Montessori Education

You believe children learn best through active engagement, using a wide variety of carefully designed materials. This is the tenet of the Montessori approach, and it is the standard by which you will learn in Lander's Montessori program.

Lander is the only institution of higher learning in South Carolina to offer a program leading to national certification in Montessori education. Certification courses are offered at undergraduate and graduate levels, and upon completion of the program, teachers have a credential that is recognized worldwide.

What is Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori, who originated this approach to educating children, was an Italian physician whose work with young special-needs children led her to design innovative materials and activities that provide hands-on learning experiences.

Montessori is an approach based on the belief that all children are unique and deserve classrooms and teachers that support and respect their individual development. Additionally, it is based on the premise that the most important years for learning are from birth through elementary school.

Early Childhood Education, Montessori Emphasis

Undergraduate students majoring in early childhood education may add the Montessori emphasis by completing 18 additional hours in Montessori methods. Students must be fully admitted to the teacher education program and be recommended by the Director of the Montessori program to enroll in Montessori classes.

As an undergraduate, you will complete all of the courses required for an early childhood education major, as well as an additional 24 credit hours in the Montessori emphasis. Twelve of those hours are taken during the summer prior to your senior year. It is possible to pursue the Montessori emphasis and graduate within four years.

Master of Education in Montessori Education

At Lander, you can earn certification and an M. Ed. in Montessori education in as little as 18 months.
Teachers enrolled in the M.Ed. in Montessori Education program at Lander have the option to select one of three concentrations leading to American Montessori Society certification at the Early Childhood (ages 3-6), Elementary I (grades 1-3) or Elementary II (grades 4-6) level.

Learn more about the M.Ed. in Montessori Education or view course requirements and descriptions in the Graduate Studies Catalog