The AMS Elementary Reading Certificate Program is designed for Montessori teachers who are interested in applying the science of reading by engaging the most recent research-based strategies for teaching reading in their Montessori classroom. Participants will develop an understanding of the essential components of reading and reading continuums that allow Montessori teachers to follow children’s development as readers. Matching children to their developmental stage on the continuum leads to an exploration of literacy strategies that support individual children. Participants will leave with a toolkit that enables them to extend the Montessori curriculum and enhance the reading development of children.
Registration for the Summer/Fall cohort is now open - This class meets for six weeks this summer and has additional assignments due in September and October when teachers are back in the classroom.
The program consists of 6 modules of self-guided study and live experiences held via Zoom. Part 1 is theoretical and Part 2 offers strategies and tools to explore the science of reading within your own environments and the children you work with. Assignments are designed to be reflective and to enhance your understanding of the science of reading, both in theory and in action. This class meets for six weeks this summer and has additional assignments due in September and October when teachers are back in the classroom.
For: Elementary 1 (6 – 9) and/or Elementary 2 (9 – 12) Montessori credentialed teachers, school leaders, and interventionists
Format: A blend of live (synchronous) experiences held via Zoom and on-demand (asynchronous) content. Recordings of the live sessions are made available to participants.
Time Commitment: 36 – 40 hours total (please see timelines below)
CPD Hours: 36 - A certificate of AMS Professional Development Hours will be emailed upon completion. An opportunity to purchase a CEU certificate for 3.6 CEUs will also be made available upon completion of the class at a cost of $28.
Cost: $800 non-members | $650 AMS members
The AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible applicants. Learn more.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Elementary Reading Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.
Group Discounts Available
AMS is excited to offer a variety of discounted group packages for this course. Group registrations must first contact us to be discounted.
5+ registrants: 5% discount
10+ registrants: 10% discount
20+ registrants: 15% discount
30+ registrants: 20% discount
Program Modules & Outcomes
Essential Components of Reading
Define the five essential components of reading
Continuum of Reading
Describe the purpose of the continuum of reading
Assessment Tools
Recognize the purpose of commonly used classroom-based assessment tools
Strategies & Science
Name instructional strategies supported by the science of reading
Montessori & 5 Essential Components
Use the Montessori curriculum to support the five essential components of reading
Cohort 8 (Summer/Fall 2024)
Timeline
Registration for the Summer/Fall cohort is now open. This class meets for six weeks this summer and has additional assignments due in September and October when teachers are back in the classroom.
Registration deadline: July 1, or until cohort is full
July 8: Program begins
November 2: Program ends
Live sessions will be held via Zoom on Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:15 PM (ET).
Modules 1 July 8 – July 14 Live Sessions via Zoom on: July 11
Module 2
July 15 – July 21
Live session via Zoom: July 18
Module 3 July 22 – July 28 Live Session via Zoom: July 25
Module 4 July 29 – August 4 Live Session via Zoom: August 1
Module 5 August 5 – August 11 Live Session via Zoom: August 8
Module 6 August 12 – August 18 Live Session via Zoom: August 15
Additional assignments will be due in September and October when teachers are back in classrooms and working with students.
Closing up for all assignments being due on November 16, 2024.
Meet the Facilitator
Linda S. Zankowsky
Linda S. Zankowsky, EdD, is the director of the University of Delaware Montessori Teacher Residency in Professional and Continuing Studies. Linda has 33 years experience as a reading specialist, classroom teacher, school principal, and head of school at Wilmington Montessori School, DE. Her focus is on literacy and assessment, social curriculum, and building professional learning communities. Linda serves as board chair of Sussex Montessori School and as chair of Montessori Works. She has consulted nationally with many Montessori schools and been a frequent presenter at The Montessori Event on the topics of reading and writing.
Special thanks to Dr. Vanessa Rigaud, Xavier University, for her service to the development of this program.
Looking for more Elementary I – II courses?
The AMS Elementary Writing Certificate Program is designed to shift teaching writing in a way that promotes collaboration and curiosity in the learning environment while significantly increasing students’ interest in writing.
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