Next Application Date:
08/21/22
Next Term Starts:
09/10/22
Credit Hours
Month Program
Per Credit Hour
Accreditation
As the nation’s leader in Montessori teacher education, our 33-credit program is based on research by Dr. Maria Montessori and the idea that children learn best within a social environment that supports the development of each unique learner. Through our comprehensive online curriculum, graduates become scientific observers and facilitators who can provide students with developmentally appropriate environments that support social, cognitive, emotional, spiritual and physical growth. This online montessori program is designed for current Montessori-credentialed teachers looking to further their knowledge in the education field, and for general and special education teachers looking to enhance their skill set with Montessori philosophy. Xavier’s Montessori degree online is also recommended for non-education professionals who work with children, such as social workers and school nurses
Note: This online Montessori degree program will not provide licensure in any state.
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You’ll get the personal attention and flexibility needed to reach your goals at your pace. Our invested professors and small class sizes will set you up for success.
Our Jesuit Catholic values are based on a vision of a world changed for the better, emphasizing service and community engagement in addition to academics.
We offer exceptional online programs at an affordable cost. Numerous financial aid resources are available for our online students, making education more affordable.
The online Master of Education in Montessori Education program at Xavier University consists of 33-credit hours and can be completed in 3 semesters or 18 months. Courses are offered 100% online and include topics such as curriculum planning, assessment, classroom management and developing teaching material. During the final semester of online Montessori coursework, students must submit a written comprehensive paper.
As part of an online learning community, students will collaborate and share ideas with their peers and interact closely with renowned professors who hold weekly virtual office hours to maintain communication and an ongoing relationship with students.
To learn more about international student admission requirements and the process, please visit International Admissions.
The major philosophical, historical and social influences affecting education in American society. Incorporates professional ethics and values for administrators.
Relationships of the federal, the state and the local government to public and private education. Administrative functions as operable in the elementary, middle and secondary school. Multicultural implications.
Methodology of educational research. Statistics in research. Locating educational research.
Co-requisites: EDFD 507/508
The student will learn to observe the normal development of children from ages 2 1/2 to 12 years of age.
This course allows students an in-depth study of Dr. Montessori’s pedagogical philosophy. Topics covered include: Montessori theory from infancy through adolescence, cosmic education and spiritual education.
Within this class setting is an opportunity for reflection on the day-to-day implementation of the Montessori philosophy; review, application and enrichment of curriculum; feedback on classroom management techniques; design of integrated, sequenced Montessori curriculum, alignment with state and national academic content standards; and record-keeping. Includes current educational research and trends in education.
**Credentialed Montessori teachers may apply up to 12 hours of their MACTE-approved credentials toward the following courses: EDME 552, 557, 558, 559 or other Xavier Montessori courses.
Course designed to refine and enhance the Montessori teacher’s philosophical application of the methods and materials for the teaching of phonics, creative writing, integrated cross curricular lesson plans, incorporation of culturally diverse picture and chapter books and incorporation of higher level questioning strategies (Bloom’s Taxonomy and Habits of Mind) into daily, developmentally appropriate practice. Lessons integrated with state and national academic content standards. Supplemental resources, assessments and lesson plans created.
**Credentialed Montessori teachers may apply up to 12 hours of their MACTE-approved credentials toward the following courses: EDME 552, 557, 558, 559 or other Xavier Montessori courses.
Math and Geometry Enrichment Course is designed for the Master of Education degree at Xavier University. Its goal is to provide the graduate student with the knowledge of helping children to engage in mathematics in the context of the real world. Montessori materials as the central strategy for teaching mathematics for deep conceptual understanding will be used. This course will provide students with an immersion in inquiry-based mathematics teaching and will incorporate science, history, art and writing. It will address different strategies and modifications to support the development of students with a variety of needs and abilities.
**Credentialed Montessori teachers may apply up to 12 hours of their MACTE-approved credentials toward the following courses: EDME 552, 557, 558, 559 or other Xavier Montessori courses.
Research supported theories and issues concerning developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood centers, birth to eight years of age. Topics include: Day Care Licensing, transitions, administration, use of community resources, children’s home experiences, child abuse, program planning, making adaptations for the special needs child and parent involvement. Students will participate in field experiences in classrooms with children from birth to 8 years of age.
**Credentialed Montessori teachers may apply up to 12 hours of their MACTE-approved credentials toward the following courses: EDME 552, 557, 558, 559 or other Xavier Montessori courses.
This course introduces candidates to early childhood development. Content includes basic developmental theory, as well as current research in development and the application of theory in developmentally appropriate classroom curriculum development and instruction.
