Chaminade University in collaboration with Star of the Sea Early Learning Center Peace Institute, hosts "The Summer Montessori Mission Education Program." This program is designed for teachers to enhance their skills and expertise for service beyond their own classroom. The program utilizes the philosophy and practices of Maria Montessori to demonstrate how to use the child’s own environment, both physical and cultural, for educational experiences. Teachers learn how to promote the growth and development of human potential that is tied closely to a commitment to responsible ecology, social harmony and world peace. No prior Montessori experience is necessary.

Phase I: Training July 13-16, 2008

The program focuses on the 3-6 year-old child and begins with a two-week intensive training in which teachers discover the unique possibilities I utilizing culturally and environmentally familiar materials to:

• Maximize children’s development and learning
• Awaken children to the gifts of creation
• Encourage children to be peaceful within themselves, caring for others, and responsibly respectful towards their environment

Phase II: Outreach Experience – 2008-2009

With the support of program staff, teachers identify, create and participate in an outreach experience of your choosing either in your own country or internationally. Previous students have celebrated their knowledge in a variety of settings:

• Conducting or training for outreach teachers in Cebu City, Philippines and organizing $5000 in donations of classrooms materials, uniforms, and supplies for these programs
• Responding to the special needs of children Katrina victims in New Orleans
• Volunteering in summer programs in Los Angeles inner city schools

For more information, please visit www.chaminade.edu/grad/summer or call 808-739-4663 or email jerry.richmond@adjunct.chaminade.edu.