St. Maarten Montessori School
St. Maarten Montessori Teacher Education Program (MACTE AND TEAC) The Early Childhood Course (for teaching 2 ½ to 6 year old children). These are on-site courses offered over the course of one year. The course will begin on October 6, 2008. A paid or volunteer internship at a Montessori school is also required.

Course Overview


The components of this course include Independent Study, Academic Phase, Practicum Phase and Final Evaluation.

The Independent Study is comprised of reading and research in Montessori Principles and the Philosophy, followed by preparation of essays, assigned Observations in Montessori Schools, with written reports, are also included in this section.

The Academic Phase (260 hours scheduled classes for lectures and material demonstrations) includes lectures on Principles and Philosophy, Child Development, Classroom Management, Demonstrations on Montessori materials and preparation of material albums.

The Practicum Phase (540 hours of paid or volunteer internship in a Montessori school) is a practice teaching experience which includes observations, assignments, and evaluation by the supervising teacher and the practicum supervisor.

The Final Evaluation includes Oral and Written examinations and presentation of Year’s Research Project and Material Albums.


“The teacher nevertheless has many difficult functions to perform. Her cooperation is not at all excluded, but it becomes prudent, delicate, and manifold. She does not have need of words, or energy or severity; but she must be able to make prudent observations, to assist a child by going up to o r withdrawing from, him, and by speaking or keeping silence in accordance to his needs” (Discovery of the Child)

Entrance Requirements


Applicants should have some College or University but at least some post secondary education and be at least 20 years of age. Preferences will be given to those who have completed a University degree in a related field such as education, sociology or psychology.

Consideration will be given to mature applicants who lack academic requirements but possess relevant experience. Applicants that do not have a degree will with successful completion of the course be awarded a diploma which states it is an Associate level diploma.

Job Opportunities



The need for Montessori teachers continues to grow all over the world and notifications of teaching opportunities worldwide will be provided for all of our students.

About our New Campus



Lakeview Montessori School in Windsor, Ontario, Canada has been offering Teacher training since 1980. St. Maarten Montessori School is the new Campus for the A.M.S. (American Montessori Society) Early Childhood Course offered and directed by Janice Mayhew of Lakeview Montessori School.
St. Maarten Montessori School is the site being used for this course which is in its fourth year. The school was established in 1993. The school was a dream and realization of Huguette and Andrew Erato. They wanted an environment where they would happily be able to send their daughters and one that would offer the dignity of education supplied by the Montessori Method. Together with Ms. Patzalek, another dream of offering teacher training to adults has been realized by offering this training program.

Course Schedule
Our first class will begin on October 6th 2008. Our classes will run on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Our teaching Staff


Teacher Education Director: Janice Mayhew Courey
Janice Mayhew Courey has trained hundreds of Montessori teachers at both the Early Childhood and Elementary level, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and in London, England. She has her Early Childhood Diploma with Montessori training (0-6years), and Honour B.A., a Masters Degree in Education and an Advanced (6-12 years) Montessori Diploma. Ms. Mayhew Courey taught at Montessori House of Children in London, Ontario, Canada 1974-76 and founded Lakeview Montessori School in 1978. Throughout her tenure as a Montessori Teacher she has been involved in the education of children for 18 months to 14 years. She can be reached at: jmayhew@cogeco.ca


Site co-ordinator and instructor: Madalaine Patzalek
Madalaine Patzalek has given Montessori teacher education courses in Toronto, Windsor as well as London, England. She has her Early Childhood Diploma with Montessori (0-6 years) and her Advanced (6-12 years) Diplomas. Ms Patzalek has had many years of experience teaching children and adults in the Montessori Method.
Teaching children from 2-10 years of age at Askin Montessori School in London, Ontario (27 years), Lakeview Montessori School, Gibbons Park Montessori School and is now at St. Maarten Montessori School. She may be reached by e-mail at mteach@caribserve.net or after school hours at 599-5804505.

Tuition Fees and payment schedule


The cost of the course is $5200 (U.S.D.)
This may be paid in three installments of $1734.00. First payment is due in full upon registration into the course, second payment due November 18th, 2008 and the third installment is due March 10th, 2009.

Tuition includes: Registration fee to A.M.S. ($115), Basic Textbooks for the course, Student Handbook and Lectures and Material instruction/marking by the instructors.

Refund Policy: Once the applicant is accepted into the course and paid the first installment withdrawal from the course before classes begin will offer a refund of $1234. The $500 registration fee is non-refundable. After the classes have begun refunds will be pro-rated according to the expenses incurred for the student in instruction time and marking by the date of withdrawal of the course. Withdrawal must be received by the student and addressed to the training course. The student is responsible for any other costs that may begin after enrolment to obtain further materials, and additional fees for retaking any tests.


Registration form available upon request