Alverno, Montessori Institute of Milwaukee partner on new dual licensure program

Alverno College has partnered with the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee to create a dual licensure program that integrates the college’s Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Montessori teacher preparation program, the only program of its kind in Wisconsin, created in direct response to local, regional, and national need.

Designed to be completed in four years, the program weaves together Montessori and traditional education philosophies to prepare students to teach in both settings. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for two Wisconsin teaching licenses: an early childhood/middle childhood (birth to age 11) teaching license and a Montessori (ages 3-6 or ages 6-12) teaching license.

“This program addresses a critical need in southeastern Wisconsin and beyond, and it will put more highly trained Montessori teachers in classrooms where they’re needed,” said Dr. Patricia Luebke, dean of the College of Professional Studies at Alverno, which includes the Education division. “Alverno’s abilities-based education places an emphasis on hands-on learning, critical thinking and collaboration, so we know that students will find that our teacher preparation program blends excellently with the Montessori philosophy.”

The partnership also directly supports Alverno’s strategic plan. A long-time leader in teacher education, Alverno is connected to more than 150 private and public schools throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond, and students conduct their field-experience work and student-teach at a variety of urban and suburban schools.

The Montessori approach to education features multi-age classrooms, self-directed activity and hands-on learning. Trained Montessori teachers allow each child to develop at her or his own pace, using lessons and materials based on their characteristics and abilities. Students in the program will benefit from the specialized expertise of the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee, an Association Montessori Internationale training center.