Class At-a-Glance:
Class Length: 6 Weeks
Time Commitment: 36 – 40 hours
Delivery Method: Synchronous Zoom Sessions and On-Demand Modules
CPD Hours: 36
Audience: Elementary 1 (6 – 9) and/or Elementary 2 (9 – 12) Montessori credentialed teachers, school leaders, and interventionists
Cost: Members $670 | Non-Members $820
Elementary Reading Certificate Program
The AMS Elementary Reading Certificate Program is designed for Montessori teachers who are interested in applying the science of reading by engaging the most recent research-based strategies for teaching reading in their Montessori classroom.
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Program Description
Participants will develop an understanding of the essential components of reading and reading continuums that allow Montessori teachers to follow children’s development as readers. Matching children to their developmental stage on the continuum leads to an exploration of literacy strategies that support individual children. Participants will leave with a toolkit that enables them to extend the Montessori curriculum and enhance the reading development of children.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Elementary Writing Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.
Registration is now open for the Winter 2026 cohort!
Program Details
Winter 2026
Timeline
Live Sessions held on Thursdays:
- Registration deadline: February 4, 2026, or until cohort is full
- Classes begin: February 9, 2026
- Classes end: April 5, 2026
- All assignments due: April 19, 2026
Live sessions will be held via Zoom on Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:15 PM (ET) on Feb 12, 19, 26, March 5, 16 (Monday), April 2
Cost and Scholarships
AMS MEMBER
$670
NON-MEMBER
$820
Not a member? Join AMS today and get $150 instant savings on this course and others like it. See all benefits.
The AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible applicants. Learn more.
AMS is excited to offer a variety of discounted group packages for this class. Group registrations must first contact us to be discounted.
Program Modules & Outcomes
Module 1: Essential Components of Reading
Define the five essential components of reading.
Module 2: Continuum of Reading
Describe the purpose of the continuum of reading.
Module 3: Assessment Tools
Recognize the purpose of commonly used classroom-based assessment tools.
Module 4: Strategies & Science Part 1
Describe and use instructional strategies supported by the science of reading. Use the Montessori curriculum to support the five components of reading.
Module 5: Strategies & Science Part 2
What does research tell us about comprehension and vocabulary instruction across the continuum of reading?
Module 6: Strategies & Science Part 3
Bringing it all together: moving readers to independence.
Meet the Facilitator
Linda S. Zankowsky, EdD
Linda S. Zankowsky, EdD, is the director of the University of Delaware Montessori Teacher Residency in Professional and Continuing Studies. Linda has 33 years experience as a reading specialist, classroom teacher, school principal, and head of school at Wilmington Montessori School, DE. Her focus is on literacy and assessment, social curriculum, and building professional learning communities. Linda serves as board chair of Sussex Montessori School and as chair of Montessori Works. She has consulted nationally with many Montessori schools and been a frequent presenter at The Montessori Event on the topics of reading and writing.
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