AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy
Inspire the Next Generation of Montessori Educators
Are you an experienced Montessori teacher ready to take the next step in your journey? The AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy is designed for Montessori teachers who are ready to expand their impact by becoming instructors in Montessori teacher education programs (TEPs).
This transformative program supports Montessori practitioners looking to step into the vital role of preparing future Montessori teachers. If you are passionate about Montessori, eager to deepen your understanding of Montessori philosophy, and ready to mentor aspiring educators. Instructor Academy is the path forward.
Continue your Montessori journey!
Our next cohort will include Infant Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary levels!
Program begins October 25, 2027
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.
Timeline and Fees
Cohort 7
- Application deadline: August 15, 2027
- Notification of acceptance: Sept 17, 2027
- Commitment deadline: Sept 29, 2027
- Payment due: October 3, 2027
- Classes begin: October 25, 2027
- Program concludes: Summer 2029
Fees
Participants are responsible for the following expenses:
- Program Fee: $3000
- Travel, meals, and lodging for attendance at the in residence
- Any expenses incurred for the participant’s practicums and other program needs such as travel, books and/or supplies
Eligibility & Request for Application
Eligibility
Anyone who meets all of the following requirements may apply for the AMS Instructor Academy:
- Is an AMS member
- Has a minimum of three years of teaching experience at their credential level after receipt of an AMS-recognized credential or its equivalent
- Has a Bachelor’s degree from a US-accredited college or university, or its equivalent from another country
Request Application
Check your eligibility and start the application process here:
Instructor Academy Overview
Instructor Academy takes place over 2 years and is designed to be respectful of the schedules of classroom teachers and TEP instructors. There are 3 components:
- Online learning: 40 weeks
- In-Residence: 4 days
- Practicum: Divided up over 2 summers, plus field observations
Online Learning
The online learning component 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 that has been built as a spiral of the Fundamental Tenets of an AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Program. It will be broken down into 6 classes, each with 4 – 8 modules. Each class will be supported by group discussion, readings, work assignments, and conversations with your facilitator. You will come together as a cohort of learners even as you work independently through the online experience. Recordings of the live sessions are made available to participants.
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 course, grounded in Montessori philosophy and informed by neuroscientific insights and adult learning theory, delves into the instructor’s pivotal role in shaping future Montessori educators. Our discussions cover topics such as creating an adult prepared environment, designing effective learning experiences for aspiring teachers, and implementing the Montessori approach to assessment and feedback.
Class 3: Materials Part 1
In Materials 1, Instructor Candidates will examine the key characteristics and aims of the Montessori materials, analyze their purpose, and discuss the rationale for supplemental materials in the Montessori classroom as it relates to the adult learner experience.
Class 4: Who is the Child
In Who is the Child Instructor Candidates will revisit Dr. Montessori’s foundational framework for understanding and observing children. This class will also explore the importance of the relationship between the Planes of Development and the Sensitive Periods and how to convey this importance to future teacher educators. In addition, participants will discuss the Montessori pedagogy, specifically examining its pivotal role in cultivating education for peace through meaningful interactions with the child.
Class 5: 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 6: Materials Part 2
In this class we will look at design strategies for teaching adult learners how to move beyond memorizing a script to gathering a deep understanding of how and why the materials work.
Residency
TheResidency portion of the AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy is centered around a 4-day experience that explores the methodology of the Montessori learning materials. It is typically scheduled during the spring of the second year of the program. The dates and location are determined after the cohort comes together, taking into account the geographic distribution of the members.
Drawing from prior online learning experiences, your cohort will come together in a model Montessori learning environment and deconstruct Montessori learning philosophy as it centers around the materials. Together you will reconnect with and rediscover the true intentions, complexities, and synergies of materials in your classroom’s age range. You will learn techniques for presenting these materials to future Montessori teachers and how to convey their power to these adult learners.
This is also your opportunity to bond with your fellow instructors and form a close-knit, career-long support network for yourself. This peer-to-peer professional relationship network is the foundation of our community and supports the advancement of the Montessori Method nationally and worldwide.
Practicum
Just as you engaged in a practicum when you became a teacher, so too will you receive practical experience in your transformation into a teacher educator.
You will partner with an AMS-affiliated teacher education program of your choice. All of our programs have met the rigorous standards for quality teacher preparation as set forth by AMS, and thus are an ideal place for you to absorb high-fidelity practices in adult education.
By applying to this program, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
Have a question about this class? Contact Us
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