Montessori + Education

Spark curiosity

Think of that feeling when you’re able to explore something interesting and discover something new. As a Montessori educator, you would guide children to explore their world with a strong sense of curiosity and wonder.

Alverno has partnered with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) to prepare teachers to meet a growing demand by parents and school districts for Montessori education. (There are more Montessori schools in southeastern Wisconsin than any other part of the United States, and all are looking for licensed teachers.)

Our program — the only one of its kind in Wisconsin — integrates a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Montessori teacher preparation program. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible for a Wisconsin teaching license and an international Montessori license, giving you an unrivaled edge in the job market.

The Montessori philosophy

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Maria Montessori

Developed by Maria Montessori more than century ago, the Montessori approach to education features multi-age classrooms, self-directed activity and hands-on learning. As a trained Montessori teacher, you will understand the importance of allowing a child to develop naturally through appropriate lessons and materials based on each child’s unique characteristics and abilities. You will learn how to act as a guide to students, assisting each child along his or her own path of discovery.

You’ll discover that the Alverno and Montessori teaching philosophies are complementary. Both emphasize hands-on learning, critical thinking and collaboration — priorities that will ensure bright futures for you and your future students.

Our program prepares students for one of two Montessori license options: one covering ages 3 to 6 or one for ages 6 to 12.

The Alverno difference

Alverno’s faculty are current or former K-12 and Montessori teachers with extensive classroom experience. They are passionate about helping you find the way you learn best and discovering your teaching style. Because of our small class sizes, our faculty will get to know you and will help you plan a career based on your interests.

Hands-on experience is an essential component of an Alverno education. We have two Montessori classrooms on campus, allowing you to explore these unique materials and practices. In your first year in our program, you’ll participate in intensive field work placements in K-12 and Montessori classrooms. This ensures that when the time comes to begin student teaching, you’re ready to step up to the front of the classroom with confidence.

Alverno education graduates are in high demand at schools across the region, because school leaders recognize that our graduates are ready to make a difference on day one.

As an Alverno Montessori + Education student, you will achieve these outcomes:

• Coordination: You will discover how to make the best use of materials, time, technology, the classroom setting, and timing to create learning experiences.
• Conceptualization: You will learn to integrate content knowledge with best teaching practices in order to plan and implement lessons in the field.
• Interaction: You will be able to make professional decisions and adapt to the changing needs in the field classroom and school environment.
• Diagnosis: You will learn how to determine learning needs of K-12 students and how to design learning experiences to meet those needs.
• Communication: You will practice explaining concepts to children of all ages, and you will learn how to communicate effectively with colleagues, administrators and families.

“At Alverno, I’m part of an institution where people support and care for each other. I am a native Spanish speaker and I find myself using my native language to accommodate for lessons and being a resource to my peers. I also participate in two honors programs where I’ve had the privilege to meet women leaders, connect with activists and educators, and explore economics research. When I graduate, I know I’ll be ready to lead and to support my native Spanish-speaking community.”

– Montserrat, Montessori + elementary education major, class of 2021

Alverno Montessori + Education graduates are ready to become:

• K-12 classroom teachers
• Montessori classroom teachers
• Reading and math interventionists
• Tutors
• Peer mentors
• And more!