Last Update 10/14/07

Montessori Philosophy for the Teacher’s Soul  (Philosophy I) is a self-paced, six-module course that is completed over a 12-week span completely online.  You will have access to your course and course information 24/7 via the Internet.  The course is accessible from this website, which provides registered students with a link to the Blackboard Academic Suite, a format used by major universities.

Do you remember all the reasons why you fell in love with Montessori education?  Fall in love all over again in this course as you re-visit the key concepts of Montessori and discuss them with your peers in-depth.  Select works of Dr. Maria Montessori will be discussed for their scientific basis and modern educational application.  Paperback texts authored by well-known progressive Montessorians will also be reviewed.

Philosophy I may be taken concurrently with Album-Building courses for diploma-seeking students, as well as with Peace I.  Philosophy I is offered every 16 weeks, the next start date being September 26, 2007.  The cost of tuition for Philosophy I varies according to the individual student's ability to pay and may range from USD 0.00 to the full tuition fee of USD 199.00 for the 16-week course duration.  For tuition assistance, please send a letter to the director at lori.director@usamontessori.org indicating your need for free/reduced fee tuition.  Students of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply for tuition assistance, and will be given first consideration.  To date, all Peace and Philosophy students have been admitted with tuition fees waived, and we hope to be able to continue in this trend.  The goal of USA Montessori is never to turn away an individual who has the desire to spread peace and education among the world's children based on inability to pay.

PRE-REGISTER and hold your spot by going to the Home Page and Click "Contact Us", then "Pre-Register."  Please specify your need for financial assistance if this applies to you, and follow up with your letter to the director.  Please do not forget to indicate the course for which you seek enrollment.  You will receive an answer to your request within 7 days, usually 72 hours, along with a letter indicating that you have been admitted to the course.

This course is one of the four pre-requisite courses required for the completion of the USA Montessori Elementary Diploma Program.  The others are Peace Education I and II, as well as Montessori Philosophy II.  Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with Elementary Album-Building Courses.

Philosophy I covers such topics such as:

• Reading & discussing many of Dr. Maria Montessori's publications
• Examining modern educational texts that employ the Montessori educational philosophy
• Reviewing online resources for educational professionals
• Building an online community and a warm rapport with our global Montessori friends through discussion boards, chat room & email  
• Exchanging ideas, cultural experiences, varied viewpoints and ways of employing Montessori concepts

Courses are first-come/first-served.  Reserve your spot today!