STUDENT TEACHING / PRACTICUM

The practicum is a necessary requirement for the successful completion of the Early Childhood Teacher Credential Course.

The function of the Practicum Phase is to provide for the adult learner a supervised teaching/learning experience and a period of observation, internalization, and further study, to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education.

No part of the student practicum may precede the beginning of the academic phase of the program. A Practicum Application form is required to activate the practicum. The practicum begins in September. The minimum Early Childhood Practicum is defined as lasting a full academic year (nine months), with the student working at the practicum site for a minimum of three (3) hours a day, five (5) days a week, for nine consecutive months. The length of the practicum may be extended to provide additional experience and insure all standards and competencies for the practicum are met.

From: Manual for Developing, Evaluating and Approving Professional Preparation Programs for Montessori Teacher Credential

The practicum provides the adult learner with a supervised teaching and learning experience. The practicum is a period of observation, internalization, and further study, in order to bring together the theory and the practice of Montessori education.

The adult learner participates in all facets of the early childhood curriculum and functioning of the classroom, as well as the family partnership, and administrative procedures.

The practicum is scheduled for the school year Monday through Friday for a minimum of three (3) hours per day for nine consecutive months, September through May. The minimum early childhood practicum hours is 540.

The nine month practicum may not be shortened in length by increasing the daily number of hours in order to complete the practicum in a shorter amount of time than the required nine months. The nine months allows the adult learner to experience the development of the curriculum and the classroom over the school year, and to experience the growth and development of the individual children.

Prior work in a Montessori early childhood classroom is not counted toward the practicum requirement.

Practicum Seminars

Ten practicum seminars are conducted during the practicum school year. One Saturday per month from September through June classes meet and assignments are due.

Alternative practicum seminar assignments/experiences are available for the student residing out of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Practicum Field Supervision

The Field Supervisor visits the adult learner at the practicum site a minimum of three times during the school year.

For the self-directed practicum in which the student is the head teacher, six practicum visits are required. An additional supervision fee of $300.00 for the three additional visits is charged.

Following the Field Supervisor observation the supervisor meets with the adult learner. The discussion during the meeting includes but are not limited to the following areas:

1. Montessori Philosophy and Human Development
2. Classroom Leadership
3. Curriculum Implementation
4. Community Involvement and Partnership with Families

Supervising Teacher

The Supervising Teacher is responsible for providing experiences related to the following areas:

1. Preparation: of indoor and outdoor environments based upon the Montessori philosophy and human development.
2. Observation and Recording: observing, responding/planning, assessing; maintaining records in order to implement the curriculum and provide classroom leadership.
3. Interaction: relations among parents, staff, and children to develop community involvement and family partnerships.
4. Instruction: designing activities; individual and group presentations in order to implement the curriculum and provide classroom leadership.
5. Management: individual and group strategies in order to provide classroom leadership.
6. Parent/Community Involvement: family support and community services; parent education, interviews, conferences, and meetings; open house.
7. Staff Involvement: participation in meetings, establishing team compatibility and problem-solving techniques for community involvement.

Practicum Site Requirements

1. The Site must be affiliated with the American Montessori Society or an exemption is established.
2. Class contains children in the full age span of 6 - 9 years.
3. The school is equipped with the full complement of purchasable Montessori Elementary Level I materials.
4. Non-discrimination policy: The school site must have a written non-discrimination policy for children and staff.
5. Licensing: The site must meet all local and state regulations.
6. School Policies: The site should communicate to the student and the MTEC/SFBA its administrative policies and guidelines relating to the student. This may be done verbally or in writing.
7. Job Description/Contract: The site provides a job description and a contract of agreement acceptable to the site, the student, and the preparation course. This job description or agreement should include the nature and type of remuneration given the student, if any.
8. Cooperation with preparation course: The school must agree to cooperate with MTEC/SFBA in all matters relating to the practicum.
9. Janitorial Service: Janitorial service should be provided.
10. The student is not to be asked to assume total responsibility for a class without the presence of a supervising teacher or other qualified staff person unless she/he is following a self-directed practicum.