Montessori Teacher Training

Montessori teacher education, often called “training”, is different from conventional teacher education.

Montessori is a complete system and model of education from birth to adulthood based on human development. Training immerses students in the model and trains them intensely in the specialized materials and lessons that make up Montessori practice.

Training programs include:

  • Comprehensive study of Montessori’s model of human development
  • Grounding in Montessori principles such as observation, freedom and responsibility, and the prepared environment
  • Specific training in the complete set of Montessori materials and lessons for the age group being studied
  • Observation and student teaching in Montessori classrooms

Find Montessori Teacher Training

COURSE LEVELS AND FORMATS

Montessori teacher training is offered as separate course for each age grouping. Training programs use several different names for the groupings, but the Montessori age ranges are consistent across programs.

Grades Ages Montessori Levels
Early
Childhood
0-3
  • Infant and Toddler
  • Assistants to Infancy
PK3–K 3-6
  • Children’s House
  • Primary
1st–6th 6-12
(often split into 6-9 and 9-12)
  • Elementary (I and II)
  • Lower and Upper Elementary
7th–12th 12-18
(often split into 12-15 and 15-18)
  • Secondary I and II
  • Adolescent

Teaching Licenses and Certification

A state teaching certificate or license is required for teaching in most public schools. Several states grant credit toward state certification for diplomas or certificates from accredited Montessori training programs.

Connecticut: An AMI diploma + twelve additional credits qualify for a public teaching certificate (in Montessori schools only).

Georgia: A MACTE credential + three special education credits + testing qualify for a public teaching certificate (in Montessori schools only).

Indiana: A MACTE credential + testing qualify for a full teaching certificate with no restrictions.

Minnesota: A MACTE credential qualifies for a three-year temporary certificate.

Montana: A MACTE credential qualifies for a full teaching certificate with no restrictions.

Ohio: A MACTE, AMI, or AMS credential qualifies for a four-year provisional certificate.

South Carolina: A MACTE credential + the PRAXIS exam qualify for a public teaching certificate (in Montessori schools only).

Wisconsin: A MACTE or AMI credential + 3 additional courses + testing qualify for a public teaching certificate (in Montessori schools only).

Summary of certification requirements
Summary of certification requirements

Training Center Accreditation

Montessori teacher education programs are accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), which is recognized by the US Department of Education.

MACTE accreditation is typically required for credit towards state teacher certification. Accredited programs must meet or exceed minimum hours for academic and practicum portions of the course and demonstrate evidence of candidate learning, faculty learning and inquiry, and program capacity and sustainability.

To learn more about MACTE and accreditation, visit MACTE.org

Montessori Organizations

Several Montessori organizations train teachers,
and may offer membership, accreditation, or recognition for schools.

MACTE-affiliated Montessori organizations are listed below:

AMI

The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori and her son Mario Montessori to protect and further her work. AMI is a global organization with affiliates all over the world. Learn more about AMI training here.

AMI-USA

AMI-USA is the U.S. affiliate of AMI, with 11 training centers in the U.S. Learn more about U.S. training centers here.

American Montessori Society (AMS)

The American Montessori Society (AMS), founded in 1960 by Dr. Nancy Rambusch to promote Montessori in the U.S., offers training in 92 training centers in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more about AMS teacher training.

IMC

The International Montessori Council (IMC), founded in 1998 by the Montessori Foundation as a membership organization for Montessori educators and schools around the world, operates the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) to offer blended residential and distance learning training. Learn more about CGMS teacher training.

IAPM

The International Association of Progressive Montessorians (IAPM), founded in 1961 by Sister Angela Martin Aguilera, a student of Maria Montessori, offers training at three U.S. locations and five internationally. Learn more about IAPM teacher training.

MEPI

Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), founded in 1995, offers teacher preparation courses at numerous locations in the United States and abroad. Learn more about MEPI teacher preparation.

PAMS

The Pan American Montessori Society (PAMS), founded in 1973 by Dr. Elisabeth Caspari, a student of Maria Montessori, offers training at a center in Kennesaw, Georgia, and in collaboration with Kennesaw State University. Learn more about PAMS teacher training.