AMS TEP Instructor Academy

This is a special version of AMS Instructor Academy tailored specifically to current instructors at AMS-affiliated teacher education programs.
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Instructors who work in Montessori teacher education programs are engaged in and enriched by a vital task: preparing future generations of Montessori educators for classroom and administrative roles.

But, who instructs the instructors? What professional development is available for current instructors? We are pleased to offer Instructor Academy, which invites you to understand the Montessori story more deeply, to become a keeper of that story, and to pass it on to others.

Instructor Academy is a course of study for current teacher education program instructors. 

Rigorous, advanced, and staffed by leaders in the field, the Academy provides the training AMS TEP instructors need to prepare Montessori teacher educators who can successfully take on their work.

AMS offers this discounted class to current teacher educators at AMS-affiliated TEPs.

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Price: $525 | Exclusive to AMS-affiliated TEP instructors

Instructor Academy Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy course, you will be able to:

  • Integrate adult learning theory and the needs of adult learners into course design
  • Convey the story, purpose, and efficacy of the Montessori Method to adults
  • Guide adult learners through discovering the purposes of the Montessori learning materials
  • Create and prepare adult learning environments for Montessori training
  • Confidently abide by ethical practices of AMS standards of quality Montessori education

Your successful graduation application will result in the issuance of an AMS Certificate of Teacher Education Instruction within your chosen Montessori program level, as well as a certificate of 280 Professional Development hours. 

Timeline & Program Schedule

Cohort 3

  • Application period opens: September 6, 2024
  • Notification of program acceptance: By January 8, 2025
  • Deadline to apply for program extended: January 5, 2025 
  • Last day to submit payment: January 20, 2025
  • Classes begin: January 27, 2025

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Program Schedule

Live sessions will be held on Wednesdays.

  • Class 1: Introduction to Instructor Academy: January 27 - February 23, 2025
  • Class 2: Who is the Instructor: March 3 - May 4, 2025
  • Deep Dive: (Independent study) May 5 - September 8, 2025
  • Class 3: Who is the Child: September 15 - November 9, 2025
  • Class 4: Who is the Teacher: December 1, 2025 - February 15, 2026
  • Class 5: Materials: March 2 - April 26, 2026

Eligibility & Fees

Eligibility

Anyone who meets all of the following requirements may apply for the AMS TEP Instructor Academy:

  • Is an AMS member
  • Has a minimum of three years of  classroom teaching experience at their credential level after receipt of an AMS-recognized credential or its equivalent
  • Is an experienced instructor with an AMS-affiliated teacher education program
  • Has a bachelor’s degree or higher

Fees

Through grant funding, AMS offers this class to current AMS-affiliated teacher educators at a significant discount.

Program Fee: $525

Instructor Academy Overview

Instructor Academy consists of five classes and is designed to be respectful of the schedules of classroom teachers and TEP instructors. The program is an intensive survey of Montessori adult education at large—a foundational review of Montessori philosophy, how adults learn, and how they should be taught. It blends live and on-demand modalities to create a rich learning experience built as a spiral of the Fundamental Tenets of an AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Program. Each class consists of 4 – 8 modules and incorporates group discussions, readings, work assignments, and conversations with your facilitator bringing you together as a cohort of learners.

Class 1: Introduction

This class will introduce the Fundamental Tenets of an AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Program. It will also explore the historical context of Dr. Montessori’s work as well as the importance of transformation.

Class 2: Who is the Instructor

This class will invite you to explore the key components of preparing the environment and designing learning experiences for future teachers. You'll explore adult learning theory and how to teach Montessori in a Montessorian way. 

Class 3: Who is the Child

We will revisit Dr. Montessori’s framework for viewing children through the examination of the driving forces that propel development forward, as well as further explore the Montessori pedagogy as education for peace.

Class 4: Who is the Teacher

This class will challenge you to reflect on your own practice as a scientist, servant, and saint as we examine the vital role of the teacher as an authentic model.

Class 5: Methods & Materials

This class is where you will examine the purpose and key characteristics of Montessori materials, and determine the best way to present the use of the materials to adult learners. 

Meet the Facilitator

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Lead facilitator for this cohort will be Biff Maier with support from other experienced teacher educators at the different credentialed levels.

Biff Maier

William (Biff) Maier is an administrator at Lexington Montessori School in Massachusetts. He co-directs the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC). Involved with Montessori since 1974, Biff is a seminar and workshop presenter, a school consultant, an AMS Instructor Academy facilitator, an AMS Emerging Leaders mentor, and a co-host of the AMS podcast. Biff received AMS' Living Legacy Award in 2021. He served on the AMS Board of Directors as chair of the teachers' section.

By applying to this program, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.

Have questions about the Academy?

Contact Us

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Not yet an instructor, but interested in becoming one?

Rigorous, advanced, and staffed by leaders in the field, AMS Instructor Academy provides the training TEP instructors need to prepare Montessori teacher educators who can successfully take on their work.


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