The Upper Elementary credential comprises 17 required courses, delivered through a blended model of flexible online learning and an extensive in-person residency. This advanced program spans both the first and second planes of development, equipping educators to guide students through the full spectrum of elementary Montessori education.

I. Online Component (self-paced)

Foundational Courses 

• Foundations of Montessori Philosophy (FDN) – An in-depth exploration of core Montessori principles, cosmic education, and the developmental transitions across the 6–12 age continuum.

• Observation, Classroom Management, and Child Development (OBS) – Practical techniques for objective observation, managing a multi-age classroom, tracking developmental milestones, and fostering a peaceful student community.

Curriculum & Methodology Courses 

• Correct Expression, Handwriting, & Whole Language (LNCE) – Foundations of oral expression, narrative voice, and early literacy immersion in the elementary environment.

• Phonics, Spelling, and Punctuation (LNPH) – The mechanics of word-building, spelling analysis, reading comprehension, and structural mechanics.

• Grammar and Writing (LNGR) – Advanced study of Montessori grammar symbols, sentence analysis, paragraph structure, and composition styles for older elementary students.

• Numeration and Place Value (MTNU) – Introducing advanced place value and the base-10 system using concrete elementary mathematics materials.

• Operations with Whole Numbers: Addition & Multiplication (MTOP) – Moving from concrete material manipulation to abstract operations for addition and multiplication. (Prerequisite: MTNU)

• Advanced Operations with Whole Numbers: Subtraction & Division (MTAO) – Completing the four core operations with large numbers using advanced material sequences. (Prerequisite: MTNU)

• Geometry Studies (MTGM) – Presenting geometric concepts, nomenclature, spatial reasoning, and theorems tailored for the elementary mind.

• Fractions and Decimals (MTFR) – Exploring rational numbers through concrete fraction and decimal material sequences.

• Decimals and Algebra (MTAL) – Bridging concrete arithmetic to abstract algebraic concepts, square roots, and advanced decimal operations.

• Big Picture of the Universe (CBPU) – Introducing the foundational Montessori Cosmic Science curriculum, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science.

• Earth and Human Studies (CEHS) – Exploring geography, biology (botany/zoology), history timelines, and the fundamental needs of humans across cultures.

• Early Childhood Practical Life & Sensorial (PRSE) – Bridging the foundational physical and sensorial developments of early childhood into the elementary framework.

• Advanced Cultural, Language, and Math (RESS-ELV) – An advanced online curriculum synthesis focusing on upper elementary extensions, interdisciplinary project-based learning, and advanced materials.

Practicum Course (Full Academic Year: September–June)

• Practicum & Field Experience (PRED) – A year-long, school-based internship with an active teaching component at your approved school location. Managed online with local supervision and individual instructor mentorship. (Location approval required)

II. Summer Residency Components

We have added a virtual component to our summer residency, offering a more affordable and flexible alternative to the traditional in-person program.

• In-Person Summer Residency (RESS-ELI-II) | Birmingham, Alabama // McCordsville, Indiana – A comprehensive, 15-day hands-on laboratory intensive. Adult learners master both Lower and Upper Elementary materials, participate in live lesson presentations, engage in material-making workshops, and build professional networks. (120 hours over 15 days)

• Early Childhood Practical Life & Sensorial (PRSE) – Bridging the foundational physical and sensorial developments of early childhood into the elementary framework. (25 hours virtual self-paced)

• Advanced Cultural, Language, and Math (RESS-ELV) – An advanced online curriculum synthesis focusing on upper elementary extensions, interdisciplinary project-based learning, and advanced materials. (51 hours virtual self-paced)

To ensure a comprehensive and transformative learning experience, the program employs a blended approach that includes digital lecture tracking, collaborative discussions, hands-on practice, and direct mentorship. Below is a detailed overview of the core assignments required throughout your training.

I. Digital & Interactive Learning Components

Video Lectures & Presentation Reviews (~2 hours per topic)

Adult learners are required to view all instructional lectures and material presentation videos within each topic.

• Protocol: Videos must be viewed sequentially from top to bottom within the topic’s resource menu. Student engagement and progress are tracked electronically for administrative and credentialing purposes.

