To expand the Montessori message and support generations of teachers who wish to free young minds and apply a holistic approach to learning, The Montessori Institute for Teacher Education, founded in 1998, took on the great privilege of being the foundation for adult learners in the tri-state area. In May 2011, The Montessori Academy of Delaware, as well as the Montessori Institute for Teacher Education, changed ownership and is now housed at International Montessori Schools (IMSchools – West Chester PA). The Executive Director, Raife Cebeci, is an AMS Early Childhood credentialed teacher and holds an MS degree in Education. Since 1998, she has been establishing schools, based upon the Montessori Philosophy.
Raife Cebeci is the Founder/Head of Schools, International Montessori Schools, which has four locations, located in Paoli, Malvern, Royersford and West Chester, PA . Raife has established Montessori schools, as well as a teacher education program, in Istanbul, Turkey, since 2012. In 2019, The Montessori Institute of Teacher Education (MITE) moved to the IMSchools West Chester campus and received its license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools (PA-DOE) .
Over the years, MITE has helped certify nearly 100 adult learners to become Montessori Teachers. These individuals now reside around the country, making Montessori magic happen in the lives of so many young children.
MITE is fully accredited through the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), is affiliated by the American Montessori Society (AMS), and is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools (PA-DOE).