CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University faculty and friends gathered to cut the ribbon on the newly created Montessori classroom, where students will gain a firsthand feel for Montessori teaching methods.

Dr. Robin Magruder, Dean of the School of Education, introduced the Montessori classroom during its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 13. “This year, every early childhood faculty member contributed to this room, and every early childhood faculty member was busy moving items and organizing the room.”

The new Montessori classroom is the only one of its kind in Kentucky. During classes, CU students will be able to see firsthand how a Montessori classroom functions and the tools educators use to teach children.

Montessori, named after its founder, Dr. Maria Montessori, is a teaching method founded in the early 1900s and typically used with children up to six years old, but can also be employed with older children. The approach involves heavy focus on independent and hands-on learning. The focus on sensorial learning leans into a child’s instinct for discovery while also being guided by an instructor.

Assistant Professor and Montessori Program Coordinator, Dr. Julie Ann Ball, expressed her enthusiasm for the new classroom, "Dr. Montessori taught us that the hand is the instrument of the mind, and rightly so. It is my prayer that this classroom can be used by all education students to understand the power of hands-on learning."

 

 

Dr. Magruder pointed out that a plaque just outside the classroom will honor the tremendous efforts of the program’s largest advocates, Dr. Sharon and Richard Hundley.

As a professor of education at CU and Chair of Early Childhood Education, Dr. Sharon Hundley has been a tremendous help in creating the Montessori classroom.

“CU developed a Montessori bachelor's and master's degree program, but we didn't have an actual classroom with the materials. Our students would have to go to a school with a Montessori classroom and use it as a reference. We now have our own fully developed demonstration classroom, we can now offer that training unit and the courses where they learn how to teach all of those different lessons using the Montessori materials,” explained Hundley.

Hundley expanded on the experiences future educators will have while in the Montessori program: “Students practice with our Montessori classroom here on campus, then they will take what they’ve learned and select any Montessori school for a two-semester-long practicum where they receive real in-classroom experience as an educator.”

CU Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jeanette Parker, said, “Our School of Education is exceptional. They prepare highly qualified educators every day. This beautiful Montessori classroom is a tangible reminder of their commitment to students and to excellence in all their programs.”

The Montessori Education program at Campbellsville University offers an in-depth study of Montessori methods in bachelor’s and master’s degrees, child development, and curriculum design. Grounded in a Christian educational framework, this program emphasizes hands-on learning and reflective practice.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs, including doctoral, master's, bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. For complete information, please visit www.campbellsville.edu.