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American Montessori Society-affiliated teacher education programs (TEPs) offer exceptional preparation for Montessori teachers and administrators.
Type of Program
Credential Level
Delivery Method
We offer in-person professional development, hybrid classes, fully self-guided classes, and the AMS Learning Library of on-demand videos. To learn more please visit our information page.
There are two types of AMS-affiliated TEPs: college/university programs and free-standing programs. University programs enable you to earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees at the same time as your AMS credential, while free-standing programs offer AMS credentials. Select free-standing programs allow you to earn credits toward bachelor’s or master’s degrees via partnerships with higher learning institutions. There are in-person and hybrid course options – it all depends on the program you choose.
To search for an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, click here.
Whichever type of program you choose, all AMS-affiliated programs result in an AMS credential upon successful course completion, a signifier of quality that will open a range of job opportunities and more professional growth to you.
There are in-person and hybrid course options – it all depends on the program you choose. Please note that AMS does not affiliate fully-online teacher education programs. To search for an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, click here.
All AMS-affiliated programs result in an AMS credential upon successful course completion, a signifier of quality that will open a range of job opportunities and more professional growth to you.
Yes, we do offer scholarships. For more information, please visit this page.
No, we do not require you to have a credential from an AMS-affiliated program. Each AMS school creates their own teacher certification requirements based on state requirements and/or the school’s AMS Pathway of Continuous School Improvement or accreditation status. However, teacher education programs that successfully undergo the process of affiliation by the American Montessori Society are affirmed as meeting rigorous, internationally recognized standards of Montessori teacher preparation.
In order for a school to earn AMS Accreditation, all lead teachers must hold Montessori teaching credentials for the ages they are teaching. Visit our AMS Accreditation Standards page for more detail – including which credentials are valid.
Our webinars are free for all, but only members receive certificates.
Yes.
Our school membership offers teacher bundling rates. Learn more about school membership here.
AMS members have access to free and discounted professional development through AMS Learning, our online learning platform. AMS Learning offers both self-paced, on-demand courses and live virtual professional development programs designed for Montessori educators.
Explore the live class catalog to browse upcoming instructor-led courses, or visit the AMS Learning course catalog to discover on-demand professional development opportunities.
There are also opportunities to earn professional development hours by attending in-person events such as The Montessori Event, Regional Symposia and Labposium, and AMS Certificate Programs.
AMS offers thought-provoking, Montessori-relevant professional development tailored to educators at every stage of their careers. To determine whether an event you’ve attended qualifies toward the 50-hour professional development requirement for AMS credential holders, visit the Professional Development Attendance Request page.
In order to enroll in an AMS-affiliated Teacher Education Program (TEP), one must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. College/ university, or its equivalent. At the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood levels, an associate credential is awarded to those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
There are in-person and hybrid course options – it all depends on the program you choose. To search for an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, click here. For more information on how to become a Montessori Educator, please visit this page.
Fulfill the 50-hour professional development requirement and log the information using our professional development submission form, which is accessible when you log into your AMS portal. The link to the submission form is on the Professional Development Requirement page. Upon approval of your professional development, we will reactivate your credential.
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. Find out more here.
You must complete 50 hours of continuing professional development every 5 years for the credential to remain active. The first 5-year period begins on the date your credential was issued.
Once you have completed your 50 hours of professional development, we require that you log your hours on our Professional Development Submission Form, which is accessible when you log into your AMS portal. The link to the submission form is on the Professional Development Requirement page.
If you are an instructor or director of an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, you must complete 30 hours of continuing professional development every 3 years, and capture this information in your teacher education program’s Annual Report.
Learn more on our Professional Development Requirement page.
As a member, you have access to the AMS professional development library, AMS Job Board, AMS Connect where you can chat with other AMS members, and AMS Member Resources for sample materials. Visit our Individual Membership page for a comprehensive list of benefits!
You need to have a current membership to receive your AMS credential. This is generally covered by the adult learner membership, but if their studies are delayed, individuals may have to purchase individual membership.
Your certificate class will be offered in a learning management system called Canvas. As part of your learning experience, you will have access to Canvas’ 24/7 Chat and Phone Support Services. You can reach out to them for support submitting assignments, reviewing feedback, participating in discussions, etc.
If you are looking to blend the intensive focus of Montessori teacher preparation with the breadth of knowledge offered by a college or university program, please visit this page for more information and the list colleges and universities that offer credits to AMS credential holders.
We have several frequently asked questions regarding teacher education programs on this page, and have an entire page dedicated to outlining how to become a Montessori educator here. However, if you’re unable to find the answer you’re looking for, please reach out to the AMS Teacher Education team at affiliation@amshq.org.
Yes, nearly all AMS member schools support professional development – check with your school to find out if they will pay for your AMS professional development.