Montessori Teacher Training
Workshops & Seminars
Montgomery Montessori Institute
Early Childhood Infant / Toddler
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American Montessori Society (AMS) Credentialing Program for Teachers
In-person Learning Environment
A hybrid of In-person and Online options may be available upon request
Seminars & Workshops
for Teachers, Assistants, After-School Care
Class of 2024-2025
Enrolling Now
The knowledge. The experience.
Montgomery Montessori Institute (MMI) was founded in 1993 for individuals interested in becoming certified,
Early Childhood, or Infant/ Toddler Montessori educators.
Early Childhood math
Learn the philosophy behind presenting each lesson
Early Childhood math
Accredited by
Program Details
Montgomery Montessori Institute's two-phased program consists of
Academic and Practicum Phases:
The Academic Phase consists of a concentrated summer session held on the campus of The Franklin Schools, in Rockville, Maryland. During the Academic Phase adult learners are taught through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observations in active classrooms. The curriculum gives candidates extensive background knowledge in all areas necessary to successfully manage an early childhood, infant, or toddler classroom. Course work during the Academic Phase covers the areas of Montessori philosophy, child development, observation and research techniques, language, math, sensorial activities, practical life, social studies/geography, physical and life science, art, music, movement, and classroom management and administration.
The Practicum Phase of the program is entered once the Academic Phase is completed. During this year long phase, adult learners work under the direction of a qualified AMS (American Montessori Society) or AMI (American Montessori Internationale) certified teacher at an approved internship site for a minimum of 540 hours. The additional Practicum hours consist of seminars held at MMI and research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase, a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as an advisor, classroom observer, and liaison between the adult learners and the Supervising Teacher. Candidates who currently hold a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree and have completed at least one year of teaching and/or assisting in a Montessori early childhood classroom, may apply to the Course Director to participate in a self-directed internship. Practicum sites are available locally and throughout the nation.
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Course Descriptions and Coursework
Montgomery Montessori Institute's two-phased program consists of Academic and Practicum Phases for the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood courses.
When Montgomery Montessori Institute first found their passion for academics at an early age, few would have guessed the accolade and widespread success their scholarly work would achieve. Their research and exceptional insight has not only uncovered many new findings, but has also greatly impacted how professional academics teach about the field.
Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Course consists of 374 Academic Hours, that take place primarily during the concentrated eight week summer session. During the Academic Phase adults learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observation of active classroom experiences. The curriculum at Montgomery Montessori Institute offers the adult learner extensive background knowledge in all the areas necessary to successfully guide an early childhood classroom. Course work during the Academic Phase covers the areas of Montessori philosophy, child development, observation and research techniques, language, math, sensorial activities, practical life, social studies/geography, physical and life science, art, music, movement, and classroom management and administration.
Adult learners enter the Practicum Phase following the Academic Phase. During the Practicum Phase adult learners work in the classroom of an approved supervising teacher, for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week for nine consecutive months for at least 540 hours of instructional class time. Additional 72+ Practicum hours consist of Practicum Seminars held at MMI and research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as advisor, classroom observer, and liaison between the adult learner, the Supervising Teacher, and Montgomery Montessori Institute. The intern is visited a minimum of three times throughout the Practicum Phase by the Practicum Supervisor. Adult learners holding a Bachelor’s degree and who have completed either two or more years of previous teaching experience at the early childhood level or prior experience as an assistant in a Montessori early childhood classroom, may apply to the Course Director to participate in a self-directed internship. A minimum of three Practicum Site visits plus documented additional support is required during the self-directed Practicum. Practicum sites are available locally.
Infant and Toddler Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Course consists of 230 Academic Hours, that take place primarily during the concentrated five week summer session, plus five Saturdays in the fall and winter. During the Academic Phase adults learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observation of active infant and toddler environments. The curriculum at Montgomery Montessori Institute offers the adult learner extensive background knowledge in all the areas necessary to successfully prepare and guide a variety of infant and toddler settings. Course work during the Academic Phase covers the areas of Montessori philosophy, infant and toddler pedagogy; child development; observation and research techniques; the child, family and community; environmental design and curriculum; program leadership and administration; and personal growth and development.
