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.
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. In conjunction with your in-residence experience, it will be the final step in preparation for your practicum.
Class 3: Materials Part 1
Here you will examine the purpose and key characteristics of the Montessori materials, and determine the best way to present the use of the materials to adult learners.
Class 4: 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 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.
In-Residence
The in-residence portion of the AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy is centered around a 4-day experience that explores the methodology of the Montessori learning materials.
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.
