M.Ed. Montessori

Kathryn Picanco (Program Director)

In partnership with Montessori Northwest and in affiliation with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the Master of Education, in Montessori can be earned simultaneously with an AMI diploma. The AMI diploma coursework is completed at a Montessori Northwest training site in California, Oregon or Spokane. The remaining education courses to complete the master’s degree can be taken online or on campus. 

Admission Requirements:

• Complete an online application by the deadline posted on the program website. No application fee required.
• Students admitted to Montessori Northwest who hold a bachelor’s degree or master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education will be admitted to the Concurrent Enrollment Master’s program upon completion of the Whitworth application. Testing and exam alternatives are not required. 
• International students must also have a transcript evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or Academic and Credential Records Evaluation and Verification Services (ACREVS) indicating a bachelor’s degree equivalency earned, an English Language Proficiency exam (if applicable), and verification from the International Education office that the country of home residence is eligible for online education. Additional requirements for International students are also required related to financial responsibility. For additional information, see  https://www.whitworth.edu/cms/administration/admissions/international-students/admissions-process/.
• Students admitted to Montessori Northwest can request for their academic records to be sent to Whitworth for the completion of their application file. These items include the three letters of recommendation, essay, transcripts and official transcript evaluations and the résumé. Oregon based M.Ed. in Montessori programs may only transfer up to 6 credits toward degree completion requirements upon transcript review.
• Students enrolled in the Washington State Teacher Certification track or certification only program need to complete additional requirements and external exams and a performance-based portfolio as a part of certification. Requirements include the Pre-Residency Clearance process with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and completion of the Professional Growth Plan.  Exams include the WEST-B or record of taking the SAT/ACT and the NES designated content exams prior to practice teaching.  Students will also need to complete the Pedagogy Performance Assessment portfolio to complete assessment requirements.
• Students enrolled in the Montessori Teacher Certification program (state certification only) may have unlimited credential specific coursework waived or accepted for transfer or alternative credit upon transcript and portfolio review. 
• Alternate credit for prior learning and experiences may be awarded. Students interested in receiving alternate credit need to follow the guidelines in the program's alternate credit policy for consideration. The program director will determine if alternate credit can be awarded.
• Students in the Montessori Teacher Certification program (non-degree) can have their MACTE accredited, American Montessori Society, or Association Montessori Internationale diplomas qualify for the methods prerequisites for credentialing for the state of Washington. Advance credit will be awarded for the diploma coursework for credentialing purposes.
• Approximate additional costs: In addition to tuition, students can expect to have the approximate added expense of $1,500 for books/materials/office supplies/AMI membership.

Note: At any given time, one or more of our programs may be undergoing revision to stay current with changing Washington State Board of Education requirements. Please consult your advisor to ensure that you have the most current information on your program.

Certification:

• While every attempt is made to ensure that certification programs are compatible with degree study, certification requirements may go beyond degree requirements.
• Whitworth University certification programs lead to Washington state certification. For certification in another state, the applicant will need to contact the appropriate state's certification agency to determine requirements.
• Whitworth University certification programs must meet requirements instituted by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Professional Educator Standards Board. Hence, certification requirements are subject to change upon notification by the OSPI and PESB and must be incorporated into all appropriate certification plans.
• Certification study without the pursuit of a degree is possible where appropriate.
• Only candidates in good standing will be certified. Contact the educational certification & career services office, located in Dixon Hall, at 509.777.4403 or 509.777.4405 for further details.

Services Provided by the Office of Educational Certification & Career Services:

• Certification (Teacher, Principal, School Counselor)
• ​WSP/FBI Fingerprinting
• ​Clock Hour Provider
• Career Service Information:
  • Career fairs
  • Résumé and cover letter building
  • Current job listings

Academic Policies for Graduate Education Programs

Academic Standards

Whitworth Graduate Studies in Education offers guided studies that may be taken on a tutorial basis. Program director approval is required. Proposals are submitted  with the approvals of the faculty supervisor and the director/department chair via the electronic guided study proposal form by the registration deadline of the term during which the study will be taken.

Admission and Expulsion

1. Students who take no courses toward the completion of their master’s degree within a one-year period will be placed on inactive status, unless arrangements have been made for a hiatus. In order for a student to return to active status they must reapply and they will be responsible for any new university or program requirements.
2. Students may be suspended or expelled for failure to meet academic standards and for plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation of background information, or violation of program requirements. Subsequent readmission follows the procedures for new admission under the catalog requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
3. Whitworth reserves the right to withhold transcripts and diplomas until all campus debts are settled.
4. Students are prohibited from bringing children, other family members and/or guests to their classes except in an emergency and with the permission of the instructor.

General Guidelines

1. Montessori students are registered for courses by their advisor.
2. Check with your advisor each term for pre-registration advising and for exit requirements. Students must be cleared by their advisor prior to course registration each term.
3. Tuition is paid through student financial services located in McEachran Hall. If a student enrolls in a course that is not approved for a specific program, that class will be considered an enrichment course only; it will not count toward a graduate degree or certification program.

Student Learning Outcomes for M.Ed. in Montessori, Elementary and Early Learning Programs:

•  Students demonstrate a foundational knowledge of skills and concepts in education.
•  Students demonstrate mastery of Montessori instructional strategies.
•  Students demonstrate an understanding of the School of Education Conceptual Framework and the mission of the university, including faith integration.
•  Program of study is completed successfully.
•  The capstone project reflects depth of understanding of program concepts.
•  Students demonstrate understanding student diversity and inclusive practices for the classroom community. 

Student Learning Outcomes for M.Ed. in Montessori, Teacher Certification Program:

• Instruction and Assessment: Plan for instruction and assessment using research proven strategies. 
• Instruction and Engagement: Effectively engage in self-reflection to support continued improvement in instructional practices.  
• Assessment Strategies: Employ effective assessment strategies throughout planning, instruction and reflection cycle. 
• Academic and Reflective Discourse: Engage K-12 learners in academic and reflective discourse for the purposes of eliciting student voice and providing opportunity for student self-assessment/progress monitoring. 
• Faith and Learning: Articulate one's own faith tradition or principles of one's worldview and alignment to professional practices.  
• Sociocultural Linguistic Context: Candidate will identify and describe the role that human development and social, cultural, linguistic, physical and community context plays as related to the learner; apply theories and concepts/strategies for culturally responsive pedagogy to promote inclusive communities.