To work in the Montessori environment is to help children learn. It is very unlike "teaching" in any traditional sense of the word. Dr. Maria Montessori's work began early in this century - though the foundations of her work are as timeless as human nature itself. The Montessori approach to education grew from her profound respect for every child's natural desire to know.
We see children grow into caring, creative individuals who learn to work in the satisfying flow of developed concentration. They discover their own capabilities through the practical self-correcting Montessori materials. Children learn how to frame questions and how to seek the answers. We watch them learn from one another, and work with one another. They discover learning as enjoyment, and so become avid learners, the natural result of their desire for answers, their passion for learning.
Montessori children will face the same uncertain future as all children of today. But their fortunes will not depend on what they have been "taught" by others. Instead, their lives will present them with endless new opportunities to learn an ability you have helped them to discover and develop. It brings enormous satisfaction.
AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori. Dr. Montessori intended that AMI serve two purposes: first, to protect her life's work in its original integrity and completeness; and second, to guide its further development and application in the interests of all children. From its international headquarters in Amsterdam, Holland, AMI has functioned as the source of authentic, complete Montessori training, and as a center for continuing research and development.
AMI teacher training is unique in the world. It is accomplished with great care and attention by AMI's dedicated master teachers, all of whom have left the classroom to spend at least four years in an intensive "training-of-trainers" program. Many of the AMI trainers have studied with Dr. Montessori or her son and collaborator, Mario Montessori.
We are proud to present the authentic Montessori training. We marvel at the training's impact - the changes in outlook that AMI training provides those who participate. During your training, you will see the same revelations in your students, the children. If all of this suggests that AMI training is a very potent learning experience, you will not be disappointed.
There are three basic levels of training: infant (infant to age 3), primary (ages 3 to 6), and elementary (ages 6 to 12). In training you will learn something of all levels, and specialize in one. Each level follows the natural development of the child and relates to what has gone before - a spiral curriculum. Each AMI training course includes psychology, theory and practice. Students make their own reference albums, practice with materials, observe and practice-teach under the guidance of the training staff.
Every training course lasts a minimum of one academic year. Some training centers offer courses that are spread out over two or three summers, with interim work. Whatever the format, the content is the same; and the work is very intensive.
Students are prepared to work with families and with young children in communities. The training covers obstetrics, nutrition, hygiene, child neuropsychiatry, the development of language and movement, and the preparation of nurturing and stimulating environments.
Language, movement, and social development continue as a primary focus, along with the well known mathematic and sensorial materials. Music, art, biology, geography and history materials are part of the specially prepared environment. The teacher is trained to act as a vitaland unhurried link between children and their surroundings; all children explore freely at their own pace.
The universe is given to the children during these Montessori years.The elementary curriculum provides a vision of the universe and our place in it, including how contributions to the world can be made with wisdom and compassion. The curriculum is both interdisciplinary and open-ended. It grows from the seeds of subjects learned in the primary class.
All centers require a bachelor's degree; some exceptions are made based upon the applicant's experience and intentions. An AMI Primary Diploma, or an AMI elementary preparatory course, is prerequisite to training for the elementary level. Many AMI courses offer college credit upon course completion; some are at the master's level.
AMI teachers are in demand across the United States. Every year, teaching jobs remain unfilled. The AMI diploma may also qualify you for work abroad. Your career path might include becoming a head teacher, administrator, consultant, teacher-trainer, or the owner of a school.
The future holds great promise. The world has begun to realize the urgent need for effective approaches to educating its children. Public and private school systems across the country have embraced Montessori principles, and have found new hope for their students. As this global discovery continues, the demand for fine educators will increase.
AMI/USA
410 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (716) 461-5920
(800) USA-AMI3
Internet: usaami3@aol.com
Montessori Education Center of Arizona
Primary Training (3 to 6 Years)
51 E. Glendale Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 277-3781
Internet: director@montessoritraining.com
To work in the Montessori environment is to help children learn. It is very unlike "teaching" in any traditional sense of the word. Dr. Maria Montessori's work began early in this century - though the foundations of her work are as timeless as human nature itself. The Montessori approach to education grew from her profound respect for every child's natural desire to know.
AMI teacher training is unique in the world. It is accomplished with great care and attention by AMI's dedicated master teachers, all of whom have left the classroom to spend at least four years in an intensive "training-of-trainers" program. Many of the AMI trainers have studied with Dr. Montessori or her son and collaborator, Mario Montessori.
Language, movement, and social development continue as a primary focus, along with the well known mathematic and sensorial materials. Music, art, biology, geography and history materials are part of the specially prepared environment. The teacher is trained to act as a vitaland unhurried link between children and their surroundings; all children explore freely at their own pace.