Montessori Teacher Training

Montessori teachers have specialized training beyond their traditional teaching degree and certification.

Montessori education, based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, takes a nontraditional approach to teaching children. Instead of grade levels and collectively having a class learn the same thing at the same time, Montessori classrooms provide an environment of independent learning and allow a child to develop at her own pace with children in her age group. Because of the vast differences in the learning structure, Montessori teachers must earn a separate diploma on top of their regular teaching degree and certification.

Types

Montessori teaching regulations vary from state to state, but according to the Association Montessori Internationale, a bachelor's degree is required in order to pursue a Montessori Diploma in the United States. The Association Montessori Internationale oversees all Montessori teacher training provided in the three levels of Montessori teaching: Infant/Toddler, Primary and Elementary.

It takes about a year to complete Montessori training. Courses include psychology, Montessori theory, observation, hands-on classroom training and practice teaching. Most courses are full-time, and training course listings can be found online at www.montessori-ami.org.

Infant/Toddler

Infant/Toddler Montessori teachers are referred to as Assistants to Infancy. These teachers seek to bring out the fullest potential in their students. Courses for teachers training to become Assistants to Infancy include anatomy and physiology, nutrition and hygiene, development of movement and language, and a practicum, or practice teaching, under the supervision of a trained teacher.

Primary

The next level of Montessori teaching is for primary students ages three to six. It is known as Casa Dei Bambini. Courses in this level of training include psychology and child development, sensorial development, math, geography, history, art, biology, music and material making. Teachers in this level of training also complete practice teaching of a class as well as supervised practice with Montessori teaching materials.

Elementary

The Montessori elementary level teaches children ages six to 12 to reach their fullest potential. Training for Montessori elementary teachers includes Montessori philosophy and education, math, language, history and prehistory, physical and biological science, physical and political geography as well as supervised practice with Montessori teaching materials, practice teaching and observation in a Montessori classroom.

Career Outlook

There are about 5,000 private and 200 public Montessori schools in North America, and about 200 Montessori teaching jobs that go unfilled each year in the United States. Montessori teachers with a bachelor's degree can earn between $21,000 and $24,000 annually. There is the potential for an experienced teacher to advance to a position of curriculum director or head teacher, educational consultant or teacher trainer.

References

• North American Montessori Teachers' Association
• Association Montessori Internationale