MSEd in Teaching and Learning - Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education Program (MECTEP)

Course Requirements and Sequence (45 credits)

Summer I
     ECE 510 Overview: Elements of Teaching and Learning in an Early Childhood Montessori Classroom Environment
     ECE 511 Classroom Leadership and Environmental Design in an Early Childhood Montessori
     EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques

Fall
     ECE 512 Montessori Principles and Philosophy
     ECE 513 Child Development, Family and Community
     ECE 514 Practical Life in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
     ECE 515 Sensorial in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
     ECE 516 Assessment and Observation in an Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
     ECE 525 Early Childhood Practicum in a Montessori classroom

Spring
     ECE 520 Language Arts in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
     ECE 521 Mathematics in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
     ECE 522 Science in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
     ECE 526 Early Childhood Internship in a Montessori Classroom
     EDU 643 Inquiry in Education

Summer II
     ECE 523 Social Studies in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom

For course descriptions, please click here: http://usm.maine.edu/sehd

Admission Requirements:

Application deadlines

Coincide with ETEP application deadlines:

• January 9th: 1st Round
• March 8th: 2nd Round

Special required application materials include:

• Application Fee of $65.00
  • Online application fee must be paid by credit card.
  • Fee is non-refundable.
• USM Application for Admission to Graduate Study (only online applications accepted).
  • Program Selection Sheet must be included as part of the application
• Official Transcripts (2) from all colleges or universities attended (including USM).
  • Transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions or submitted in the original sealed and unopened envelope.
  • Two official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning.
  • Students with international transcripts, including Canadian, must have them evaluated by either WES (http://www.wes.org) or CED (http://www.cedevaluations.com) prior to applying. (This is a DoE regulation.)
• Praxis I official scores:
  • When you register, include:
         a) USM (R3691) and
         b) Maine Department of Education (R7368) as score recipients.
  • Applicants must have three scores within three points of passing, totaling no less than 526.
• TOEFL or IELTS official scores:
  For applicants whose first language is not English. This requirement is waived for :
  • Students who earned a bachelor's at an English-speaking university
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation Letters should reflect an applicant's academic ability to succeed in graduate study and/or potential as a professional teacher. If possible, at least one should be from a faculty member familiar with the applicant's academic work, and at least one should attest to the applicant's work with children.
• Résumé showing history of employment, education, and community service.
• Essay (2 to 3 pages) Replace Question #17 in the Graduate School Application with an essay that responds to the following prompt:
  • Why do you want to become a Montessori teacher?
  • What characteristics do you possess that you feel will make you successful in the area of teaching?
  • What is your personal style of teaching?
  • How will you incorporate the material learned in the Montessori early childhood education program into your own style of teaching?
• Catalog of Experiences (2 to 3 pages):
  • Provide an annotated list of experiences particularly significant in your development as a learner and prospective teacher. The catalog should describe your experiences working with children and any events that have led to a deeper understanding of the content area(s) you will teach. It should also include the insights you have gained from those experiences.

Candidates should submit all supplementary application materials to the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300 by the application deadline

For more information about the application and materials visit the USM Graduate Admission website at:

http://usm.maine.edu/graduateadmissions/graduate-admissions-general-application-instructions