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Levels

Montessori classrooms are designed for multi-age grouping to allow for three-year age levels to foster both individual and social development. Therefore training is offered for these three levels:

Assistants to Infancy – A to I (infant to 3 years)
The assistants to infancy course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of Montessori pedagogy and practices along with current medical and psychological approaches to child development during the first three years of life. During the course, students are introduced to Montessori’s theory of human development and specific studies in anatomy and physiology, obstetrics, nutrition and hygiene, child neuropsychiatry, development of movement, development of language, music, art, and spiritual development.

Primary (3 to 6 years)
The primary course focuses on the Montessori pedagogy and practices relating to the characteristics of children from 3 to 6 years of age, the needs expressed during this stage of development, and the means available to assist the child’s work of self-construction. The teacher is trained to act as a vital–and unhurried–link between children and their surroundings; all children explore freely at their own pace. Student observation and practice teaching are under the direct guidance of the training staff.

Elementary (6 to 12 years)
The elementary course is an interdisciplinary study of human beings, their endeavors, and their relationship to the universe. At the elementary level, children seek the reason for everything. Rather than expecting the child to memorize a curriculum, Dr. Montessori presented aspects of culture to the elementary child as “seeds of interest,” lessons to touch the imagination and ignite the intellect. Searching for answers through individual and small group activities, elementary students learn geography, biology, history, language, science, music, art, and all branches of mathematics. The training for elementary teachers also includes Dr. Montessori’s principles of psychology, education, and teaching methodology.

Formats

AMI offers academic-year and summer training formats to accommodate most schedules. Both formats cover the same content and are full-time commitments.

• Academic-year courses are completed in one year and typically run from September to May.
• Summer training courses span two to four summers, with interim work, such as classroom observation and seminars.

Prerequisites

AMI training centers in the U.S. usually require a bachelor’s degree, though some exceptions are made based upon the applicant’s experience and intentions. For AMI training at the elementary level, an AMI primary diploma or an AMI Foundations Course is a required prerequisite.

Applying

Each training center has its own application process. Please contact the training center of your choice to find out specific details including training offered, application deadlines, and tuition assistance.

Graduate Program
To learn more about the Montessori graduate program at Loyola University Maryland, please contact:

Graduate Admissions Office
Loyola University Maryland
4501 North Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21210-2699
410-617-5020 or 800-221-9107, ex. 5020
Fax: 410-617-2002 or e-mail: graduate@loyola.edu

“The AMI teacher training has made a complete difference in my life. Not only have I grown as a person, but I have become a more well rounded and knowledgeable Montessorian. This certification has opened up more doors than I ever knew was possible. My classmates will be forever friends and I know I will always have at least 30 contacts if I ever need support in any way.”

- Lindsay Perini, AMI certified teacher