Practicum Information

Practicum Information

No part of the practicum may precede the beginning of the academic phase of the course.

Since the purpose of the practicum is to offer the adult learner the opportunity for practice with the information and insights acquired during the academic phase, at least 90% of the academic contact hours for the level (not including assessment) must be completed prior to the end of the practicum experience.

Practicum Standards

The internship/student teaching experience follows the initial summer academic phase of the training in the classroom of a VCMS approved school and supported by a Montessori-certified supervising teacher. The practicum is scheduled for a five-day week for a minimum of four hours per day during the school year for a minimum of 540 clock hours for Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood. The Elementary practicum is a minimum of 6 hours a day. This includes preparation before and after the children’s morning work cycle. All adult learners are required to complete at least 540 practicum hours at the IT and EC levels and 1080 at the Elementary levels. Adult Learners are encouraged to complete all academic and practicum assignments during the program cycle.

Extensions

VCMS adult learners are expected to complete all course requirements, including academic, practicum and financial requirements within the program cycle in which they are enrolled. VCMS permits adult learners who are in good standing with the program to be granted an extension of one year after the conclusion of the program cycle in which the adult learner initially enrolled. The adult learner will need to make a written request stating the reason for the extension. Adult learners requesting an extension will pay a $300 extension fee.

Practicum Options

Supervised Internship

The school will provide a supervising teacher or a mentor for self-directed interns and a classroom with the full complement of Montessori materials.

Supervision of adult learners is provided by the supervising teacher, mentor-teacher and a field consultant. For a self-directed practicum additional support may be required that is documented on the AMS credential recommendation form is required.

Self-Directed Internship

Experienced adult learners may qualify for the self-directed practicum with one or more of the following:

  1. Prior experience as an assistant in a Montessori environment

  2. Two or more years of previous teaching experience at the Early Childhood age level.

  3. A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university or its equivalent.

For a self-directed internship, the practicum director, mentor teacher or field consultant will cover the supervising teacher’s responsibilities.