Become a Montessori Teacher
Montessori teachers connect students with a world of knowledge.
About AMS-Affiliated Teacher
Education Programs
Ready to start? Explore our directory of AMS-affiliated Teacher Education Programs (TEPs) to find the right fit for you. Contact TEP directors for more information, request visits or video calls, and ask to connect with current students or graduates to gain a well-rounded view.
Graduates of AMS-affiliated programs receive an AMS credential, a valuable qualification that opens global job opportunities.
Interested in earning a Montessori credential and degree at the same time?
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 I – II (ages 6 – 12)
- Elementary II (ages 9 – 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. 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.
How long will it take?
Earning an AMS credential typically takes 1–2 years, involving in-person or blended coursework, including discussions, hands-on activities, and a yearlong practicum. Experienced mentors will guide you throughout your practicum, which can occur at your current Montessori school if employed there.
Become a Classroom Teacher
Montessori teachers bridge students with a world of knowledge, offering individualized guidance and fostering a nurturing, respectful environment. They create a rich classroom setting that promotes independence, citizenship, and accountability while guiding students toward rigorous learning and passionate inquiry.
Join a global community of skilled Montessori educators. Combine your creativity and compassion with keen observation to help students explore their potential through developmentally appropriate experiences.
As a Montessori teacher, you’ll support children in becoming knowledgeable, kind, and joyful adults.
The Montessori Inclusion Endorsement
The AMS Montessori Inclusion Endorsement is designed for the credentialed Montessori teacher who seeks knowledge and skills for fully integrating an inclusive classroom model that meets the needs of diverse learners. The endorsement incorporates the teacher and learner practices used in Montessori schools, while recognizing and honoring the needs of children with learning exceptionalities.
The MIE course covers a Montessori approach to guiding children with a broad spectrum of learning variances. Educators will come away with the ability to support all types of thinkers; work with intervention specialists, therapists, and parents; and create individualized learning plans for children with learning differences.
It includes an academic component and a practicum.
