UNK's Montessori program is a full affiliate of the American Montessori Society, and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.
The Montessori educational instruction method has been transforming early childhood education for more than a century. Pioneered by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, this approach focuses on teaching the whole child—including social, emotional, and physical development alongside their cognitive development.
Montessori classrooms are easy to spot. Inside, children learn both independently as well as in groups, engaging with unique learning materials specially crafted to foster self-motivated growth in all areas of their development.
Professionals with Montessori expertise often find careers teaching in Montessori schools or in an increasing number of public schools seeking out Montessori-certified teachers.
In the class webinars with our Practicum supervisor we were able to share experiences with each other, which really helped me open my mind to learning new approaches to teaching mathematics, geometry, and language. I learned the progression of the work and gained the tools needed to keep children accountable.
The Montessori Education program at UNK is an AMS affiliated and MACTE accredited teacher training program.
A Bachelor's degree will be required upon completion of Montessori undergraduate coursework in order to be recommended for full American Montessori Society certification. The Early Childhood AMS Associate credential may be earned without a Bachelor's degree.
Montessori programs do not lead to initial Nebraska teacher certification needed to begin teaching in public schools. Students pursuing certification in other states should check with their State Department of Education for certification requirements.