The Montessori Program
Maria Montessori was an Italian educator whose work spanned the first half of the twentieth century, and her principles of self-development and the education of the "whole child" continue to significantly influence general education. The mission of the Montessori Program at Saint Mary’s College is to prepare caring and competent teachers to work with the diverse population of California children in preschool and the elementary grades.
"When looking at different education programs in the Bay Area, I attended an informational session on the Montessori program at Saint Mary's College. It was clear after that meeting that the faculty had expertise, experience and passion. Another strong attraction as I was getting my teaching certificate was the option to continue on to the Master's in Montessori Early Childhood Education, which not many other programs can offer...The curriculum of the Montessori Early Childhood Program is very well-designed. It leads very logically from introducing the theory, to practical exercises in teaching, to the intern phase. The overall structure allowed me to work full-time while still progressing toward my degree. ...My education at Saint Mary's has led me directly into the professional path I was seeking. I'm teaching full-time, finishing my M.Ed., and planning the next steps in my career." - Erin Hennigan, Graduate of the Kalmanovitz School of Education Montessori Program
The following degrees and certificates are offered in the Montessori Education Program:
- Liberal Studies Minor for Bachelor of Arts Degree: Montessori Thought
- American Montessori Society Early Childhood Certificate
- American Montessori Society Elementary Education Certificate
- Master of Arts Degree in Montessori Early Childhood Education
- Master of Arts Degree in Montessori Elementary Education
- Master of Education Degree in Montessori Education
- Master of Education Degree in Applied Developmental Education
