Montessori Teacher Certification Program
Whitworth University offers a unique opportunity for AMI guides to earn state licensure.
If you have earned your Association Montessori Internationale diploma at the primary or elementary level, Whitworth's Montessori Teacher Certification Program allows you to earn your Washington state teaching license with just an additional 30-31 credits of coursework.
- Earn your Washington state initial teaching license, reciprocal in most states
- Early Childhood Education (P-3) and Elementary (K-8) certification available
- Internships in your hometown
- Complete the program in as little as one year
- Credit for prior learning options available
| Program Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Credits | 30-31 |
| Class Format | Online |
| Field Experience | Available in or near your hometown in the United States |
| Cost Per Credit | $400* per credit |
| Typical Completion | One year or less |
| Application Deadline | Apply now to start any semester |
*Tuition for the 2024-25 academic year.
Request Information Apply Now Attend Online Info Session
Program Format
Complete your certification requirements entirely online. Internships are available in or near your hometown (within the United States).
Program Requirements
Whitworth's Montessori Teacher Certification program will prepare you to teach in a public Montessori classroom. Online coursework for your certification provides in-depth content on working successfully with special populations, social and emotional needs, and classroom management, including supervised teaching practice with a qualified mentor and coursework required to meet certification requirements.
Montessori Teacher Certification Program (30-31* credits)
Coursework
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDT 570 | Pedagogy Assessment Seminar | 1 |
| EDT 574 | Clinical Practicum Seminar (online) | 1 |
| EDT 567 | Introduction to Intercultural Education | 1 |
| EDT 510 | Neurobiological Perspectives on Developmental Education (online) | 3 |
| EDT 511 | Early Intervention, Special Education, and Family Engagement (online) | 3 |
| EDT 512 | Advanced Seminar on Language and Literacy (online) | 3 |
| EDT 501 | Montessori Foundations | 3 |
| EDT 524 | Graduate Capstone | 4 |
*Students completing the elementary certification must also take EDM 545E K-8 Physical Education and Health Methods (1 credit)
Field Experiences
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDT 509 | Student Teaching Internship | 9 |
| EDT 568 | Intercultural Immersion Field Experience | 2 |
For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this degree, please view the course catalog.
Credit for Prior Learning
To receive credit for prior learning, please send your AMI diploma transcript and/or university transcript to the program director for review. Alternative credit is eligible for the EDT 524 Graduate Capstone class for the successful completion of your AMI exams and EDT 501 Montessori Foundations. All other AMI coursework completed is eligible for advance credit to complete endorsement requirements for the instructional methods coursework. Advance credit does not count toward program completion. Advance credit and alternative credit are non-transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for this program if I did not receive academic credit for my diploma coursework?
Yes, please follow the process for receiving credit for prior learning.
Is the program financial aid eligible?
Yes. Please contact the Whitworth Financial Aid Office (509.777.3215) for more information.
Is there a residency requirement in Washington?
No, there is no residency requirement.