Students in this course address the historical and philosophical foundations of services for young children; impact of sensory impairments, physical and health disabilities on individuals, families and society. Research supported theories and issues concerning early childhood special education practices and method; identification of at risk needs awareness, IFSP and IEP procedures and issues; developmentally appropriate practices; biological and environmental learning and developmental factors; medical/health issues, responsibilities, training and implications for learning and prevention for educational settings. Articulation of personal philosophy of special education. CPR and First Aid Training and certification required. Required field experience in diverse settings – 10 field hours.
**Credentialed Montessori teachers may apply up to 12 hours of their MACTE-approved credentials toward the following courses: EDME 552, 557, 558, 559 or other Xavier Montessori courses.
To be considered for admission in the Montessori Education program, applicants should submit:
Get Started on Xavier University’s free online application. You can begin the process in just a few clicks.
To learn more about international student admission requirements and the process, please visit International Admissions.
One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities that you have attended for any undergraduate and graduate course work. Applicants must have a degree from a regionally accredited university. Send transcripts to:
Xavier University
ATTN: Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131
For electronic transcripts, send to:
xugrad@xavier.edu
Letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references who are able to assess your potential for success in this program.
Montessori Statement of Purpose and résumé of professional work and volunteer experience.
Copy of any MACTE-approved Montessori credentials completed. Students also need to send a letter of recommendation from the training program’s director, as well as submit a paper (5-page minimum, APA style) demonstrating prior learning of MACTE outcomes. This paper should be in the form of a Montessori Philosophical Tenets Rationale Paper and include discussion of the child, the Prepared Environment, Montessori materials, Montessori Planes of Development and Sensitive Periods and the role of the teacher. The paper should also discuss topics in terms of all relevant teaching experience.
Xavier University is authorized to offer this fully-online program in most states.
View the complete list of approved states on the State Authorization page.
Per Credit Hour
Estimated Total Tuition
Julie Kugler-Ackley, M.Ed is a Senior Teaching Professor at the Xavier University Montessori Teacher Education Program. She has presented at regional, national, and international Montessori conferences and has teaching experience at all levels of Montessori elementary levels. She has developed online coursework and currently teaches courses and is the Field Placement coordinator for the Xavier Montessori Teacher Education program and the online Montessori Master of Education.
In her time away from Xavier, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, attending community arts and music events, discovering new restaurants and neighborhoods in Cincinnati and traveling.
Nico Love Stiles M.Ed. is an adjunct in the Xavier Montessori Teacher Education and is teaching the Math Enrichment course as part of the online degree program.
In addition to teaching in Xavier’s Montessori program, Nico teaches full time for Cincinnati Public Schools at North Avondale Montessori. North Avondale Montessori is a public magnet Montessori School in the Cincinnati Public School district. Prior to her work at North Avondale, Nico taught visual art beginning in 1993 and traditional elementary until 2005. Nico teaches ages 6-9 with 27 students. She has lead Teacher credentials and has served in that role for 12 years. Nico also serves as a credentialing evaluator for the Cincinnati Public School district.
In her time away from teaching, Nico enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children. Additionally, she enjoys yoga, reading, and snuggling with her cat, Lenny.
No, the degree is from Xavier University and is awarded on meeting coursework standards that are independent of course delivery.
The tuition rate for the online Montessori program is $570 per credit hour. The total cost of the Montessori degree program will vary, depending upon transfer credits awarded, additional fees and the cost of textbooks/materials. See the Tuition page for more information.
No, online courses charge the same rate as all other courses.
Some students believe that online courses will be easier than a face-to-face course. However, that is not true. Each online course at Xavier will have the same academic standards and content as a face-to-face course. You may find online learning to be easier because it suits your learning style, but the course content, the expectations for how much you will learn and the assessment of what you have learned will be just as rigorous as in a face-to-face class.
Students may find that they can get to know their professor/instructor and other students better in an online course than in a traditional face-to-face course. There are many options for interacting with your instructors and classmates in your online program, including discussion boards, video or audio files from your instructor, email and video conferencing. There may be additional opportunities for interaction available based on the course and instructor.
You will need to review the syllabus for your course to determine how to obtain materials (print and digital) you will need for your course. The Xavier Bookstore and/or Library will be happy to assist you in finding course materials. Some readings or media lessons may be posted digitally within the online course itself or in Xavier’s E-Reserves system.
If you are new to online learning at Xavier, we encourage you to go through the student orientation for online courses.
The Technology Services website offers great resources to support online students.
We encourage you to take advantage of the library’s online resources.
Montessori teaching is a non-traditional teaching method that combines education with child development. Montessori teachers foster independent growth in their students, guiding them through self-taught lessons at their own pace as opposed to traditional teaching methods. In order to qualify to be a Montessori teacher, it’s necessary to have a bachelor’s degree before obtaining a Montessori teaching diploma. Aside from meeting the education requirements, some qualities of outstanding Montessori teachers include:
All Montessori teachers may receive specialized training in the Montessori education method. There are many options to receive this Montessori training from, both online and in person. Most Montessori training programs require a bachelor’s degree.