UW-River Falls student receives national scholarship for Montessori teacher education

August 14, 2017-- A national teacher education scholarship from the American Montessori Society (AMS) has been awarded to a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Taylor Brendmoen of Minneapolis is enrolled in the UW-River Falls Montessori Teacher Education Program and will be earning her early childhood Montessori credentials and master’s degree next spring.

Brendmoen, who received a $2,500 award, was one of 23 students across the country recognized by the AMS Board and Scholarship Committee in honor of AMS 2017 Living Legacy Alice Renton.

Every year, the American Montessori Society awards teacher education scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers. According to the AMS website, the Teacher Education Scholarships support the growth of Montessori teachers of tomorrow. Individuals eligible for scholarships have been accepted, are in the process of being accepted, or are already enrolled in an AMS-affiliated teacher education program. Applicants are considered on the basis of financial need, a compelling personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and official verification of acceptance into an AMS-affiliated program.

Brendmoen works at the Kinderhaus Montessori School in Roseville, Minn., and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. She started the UW-River Falls program to earn her Montessori teaching credentials in 2016 after being hired by a private Montessori school.

“I have known that I wanted to be a Montessori educator since the first day that I set foot in a Montessori classroom,” said Brendmoen. “I instantly fell in love with the peaceful environment and its clear ability to bring out the best in children - and adults! I am humbled and honored that the American Montessori Society chose to help me attain my goals with a scholarship. I am eager to finish my teacher training and master’s this spring, and to dedicate my life to Montessori.”

Montessori is a holistic, child-centered form of education, developed in Italy more than 100 years ago by educational pioneer Dr. Maria Montessori, and based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood.

The UWRF graduate program began in 2012 in response to a growing need across the state for individuals trained in the Montessori methods of teaching. The program offered in River Falls is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and affiliated by the AMS. Currently, there are 35 students enrolled and 38 graduates.

The UWRF program appeals to both certified educators in K-12 schools and individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to teach in private Montessori schools. Students may choose to complete a graduate Montessori credential in Early Childhood, Elementary I or Elementary II in five consecutive semesters or an additional master of science in education degree in six semesters.

For more information about the classes, tuition, admissions requirements and application process, visit http://go.uwrf.edu/Montessori or contact Linda Jacobson by sending an email to montessori@uwrf.edu or calling 1-800-228-5607.

The American Montessori Society is a not-for-profit organization based in New York City, with nearly 15,000 members worldwide. Founded in 1960, AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. AMS is also a Montessori information hub, a voice in the public policy arena, and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community through support services, research, and professional development events.

UW-River Falls provides lifelong learners with academic, professional development and enrichment programs that are practical, flexible, convenient and affordable. A complete list of courses, course descriptions and online registration information is available at https://www.uwrf.edu/ContinuingEducation/ or by calling at 715-425-3256, 1-800-228-5607 or e-mailing outreach@uwrf.edu.