Inspire a lifelong love of learning
Montessori training for pre-K to Kindergarten teachers (ages 3-6)
Prepare to guide children during their most important years of development. Earn a Montessori primary certification through a residency model that combines classroom experience, mentoring, coaching and coursework.
How Montessori supports child development
Montessori educators help children develop their unique abilities while encouraging them to stretch, challenge themselves and explore new ideas.
Self-directed learning
Children follow their interests and learn through purposeful activities that foster engagement.
Literacy & numeracy skills
Children build strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences.
Critical thinking
Children develop the ability to work independently, make decisions and solve problems.
What you’ll learn
Through the Primary Residency Program, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to create engaging learning environments that support children’s academic, social and emotional growth. You will learn how to:
- Create developmentally appropriate learning environments
- Support literacy and language development
- Build foundational mathematics skills
- Foster cultural understanding and global awareness
- Encourage social-emotional growth
- Strengthen executive functioning skills
The residency experience
The residency combines coursework, coaching and classroom practice to help educators apply Montessori principles in real-world settings.
School-based residency
Gain hands-on experience through an 18-month residency in a partnering Montessori school.
Montessori coursework
Build a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy, child development and instructional methods.
Coaching and field supervision
Receive individualized support and feedback from experienced Montessori educators.
Flexible learning format
Complete a combination of online, virtual and in-person learning experiences.
Why choose the UD Montessori Teacher Academy?
The University of Delaware Montessori Teacher Residency Program prepares educators to serve children and communities through a comprehensive, practice-based approach to teacher preparation.
Learn while teaching
Apply Montessori principles in an authentic classroom setting throughout your training.
Personalized support
Benefit from coaching, field supervision and mentoring from experienced Montessori educators.
Accredited pathway
UDMTR is an Applicant in Good Standing with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), with accreditation anticipated in 2026.
Your path to certification
The Primary Program combines intensive summer training, school-year residency experiences and ongoing coursework over approximately 18 months.
- Summer Year 1 Montessori fundamentals and intensive primary training
- School Year 1 Residency, coaching, supervision and monthly coursework
- Summer Year 2 Advanced primary training
- Fall Year 2 Final supervision, oral examinations and written examinations
2027 Cohort Timeline
Summer 1 (2027)
- June 12, 2027 — Signed MOU (memorandum of understanding) with school (due with 10% deposit)
- June 1-June 30, 2027 — Fundamentals Seminar (online)— Online self-paced prerequisite course (available to residents after course deposit is processed).
- July 1, 2027 — Payment deadline — balance of program tuition due
- June 30, July 1, 6, 7 : Virtual class – Montessori Theory — 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- July 19 to August 6: in-person intensive on Montessori materials and lessons. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Practical Life, Sensorial, Classroom Leadership, Intro to Language, Intro to Math
Academic Year 1 – (School Year 2027-28)
- Nine Friday seminars — Exact dates to be determined; 2027: September through May, 8:30 am - 4:40 pm
- Other program components —
- 20 coaching sessions (1 hour per session of observation and debrief)
- 20 lesson practice sessions
- 30 hours of observation
- 2 field supervision visits, plus assignments; classroom observations and completion of Montessori albums.
Summer 2 – (2028)
- Two weeks, early July, 2028: in person – Location TBD
Fall 2028 — Prepare albums, exam practice
- Final Field Supervision
- 10 Coaching sessions
- 10 Lesson Practice sessions
- Final oral and written exams – by end of December 2028
2026 Cohort Timeline
Summer 1 (2026)
- June 1 to July 6 – Online Montessori Fundamentals (10 self-paced modules)
- July 6-9: Virtual class – Montessori Theory — Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- July 20 to August 7: in-person – Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
- Practical Life, Sensorial, Classroom Leadership, Intro to Language, Intro to Math
Academic Year 1 – (School Year 2026-27)
- Last Friday of every month – September to May
- 9/25, 10/30 – Virtual, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- 11/20, 1/29, 2/26, 3/19, 4/30, 5/28: In Person, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (location to be determined)
- Distance Learning (One self-paced surround course each month – 8 hours each.) Total of 9 courses for 72 hours. One monthly live session on Zoom.
- 20 Coaching sessions / Field Supervision -2 visits
Summer 2 – (2027)
- July 5-23, 2027: in person – Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
Fall/Winter 2027 — Exam practice and final field supervision
- Final field supervision
- Final oral and written exams – by end of December 2027
For more information
For more information about Montessori education, the UD Montessori Teacher Residency or other program details, please contact us via the following webform:
