In 1994 after 20 years of working in the Montessori field as an owner/director, school administrator, and Montessori teacher trainer, Ms. Carmen Sexton implemented into the course her own experience and knowledge to establish Montessori Teachers Institute (MTI) .

Dedicated to using the Montessori approach to education, Montessori Teachers Institute provides high quality Montessori teachers to serve the needs of independent Montessori schools, public schools with Montessori programs, and Corporate Montessori Centers as a benefit to employees.

The objectives of the MTI teacher training program is to offer an in-depth study of the Montessori principles, to provide lecture demonstrations on the Montessori didactic materials and to prepare the students to use the Montessori method in helping children to develop to their fullest potential. Additionally, MTI provides the necessary techniques and verbalization skills needed to manage a Montessori class successfully. MTI students will learn about the Montessori educational philosophy which focuses on developing the amazing powers each child has within her to reach her full potential, and experience the role of the teacher in this developmental process.

Upon completing this program, the Montessori Junior Elementary and Advanced Elementary Teacher shall be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of human development and education:

   1. Interpret child development and early education concepts to other staff, parents, and community.
   2. Plan for continuity of learning experience for children in the certification age range

2. Demonstrate Knowledge, application, and analysis of the theoretical/philosophical base upon which Montessori early-childhood education programs have been and currently are being developed. This includes awareness of the child's spirit and moral development.

3. Plan programs that meet the individual needs and interests of children, which are appropriate to their development, socio-cultural background, and experience level, based primarily on the Montessori philosophy and didactic apparatus:

   1. Demonstrate ability to assess children's learning needs, including special needs, through a variety of vehicles (i.e., observation, case studies, test, development scales, and classroom products).
   2. Develop a suitable match between assessment and learning activities provided.
   3. Demonstrate knowledge of the teaching of language arts and reading.
   4. Demonstrate knowledge of the teaching of sensory-motor activities.
   5. Demonstrate knowledge of the teaching of mathematics.
   6. Demonstrate knowledge of the teaching of art, music, movement, history, geography, science, and Montessori ideas on cosmic Education.
   7. Demonstrate knowledge of varied learning styles.
   8. Demonstrate knowledge of environmental design and preparation.
   9. Provide opportunities for choice, problem-solving, decision-making, and responsibility for learning on the part of the child.
   10. Demonstrate a broad repertoire of teaching strategies (i.e.Structuring the environment, use Montessori and other manipulative materials for exploration, demonstration, and concrete models; modeling behavior; using verbal strategies such as inquiry, explanation, imitation, illustration, and dramatization, and incorporating appropriate technology) .
   11. Demonstrate ability to plan and implement group activities.
   12. Develop organizational and classroom management procedures to facilitate growth and learning.
   13. Demonstrate and understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice its continuity.

4. Evaluate objectives, children's individual growth, learning and programs:

   1. Demonstrate consistency between stated objectives and methods of evaluation (i.e., assessment of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development).
   2. Demonstrate the knowledge of age-appropriate evaluation measures.
   3. Develop and use a variety of appropriate record-keeping and evaluation processes.
   4. Interpret results of evaluative measures.
   5. Prepare professional reports.

5. Design and evaluate curriculum materials and resources appropriate to children with varying abilities and cultural backgrounds.

   1. Evaluate and select prepared curriculum materials.
   2. Develop original materials to meet the needs and interests of the children.
   3. Demonstrate knowledge of the rationales of Montessori and other curriculum materials.
   4. Demonstrate knowledge of continuum within the Montessori curriculum materials.

6. Develop parental interest and involvement.

   1. Demonstrate knowledge of community served.
   2. Demonstrate ability to articulate program.
   3. Demonstrate communication skills appropriate in parent conferences, non-judgmental listening, and interactions with others.
   4. Develop awareness of community resources for referral, enrichment, programs development and implementation.

7. Direct entire classroom program and demonstrate an awareness of administrative responsibilities regarding:

   1. Minimum standards required by health/education/welfare/ codes and legal liabilities and issues.
   2. Acquisition of supplies, maintenance of equipment, budget planning.

8. Develop awareness of professional growth opportunities, such as Montessori and other educational conferences, publications, organizations, and resources.