SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
INITIate
Please download the Montessori Teacher Information Page and the relevant materials list for your classroom levels. This should be uploaded on this page. For efficient processing be sure all documents are filled in completely before uploading them.
Glossary of Terms
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Child-directed work – child selects and initiates their own activities from the prepared environment of the classroom
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Montessori credentialed teacher – teacher having a Montessori credential from an MIA approved program that includes completion of practicum
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Prepared Montessori environment – use of Montessori materials (Essential Montessori Materials)
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Uninterrupted work period – a classroom work period of at least 2.5 hours
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Core Montessori Components – Montessori credentialed teacher, prepared environment, multi-age classroom, child-directed work, and uninterrupted work periods
Process of Initiate Level
An Initiate Level School is a school that is currently working toward – or is striving toward having – a Montessori classroom that incorporates all of the Core Montessori Components (see Glossary).
Progressing through the Steps of Initiate School Member level to achieve a qualified Montessori classroom may take as long as 5 years for some schools. Other schools may complete the process in less time.
Schools may work through the process of achieving a qualified Montessori classroom in different ways. The following is an example of how the
process may be accomplished:
Step 1 School applies for MIA School Membership using the MIA Initiate School Membership form and agrees to follow MIA Code of Ethics. The school will formulate a plan for incorporating Core Montessori Components into the school’s program.
Step 2 On or before the end of year 3 of MIA membership, school will have in one classroom, a Montessori credentialed teacher and 100 % of essential Montessori materials. The school will continue to maintain a plan for incorporating the other 3 Core Components.
Step 3 On or before the end of year 4 of MIA membership, school will have incorporated multi-age group of children into the Montessori classroom. The school will continue to maintain a plan for incorporating the other 2 Core Components.
Step 4 On or before the end of year 5 of MIA membership, school will have incorporated child-directed work into the Montessori classroom. The school will continue to maintain a plan for incorporating the other Core Component.
Step 5 On or before the end of year 6 of MIA membership, school will have incorporated into the Montessori classroom an uninterrupted work period of at least 2.5 hours.
Step 6 Having successfully incorporated and continuing to maintain the specifications of Steps 1-5, the school may apply for Associate Level Membership.