Become a Montessori Teacher or Administrator
Do you have a passion for guiding children and/or adolescents in their self-development? Do you hope to contribute to the betterment of humankind through your work in education? Becoming a Montessori teacher or administrator may be right for you.
This profession, founded on Dr. Maria Montessori’s wisdom about how children grow and learn, can inspire you and enable you to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children, their families, and your community.
Become a Classroom Teacher
Montessori teachers are conduits between their students and the vast world of knowledge and discovery that surrounds them. Their role is to observe students, identifying their needs and responding with appropriate individualized guidance and instruction. Montessori teachers empower students by establishing trusting, respectful relationships that nurture children’s responsibility and joy in their own learning. Of course these are elements that enable teachers to thrive in the profession, as well.
In the classroom, the Montessori teacher prepares a rich educational environment designed to create natural opportunities for independence, citizenship, and accountability. With the guidance of their teachers, students work to meet rigorous learning objectives and pursue passionate inquiry.
Consider joining the community of highly skilled, specially trained Montessori educators around the world. You’ll learn to combine your creativity and compassion with scientist-like attention and the insight to guide your students to pursue their potential through individualized, developmentally appropriate exploration of their environment.
As a Montessori teacher you will contribute to, and bear witness to, children as they journey toward becoming knowledgeable, kind, and joyful adults. Join us in this important work!
Become a School Administrator
Is school leadership your passion? Do you enjoy supporting colleagues as they grow into the most effective educators they can be? Becoming a Montessori school administrator might be your calling. Heads of schools, principals, and program directors provide guidance and oversight to create and maintain vibrant, peaceful school communities. Administrators work with students, staff, and families to nurture harmonious relationships so that schools can operate in accordance with the philosophy and best practices of Montessori.
Are you an already credentialed Montessori Educator? Consider receiving a Montessori Inclusion Endorsement (MIE). The Montessori Inclusion Endorsement is a further study of Montessori practices, with focused attention on the education of students with disabilities.
Montessori Teacher Training
Ready to take the first step? Search for our directory of AMS-affiliated teacher education programs (TEPs) to find the one that meets your needs and interests. As part of your research, don’t be shy about reaching out to TEP directors for more information, and to request a visit or video call. They will be only too happy to answer your questions and help you decide if their programs are a good fit. You might even ask if they can connect you with current enrollees or graduates, and/or arrange for you to see a Montessori classroom in action, so that you may gain a multi-lens perspective.
As a successful graduate of an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, you will be awarded an AMS credential—a highly desirable and marketable indicator of your qualifications as a Montessori educator, which can open doors to job opportunities around the world.
Montessori Credential Course Levels, Administrator Credential Course, and Endorsements
No matter which developmental stage you are most drawn toward, infancy through adolescence, AMS has you covered! We award credentials at the following levels, including administrator:
- Infant & Toddler (birth – age 3)
- Early Childhood (ages 2 1/2 – 6)
- Elementary I (ages 6 – 9)
- Elementary II (ages 9 – 12)
- Elementary I – II (ages 6 – 12)
- Secondary I (ages 12 – 15)
- Secondary I – II (ages 12 – 18)
- Administrator
- Montessori Inclusion Endorsement (MIE)
To be eligible to earn an AMS credential or endorsement (MIE) at an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, you must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university documented in the form of an official original college/university transcript, or its equivalent, as determined by a recognized credential evaluation service. To receive a MIE, you must already have an AMS recognized Montessori credential, and a minimum of one year teaching experience in a Montessori classroom, after receipt of credential. To learn more about the Montessori Inclusion Endorsement, visit our page.
If you have a Secondary level (high school) diploma, a general equivalency diploma (GED), or the international equivalent, but have not earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university or its equivalent, you may be eligible for an Associate credential. The Associate credential is available at the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood levels only. AMS strongly encourages holders of the Associate credential to obtain a bachelor’s degree so that they may upgrade to a Full credential: A Full credential will open a world of opportunities.
How Long Will It Take?
Typically, it takes 1 – 2 years to earn an AMS credential. This includes academic hours that take place in person with an instructor, or as a blend of in-person and online experiences. These hours vary by course level and include invigorating classroom discussion as well as hands-on activities. You will create Montessori albums (i.e., teaching manuals for the various curricular areas); read texts and journal articles; write reports; observe students in their classroom environment; create a yearlong project; and more. A large part of the academic portion of the studies usually takes place over the course of the summer, though each TEP's schedule may differ.
Once a significant portion of your coursework is complete, you will be ready for a practicum—a real-life, yearlong experience teaching children or adolescents in a Montessori classroom. Experienced mentors will guide your practice and observe your growth as a professional. For those employed in a Montessori school, the practicum may take place in their classroom.
The Montessori Inclusion Endorsement is a shorter course of study, with a 16 week practicum.
“Being a Montessori guide has influenced every area of my life for the better.”
