessori Early Childhood Practicum II
  • Spring:
    • General Elective
    • EDME 367 - Curriculum Design Teaching Strategies II: Early Childhood
    • EDME 474 - Montessori Early Childhood Practicum II

Program Outcomes

The Montessori Education program at Xavier University has a strong track record of success, with 98% of students, including those in the Montessori education major, working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023). Alumni have found employment at various institutions, including Summit Country Day, Pleasant Ridge Montessori, Dater Montessori, Gamble Elementary Montessori, and Holy Trinity Montessori.

Sample Courses

The program offers a range of sample courses that provide students with a deeper understanding of the Montessori method and its application in early childhood education. These courses include:

• Play in Early Childhood Education (EDEC 230)
• Montessori Education: Philosophical Approach (EDME 351)
• Montessori Language Arts and Reading Methods (EDME 354)
• Montessori Early Childhood Practicum I (EDME 473)

Clubs and Organizations

Students in the Montessori Education program have the opportunity to participate in various clubs and organizations, including:

• Montessori Education Club
• Educators for Justice
• Embrace Evanston

Related Programs

Xavier University offers a range of related programs, including:

• BS in Primary Education (P-5)
• BS in Special Education
• BS in Teaching Integrated Science
• Master of Education in Montessori Education
• Montessori Early Childhood Licensure
• Montessori Elementary Licensure

Program Features

The Montessori Education program at Xavier University offers several unique features, including:

• Experiential learning that begins in the first year
• Hands-on experience through 200+ hours in field placements
• Location in a city with numerous public and private Montessori schools
• Accreditation by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and affiliation with the American Montessori Society (AMS)

Accreditation

The Montessori Education program at Xavier University is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS). The program is also accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Licensure and Certification

The Montessori Education program at Xavier University prepares students for the following licensure and credential:

• Resident educators license (Ohio), P-3rd grade
• American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood Credential, ages 3-6

FAQ

The program has a range of frequently asked questions, including:

• What licensures/certifications does the BS in Montessori Education prepare students for?
• When do students begin in-classroom field experiences?
• Are Xavier’s education programs accredited?
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for education students?