The Early Childhood program at Trine University’s Center for Montessori Education
has earned Full Accreditation Initial status from the Montessori Accreditation Council
for Teacher Education (MACTE).
“By becoming accredited, the Center for Montessori Education at Trine University joins
the ranks of top Montessori teacher education programs worldwide that prepare professional
educators to enter the field of teaching at the highest level of quality and engage
in continuous improvement,” said Laurie Stockton-Moreno, director of the Center for
Montessori Education at Trine. “This accreditation demonstrates to schools and families
that teachers and the children in their care receive the highest quality education.”
The MACTE Board of Directors voted to grant the status for a seven-year term to Trine’s
program at its June 21 meeting, based on submission of an acceptable interim report
no later than Dec. 21, 2026.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, MACTE accredits Montessori certification
programs based on evidence that they prepare competent, caring, qualified professional
Montessori educators and have the capacity to monitor and improve program quality.
“We are so proud of Professor Stockton-Moreno and her efforts to lead the Center for
Montessori Education at Trine University through a successful accreditation process,”
said Tony Kline, Ph.D., dean of Trine’s Franks School of Education. “By earning this
recognition and becoming Indiana's first university to offer accredited Montessori
teacher training, we believe our high-quality, whole child-centered programs will
benefit educators and their learners in both traditional and Montessori school settings.”
Launched in 2020, the Center for Montessori Education at Trine University offers one-year
Early Childhood and Elementary I training programs in Montessori education. Students
also can earn a Master of Education in Montessori Early Childhood Education by completing
the Montessori training coursework plus one additional TrineOnline course.
“Our training allows Trine to meet the growing need for highly qualified child care
experts and educators whose interest is in a developmental approach to learning and
in inspiring discovery and innovation in the children they serve,” Stockton-Moreno
said.
“Parents recognize the value of early learning that addresses the natural, developmental
needs of children and they value learning activities that support the whole child.
Montessori education prepares children for life in the real world, builds confidence
that leads to strength of character and independence, and fosters thinking children
who are kind, caring and responsible.”
Photo: Aliya Franco, a student in the Early Childhood program at Trine University’s Center
for Montessori Education, gestures as her class meets outside on Trine's Angola campus.
(Photo by Dean Orewiler)
Last Updated: 06/30/2022