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Adult learners enter the Practicum Phase following the Academic Phase. During the Practicum Phase adult learners work in the environment of an approved supervising guide, for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week for nine consecutive months for at least 540 hours. Additional Practicum hours consist of Practicum Seminars held at MMI and at other nearby locations, plus preparation of a research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as advisor, observer, and liaison between the adult learner, the infant or toddler Guides, and Montgomery Montessori Institute. The intern is visited a minimum of three times throughout the Practicum Phase by the Practicum Supervisor. Adult learners holding a Bachelor’s degree and who have completed two or more years of pior experience as an assistant in a Montessori infant or toddler environment, may apply to the Course Director to participate in a self-directed internship. A minimum of three Practicum Site visits plus documented additional support is required during the self-directed Practicum. Practicum sites are available locally.
Overview of Courses
Montgomery Montessori Institute's two-phased program consists of Academic and Practicum Phases for
the Early Childhood and the Infant & Toddler courses.
Summer
7 weeks
Early Childhood
Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Academic Phase, totaling 304 hours, consists of a concentrated eight week summer session. During the Academic Phase adult learners learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and observation of active classroom experiences. The curriculum at Montgomery Montessori Institute gives the adult learners extensive background knowledge in all the areas necessary to successfully manage an early childhood classroom. Course work during the Academic Phase covers the areas of Montessori philosophy, child development, observation and research techniques, language, math, sensorial activities, practical life, social studies/geography, physical and life science, art, music, movement, and classroom management and administration.
Adult learners enter the Practicum Phase of the course once they have satisfactorily completed the Academic Phase. During this 612 hour phase students work under the direction of a qualified teacher at an approved internship site for a minimum of 540 hours. The additional Practicum hours consist of seminars held at MMI and research-based independent study. Throughout the Practicum Phase a Practicum Supervisor, working in conjunction with MMI, serves as an advisor, classroom observer, and liaison between the student and the Supervising Teacher. Each adult learner is visited a minimum of three times throughout the Practicum Phase by the Practicum Supervisor. Adult learners currently holding a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree and who have completed at least one year of teaching and/or assisting in a Montessori early childhood classroom, may apply to the Course Director to participate in a self directed internship. A minimum of three Practicum Site visits plus documented additional support is required for candidates participating in self-directed internships. Practicum sites are available locally.
Summer
5 weeks
Infant / Toddler
Infant and Toddler Montessori Teacher Education Course
The Academic Phase, totaling 184 clock hours, consists of a concentrated five-week Summer Session plus seminars, one Saturday each month through June. Course work during the Academic Phase follow AMS and MACTE requirements for certification. Courses include Montessori philosophy; infant and toddler pedagogy; child development, prenatal trough early childhood; observation and research technique; the child, family and community; environmental design and curriculum; program leadership and administration; and professional growth and development. Additional topics, such as Inclusion, Special needs, and Outdoor environments add a necessary component to today's classroom.
Course work, exams, and seminars held at MMI, as well as a research-based independent study. A 24-hour Overview course is required of candidates not holding a Montessori Early Childhood teaching credential.
Adulte Learners are encouraged to join a Facebook or Google group to help and support each other during their studies.
Through the Academic Year
Practicum Site Overview
540+ Practicum Hours
All Practicum Sites and Supervising Teachers must meet the standards of the American Montessori Society and be pre-approved by the Course Director. MMI will assist in locating a practicum site for each adult learner. Practicum sites outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area may be faciitated by a local mentor teacher plus an approved Practicum Supervisor affiliated with a MACTE-accredited teacher education course. Practicum sites more than a 1 1/2 hour drive from either a local or out of area Montessori institute must be approved by the Program Director. The cost of out of the area site visits will be arranged between the MMI adult learner and the Program Director prior to the beginning of the Practicum Phase.Â
During the Practicum Phase adult learners have their choice of either serving in a volunteer capacity or being compensated by the practicum site. Adult learners gain experience in preparing learning environments, developing observation and research skills, presenting lessons, planning strategies for classroom management, keeping records, and participating in events designed to improve parent and staff development. Adult learners are also required to attend scheduled MMI Saturday seminars throughout the Practicum Phase. Some of the written and oral/practical exams are held during the Practicum Phase.
One Saturday per month during the academic school year
Seminars
Seminars are held one Saturday per month during the academic year.  These seminar are designed and place specifically to coincide with what may be going on in your practicum classroom. For example, October's seminar may consist of techniques and format of Parent - Teacher conferences, which typically occur in November in most schools. During the seminars is also when you will find support for your Research project. Your instructor will walk you through researching a topic of interest and professionally prepare it ready for submission to an AMS conference, should you wish.