• Access: Once opened, video resources remain available for continuous review throughout your active enrollment in the course.

• Next Steps: After completing the video, learners must immediately engage with the corresponding forum questions.

Asynchronous Discussion Forums (~1 hour per topic)

These forums encourage members of a cohort to engage in collaborative, reflective practice, exploring both Montessori philosophy and practical classroom applications.

• Peer Engagement: Forums provide a vital space to reflect on course content and learn from the insights of fellow educators. Participation is mandatory.

• Instructor Feedback: To foster open peer dialogue, instructors do not comment directly within the public forum thread; instead, they provide tailored, private feedback to each student.

• Deadlines & Integrity: Forums close automatically after every two topics and will not reopen. All contributions must be completely original, and any references to outside resources must include proper citations.

Asynchronous Prerecorded Lectures (~1 hour per topic)

For each topic, the course instructor provides a specialized, prerecorded lecture diving deeper into the curriculum. Adult learners are required to view these lectures and submit a comprehensive summary demonstrating their synthesis of the concepts presented.

Synchronous Practicum Cohort Chats (~1 hour per session)

Exclusive to the Practicum course, adult learners will meet live online with their course instructor and peers. There are ten synchronous chats strategically scheduled throughout the academic practicum year to provide real-time community, alignment, and guidance.

II. Practical Application & Classroom Integration

Observed Lesson Presentations (Average: 1 observation per curriculum course)

To verify material mastery, most online courses require an observed lesson presentation. This assignment ensures hands-on fluency with the materials and builds confidence in lesson delivery.

• Execution: All practice and performance must be rooted strictly in the official course videos and supplied lesson plans.

• Evaluation: Observations are conducted and assessed directly by your instructor or the approved supervising educator indicated in your enrollment paperwork. Feedback may be delivered in person, via video recording review, or through live video conferencing.

Montessori Lesson Plans (Average: 1 lesson plan per curriculum course)

This component trains adult learners in the structural anatomy of a Montessori presentation. Learners practice organizing and mapping a lesson, clarifying the direct and indirect aims, and analyzing the precise sequence of movement and interaction between the guide and the child.

Practice Summaries (Average: 1 summary per curriculum course)

Adult learners must actively practice with the physical Montessori materials introduced in the video resources. The Practice Summary is a detailed, written narrative that serves as official verification of your independent practice hours throughout the program, while offering an ongoing opportunity for self-reflection.

III. Material Creation & Reflective Practice

Material-Making Workshops

Montessori guides are curators of the prepared environment. This ongoing assignment provides opportunities to design and build high-quality classroom materials.

• Scope: Material making takes place across both the online and residency components, allowing instructors to evaluate craftsmanship and provide constructive feedback.

• Practicum Credit: Hours dedicated to creating these beautiful classroom pieces count directly toward a portion of your overall practicum requirement.

Reflective Philosophy Essays

Reflection is the cornerstone of a transformative Montessori practice. These essays allow adult learners to demonstrate a deepening, internalized understanding of Montessori philosophy, classroom management, practical application, and the broader curriculum scope and sequence.

• Note: Reflective writing is woven throughout the entire program and serves as a core daily practice during the in-person summer residencies.

Capstone Practicum Course: Required Assignments

The year-long capstone practicum is the culmination of your Montessori training. It bridges pedagogical theory with daily classroom leadership through independent research, continuous field observation, systemic planning, and dedicated faculty mentorship. Below are the required benchmark assignments for the practicum year.

1. Year-Long Action Research Project

Adult learners will design and execute an independent curriculum extension project based on a specific pedagogical area of interest. This capstone project requires the learner to research, develop, and implement specialized materials or environmental design enhancements that directly elevate their current Montessori learning environment.

2. Self-Study Case Study & Reflective Action Plan

Observation is the foundational bedrock of the Montessori method. In this unique assignment, adult learners turn their observational lens inward. The case study provides a structured framework for the learner to design, implement, and track an individualized professional development program for themselves, spanning the majority of the academic school year to foster profound self-reflection and growth.

