Coronavirus Update to the CMI Community

5/19/2020

Dear Montessori Colleagues,

We hope that this letter finds you, your family, and loved ones healthy and well amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  With circumstances out of our control, it can feel unsettling as we try to navigate the future. One thing is for sure, we can focus on the positive and see how often during a crisis, people work together for the greater good. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote, “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” —To Educate the Human Potential.  

In the last several months, Montessori educators have had to grow in ways, we never could have predicted, shifting from hands-on learning environments to various online platforms. To support interested applicants, Cambridge Montessori Institute (CMI) recognized the need to shift to a blended online learning model and we intend to move forward with its 2020-2021 Infant Toddler Teacher Education Program.

While we are still in the process of working out the details, we are committed to supporting you through your Montessori journey of becoming an AMS certified infant and toddler teacher.  We are developing a structured and supportive, user-friendly online classroom platform where adult learners will be provided with enriched learning experiences with faculty and classmates.  This format will combine both asynchronous and synchronous online learning, through video lectures, “face-to-face” online lectures, book groups sessions, group projects, journal reflections, class discussions, and self-guided course work. While there is still a great deal of uncertainty as to when Cambridge Montessori Institute will be able to hold in-residence classes at Cambridge Montessori School,  we remain committed to providing a high quality, learning whether it be in person or through distance learning.   

For the 2020-2021 cohort year, Cambridge Montessori Institute will begin with online learning and when appropriate transition back to campus to continue in-residence classes at Cambridge Montessori School. We anticipate that with its online academic model, participants will be able to complete a large portion of their course work online prior to entering their practicum phase.  Additional seminar and practicum hours may be needed to meet requirements outlined by both the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Montessori Accreditation Council for Teachers (MACTE).  Completing observation and practicum hours are a key component to becoming a trained and certified Montessori teacher, so please keep in mind that there is the potential for the cohort of 2020-2021 to extend over the course of two years.CMI is committed to keeping  our school communities safe and will be taking directives for returning to campus and beginning the practicum phases from Head of Cambridge Montessori School, Dr. Ingrid Tucker; the CDC;  state and local health officials; as well as AMS and MACTE.  CMI will keep all adult learners informed throughout the course.

The faculty of Cambridge Montessori Institute is working to create a momentous and dynamic course.  We are looking forward to welcoming you into our program.  Now might be the perfect time to begin your journey.  We are here for you,  so please do not hesitate to contact us.  It would be our pleasure to support you in any way during these changing times.

On behalf of the faculty of Cambridge Montessori Institute, we offer you health and peace.

Warm regards,

Amy Wood

Administrative Coordinator

Cambridge Montessori Institute