About Us
About Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies
The Montessori Teacher Preparation Program for Early Childhood (ages 2-1/2 to 6) is located in Castro Valley, California in cooperation with California State University, East Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Four Questions You May Wish to Ask About Our Program
Choosing the right Montessori teacher training program is an important decision.
Why would you get training from the Montessori Institute?
Four reasons:
- Deep philosophical base in Montessori principles.
- Small classes, individual attention towards learning and practice.
- Convenient, alternate Saturday classes, as well as Summer Intensive to complete certification course within one year.
- All graduates are hired by reputable schools.
What is the best training available?
This is what our graduates have said:
- “Classes were excellent.”
- “Every instructor brought enormous amount of knowledge to the class.”
- “I will never be the same because of this experience.”
What program will increase your earnings at the lowest cost with a top quality program?
- Our faculty averages 25 years of experience in classroom teaching and directing their own schools.
- Our tuition is reasonable.
- Classes, practicum workshops and seminars allow ample time to internalize theory and classroom practice.
Would you receive college credit for your work?
- Yes! You can receive up to 12 units of academic credit through the Division of Extension of California State University, East Bay. These units are accepted by the Human Development Department towards a Bachelor’s degree at CSU EB.
- Some universities in the U.S. accept credits from teacher education programs like ours that are MACTE accredited and AMS affiliated towards a Masters Degree.
The Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies believes that each individual pursues his/her own growth within the limits of social responsibility. Our teacher-training program offers an opportunity to verify what gifts reside inside the student-teachers for helping children in their self-learning. Most importantly, we intend to nourish an intuitive quality of attention. In its presence we will experience openness to the child’s heart and receive its trust in return.
Training Program Mission and Overview
Mission Statement
The Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies believes that each individual pursues his/her own growth within the limits of social responsibility, as stated in Maria Montessori’s Philosophy of Education. Our Teacher-Training Program offers an opportunity to verify what gifts reside inside the student-teachers for helping children in their self-learning. Most important of these qualities that we intend to nourish is an intuitive quality of attention. In its presence we will experience openness to the child’s heart and receive itstrust in return.
The Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies goals are:
- Prepare teachers to conduct early childhood education for ages 2.5 through 6 yearswith a deep grounding in Montessori’s philosophy;
- Develop teachers who receive Montessori training in the contemporary context of child development and educational thought;
- Create teachers as “scientific pedagogues” who see the prepared environment as a dynamic system that follows the child in the pursuit of his/her intellectual and moral needs.
How To Apply
Your Path to Becoming a Teacher
Getting started is simple. Follow these four steps to begin your journey to become a certified
Montessori educator.
Apply Online
Complete our simple online application form with your basic information and educational background. Our admissions team will review your submission.
1
Submit Documents
Provide required documents including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement about your interest in Montessori education.
2
Attend Orientation
Join our comprehensive orientation session to meet faculty, tour our training facility, and learn about program expectations and requirements.
3
Start Training
Begin your transformative journey toward becoming a certified Montessori educator with our comprehensive 16-month Early Childhood program.
4
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Faculty
Our experienced faculty are dedicated Montessori practitioners who bring decades ofcombined classroom and training experience to guide your journey.
Meher van Groenou
M.A., Montessori Education, St. Mary’s College, Moraga, California. MSW from University of Michigan, A.M.S. Early Childhood Credential. Teacher since 1981 and Teacher-Trainer since 1986 in USA, Europe and India. TRN Mentor, researcher, author, and AMS workshop presenter
Irene Baker, MEd
Irene holds both primary (ages 3-6) and elementary (ages 6-12) Montessori certifications and has taught at all three levels. She has been a Montessori teacher-trainer for both primary and elementary levels for over 20 years and taught at the Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies for 17 years.
Julianne Golden
Since completing my Montessori training in 2011, I have served as a lead teacher, mentored interns, worked as a site director, and now proudly hold the role of Head of School. In 2013, I expanded my journey into adult education, teaching for several Montessori training programs, and was honored to lead one as the Director.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in Montessori education.
Join our community of dedicated educators making a difference.