This course is for Montessorians working with students (primary through adolescents) who receive special education services. Children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) spend most of their school time in the general education classroom; here is where the majority of learning takes place.
The purpose of the course is to provide Montessori teachers with essential knowledge about special education, high-incidence disabilities, and critical practical strategies and guidelines in order to to effectively meet individual needs while making the Montessori curriculum accessible.
“The course provided invaluable insights into IEPs, 504 plans, autism spectrum awareness, and ongoing research in special education and Montessori methods. This wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly enhance my teaching career in a Montessori classroom.”
“This course taught new strategies for struggling students that can be incorporated into a Montessori classroom.”
Participants will learn about:
- the evaluation process & high incidence disabilities
- coplanning with the special education team & family communication
- content of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- practical guidelines, applications, and class accommodations for students with needs related to:
- Reading disabilities
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sensory processing issues
Calendar
| Date | Topic | Tools & Resources |
| July 8 | Orientation to Special Education | Assorted readings |
| July 10 | Collaboration with Special Education Teams and Families | Sample IEP |
| July 15 | The IEP | MontessoriPublic Fall 2022 |
| July 17 | Reading | Social stories |
| July 22 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | |
| July 24 | ADHD & Executive Function | Assorted readings |
| July 29 | Sensory Issues | Assorted readings |
| July 31 | Wrapping It Up | Sight word inventory, intervention plan template |
Format
- eight 90-minute live sessions
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET
- three hours of outside work
Attendance and certificates: Certificates of attendance are available for participants who attend 80% or more of live sessions. Participants who successfully complete the course are eligible to request Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Lander University for an additional fee of $25.
Live session recordings: When available, recordings of live sessions are accessible to participants for six months after the date of the session.
Paying by check: We accept payment via most credit cards. To request to pay by check, use this form. You will not be registered until your check has been received. We confirm payment and registration via email. Questions about payment? Contact payments@public-montessori.org.
Photos and video: NCMPS may take photos or record video during this course. By participating in this event, you consent to your likeness being used for promotional purposes without compensation, and you release NCMPS from any liability related to this use. If you do not want your likeness used in this way, you may inform the course staff, and NCMPS will make its best effort to prevent such use.
Can’t make this course? Bring this course to you! Please email pd@public-montessori.org for information about hosting this course as a face-to-face or virtual workshop at your school.
About the Instructor:
María Carvajal brings over 25 years of experience in teaching, educational research, consulting, mentorship, and program management across El Salvador, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. She is a certified AMI elementary guide with classroom experience at the primary level. María holds a B.A. and M.A. in Humanities from the University of Navarra and an M.Ed. in Montessori Elementary Education from Loyola University Maryland.
Her professional focus includes trauma-informed practices, English learner support, and early academic intervention. Her research has explored topics such as at-risk student populations, language development delays, and the link between social-emotional skills and literacy.
María previously served as a full-time instructor and coach with the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS).
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