Summer Cohort Program

General Course Information

A gift of this program is the time allowed to reflect on and develop the spiritual side of the teacher or administrator. This is accomplished through collaborative group study and discussions regarding Montessori philosophy, as well as, personal reflective assignments. Students will also gain new ideas for their classrooms, create materials and learn new extensions and variations of the Montessori materials.

The cohort will give you the opportunity to discuss the difficulties found in balancing Montessori philosophy with the demands of district and state programs. Included in these discussions and lectures will be such topics as meeting content standards, testing and classroom management. A variety of administrator's from full day childcare settings to public schools will share their experiences and insights with you. During the cohort, you will have the opportunity to visit Montessori schools and summer programs and participate in fieldtrips that will support the creation of curriculum in a variety of areas of study.

The Xavier University Montessori Program supports the American Montessori Society's stand regarding the need for ongoing research in Montessori environments. The cohort is designed to enable students to create a research study and implement it throughout the first year. Based on outcomes, students will begin writing a research paper which is to be turned in November 20, 2009. Your research paper will be included in the Montessori program library and you will have the option to publish it on the program's website.

Admission Information

We are accepting applications for twenty students to attend the 2008-09-cohort program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beyond May 1, 2008 or until the program is filled. To be considered for admission you must have a Montessori credential through an accredited program and submit the following to the Office of Graduate Services: (Xavier University; Office of Graduate Services; 3800 Victory Parkway, 312 Elet Hall; Cincinnati, OH 45207-6541)

• Completed application with application fee
• One official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work from accredited colleges or universities
• Official scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). All students seeking admission should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 from an accredited college or university.

You must submit the following to the Montessori office:

• Three letters of recommendation
• A professional goal statement

Upon acceptance into the program, students must submit a $100 non-refundable deposit which will be applied toward tuition.
The Masters Degree program tuition rate is $505.00 per credit hour.

Financial Aid

Xavier University offers financial aid to graduate students. You are welcome to apply for graduate study grants. Accepted degree seeking students are eligible to borrow federal student loans to cover both tuition, room and board. Payment plans are also available upon request.

Housing

University housing is available during the summer. Contact Beverly Bobbitt at bobbitt@xavier.edu.

Faculty

The Xavier University full-time and part-time faculty is comprised of highly qualified and experienced Montessorians working in all areas of Montessori education including administration, teaching and intervention specialists. The Montessori Teacher Education Program has been instrumental in developing five Cincinnati Public Montessori schools and is internationally recognized having supported programs in South Korea, Taiwan and Australia. We also conduct school consultations and professional development.

Course Schedule 2008 - 2009

As required by Xavier University, students will complete a written comprehensive exam. This exam will allow you to reflect on your best practices and those that require change as well as Montessori philosophy in light of current educational research. Comprehensive  exam due date: October 28, 2009.

* Course title may change, pending University committee approval.

For questions about admission or financial aid contact Graduate Services 513 745-3360 or 800 344-4698 or e-mail xugrad@xavier.edu.