3. Student Narrative Observation Logs

Continuous observation of the children is required throughout the academic year. Adult learners will maintain systematic, objective observation logs written in a professional narrative format. Selected case observations will be presented and analyzed collaboratively during the synchronous practicum chats.

4. Comparative Field Observations at External Montessori Schools

To cultivate a broader perspective of the movement, adult learners are required to conduct field observations at a minimum of two external Montessori schools within their local region and submit a comprehensive comparative summary for each.

• School Leadership Specialization Note: Administrators completing this requirement must observe at two local schools and conduct a formal interview with each respective Head of School regarding institutional governance and leadership styles.

5. Peace Education & Cosmic Citizenship Portfolio

Adult learners will actively document, implement, and reflect upon peace education, global citizenship, and exercises of grace and courtesy within their classrooms throughout the year. This assignment expands upon the foundational cosmic education principles introduced during the Summer Residency, tracking their practical application in daily school life.

6. Collaborative Mentorship & Synchronous Cohort Chats

To support adult learners through the triumphs and obstacles of their implementation year, the practicum instructor maintains close, continuous communication. Attendance is required at scheduled synchronous online chats throughout the year. These sessions serve as a critical forum for master-level guidance, peer-to-peer problem-solving, and community support.

7. Comprehensive Curriculum Albums & Scope and Sequence

Adult learners must compile and curate a comprehensive, professional Montessori Album representing the complete scope and sequence of lesson plans for their credential level. This exhaustive collection of lessons, presentation methodologies, and supporting pedagogical materials is organized to serve as the structural backbone of the educator’s ongoing teaching career.

8. Supervised Practicum Laboratory (Residency Phase)

Before and during the implementation phase, adult learners must demonstrate technical material fluency and precise presentation skills during the supervised laboratory hours of the Summer Residency. This face-to-face component includes intensive material-making workshops, art integration extensions, and real-time performance evaluation by auxiliary faculty.

Course Textbooks, Manuals, & Required Resources

General Resource Procurement

• Core Curriculum Manuals: Required curriculum textbooks and manuals are available for purchase directly from Montessori Research and Development at www.montessorird.com.

• Complimentary Digital Resources: Upon enrollment, Montessori Live provides extensive supplementary materials at no additional cost. Lesson plans, specialized manuals, PowerPoint lectures, and sample assignments are available for free download via the student portal.

Required Reading by Course

1. Foundations of Montessori Philosophy (FDN)

• Required Text: * Kramer, R. (2017). Maria Montessori: A Biography.

  • Available formats: Paperback, Digital Download (Amazon Kindle / Apple iBooks).

2. Observation, Classroom Management, and Child Development (OBS)

• Required Text: * Lillard, A. S. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

  • Available formats: Paperback, Digital Download (Amazon Kindle / Apple iBooks).

3. Survey of Montessori Curriculum (SMCU)

• Note: The following texts are largely available as digital downloads on Amazon Kindle or Apple iBooks.

• Required Texts:

  • Lillard, P. P. (1996). Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood. Schocken Books. (186 pages)

  • Mayes, C. (2010). The Archetypal Hero’s Journey in Teaching and Learning: A Study in Jungian Pedagogy. Edwin Mellen Press. (140 pages)

  • Miller, J. P. (2006). Educating for Wisdom and Compassion: Creating Conditions for Timeless Learning. Corwin Press. (158 pages)

  • Montessori, M. (1989). To Educate the Human Potential (The Clio Montessori Series). ABC-CLIO. (85 pages)

4. Practical Applications for Administrators (PRAA)

• Note: The following texts are largely available as digital downloads on Amazon Kindle or Apple iBooks.

• Required Texts:

  • Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

  • Mayes, C., & Williams, E. (2012). Nurturing the Whole Student: Five Dimensions of Teaching and Learning. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

  • Montessori, M. (1917). Spontaneous Activity in Education (Advanced Montessori Method, Vol. 1). (Various publishers).

  • Zaffron, S., & Logan, D. (2009). The Three Laws of Performance: Rewriting the Future of Your Organization and Your Life. Jossey-Bass.

5. Residency for Administrators (RESADM)

• Note: The following texts are largely available as digital downloads on Amazon Kindle or Apple iBooks.

• Required Texts:

  • Fullan, M. (2019). Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail. Corwin Press.

  • Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

  • Zaffron, S., & Logan, D. (2009). The Three Laws of Performance: Rewriting the Future of Your Organization and Your Life. Jossey-Bass.

Quick Reference Purchasing Table

Face-to-Face Laboratory Intensive | 10 Days In-Person

This immersive 80-hour residency is a transformative, hands-on experience designed to build presentation fluency, mastery of environmental design, and classroom leadership. Adult learners will engage in live demonstrations of materials, extensive supervised practice, and interactive workshops to fully master the Primary (3–6) Montessori curriculum.

Residency Curriculum Modules

Module 1: Montessori Philosophy & Spiritual Preparation of the Educator

Grounding your practice in the natural development, psychological needs, and dignity of the young child.

• Philosophical Core: Deep dive into the scientific method of education, profound respect for the child, the mechanics of the Absorbent Mind, and identifying critical Sensitive Periods.

• Child Development: Comprehensive study of early childhood developmental milestones and psychological growth.

• The Cosmic Educator: Exploring the spiritual preparation of the teacher, positive child observation, and detailed strategies for successfully navigating the critical First Day of School.

Module 2: Practical Life, Independence, & Environmental Design

Cultivating the foundational skills that underpin all future academic and social success.

• Developmental Aims: Designing lesson sequences that actively build a child’s concentration, coordination, order, and functional independence.

• Grace, Courtesy, & Peace: Practical strategies for teaching social configurations, grace and courtesy exercises, and establishing a peaceful, cooperative classroom culture.

• The Prepared Environment: In-depth discussions on classroom layout, aesthetic environmental design, and mastering The Art of the Presentation.

Module 3: Sensorial Foundations & The Bridge to Science

Refining the senses and building the “motor memory” required for advanced cognitive exploration.

• Sensory Refinement: Presenting the classical sensorial materials designed to isolate, classify, and refine visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory stimuli.

• The Neurological Bridge: Utilizing sensorial exploration to develop fine motor skills, establish “motor memory,” expand receptive and expressive language, and serve as the physical preparation for handwriting.

Module 4: Language Arts & Early Literacy

Guiding the young child from spoken word to joyful reading and writing.

• Oral Language: Techniques for fostering correct oral expression, vocabulary enrichment, and confident communication.

• The Mechanics of Literacy: Step-by-step instruction in multisensory Phonics, word-building with the Movable Alphabet, early reading mechanics, and expressive language development.

Module 5: Mathematics, Concrete Numeration, & Sensorial Geometry

Introducing the mathematical mind to abstract concepts through concrete, physical manipulation.

• Numeration & Base-10: Moving from quantities 1–10 to the comprehensive Decimal System, exploring place value up to 9,999 using specialized Montessori math materials.

• Mathematical Operations: Presenting concrete addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Applied Concepts: Introduction to foundational fraction concepts, counting money, telling time, and Sensorial Geometry (exploring 2D planes and 3D geometric solids).

Module 6: Cosmic Education & Cultural Studies

Opening the child’s eyes to the wonders of the natural world and human society.

• The Living World: Presentation sequences for introductory Botany (parts of plants, seeds, leaves) and Zoology(classifying vertebrates and invertebrates).

• Our World: Utilizing puzzle maps and globes to teach introductory physical and cultural Geography, alongside early concepts of History (the passage of time, daily timelines).

Module 7: Creative Arts Integration & Practical Wellness

Infusing artistic expression and physical joy into the daily life of the classroom.

• The Creative Child: Seamlessly integrating music, rhythm, singing, and visual art extensions directly into the daily curriculum.

• Holistic Health: Implementing age-appropriate health concepts, mindfulness, physical education, and practical Food Preparation skills into the life of the child.

Module 8: Supervised Practicum Laboratory & Material-Making

The physical synthesis of material presentation and environmental preparation.

• Material-Making Workshop: Dedicated studio time to craft high-quality, beautiful classroom charts, language cards, and specialized materials to bring back to your school.

• Hands-on Performance Lab: Extensive, supervised laboratory hours spent presenting materials to peers, practicing exact movements, and receiving real-time coaching from expert faculty.