Montessori Teacher Preparation
SEAFOM has been sponsoring teachers for Montessori AMI diplomas since 1999. As of 2024, it has sponsored 27 teachers at a cost of more than $250,000. All of these teachers have been employed through Juneau Montessori School (toddler thru age 6) and Montessori Borealis Public School (age 3 thru grade 8). The AMI Diploma is required by both schools as a minimum qualification for employment in a teaching position.
SEAFOM encourages individuals to become AMI certified Montessori teachers so as to maintain strong Montessori programs in our communities. Montessori training is an intense personal commitment of post-graduate education. Here are some important steps as you consider this career and life path:
Talk with Montessori teachers. Why did they choose a Montessori career? How did they achieve their training? What are the essential personal characteristics of Montessori teachers for the specific teaching levels?
Classroom Observations. Sitting quietly in a Montessori classroom and observing the activities and social interactions of children and adults is a great way to get oriented to the Montessori Method.
Attend a classroom or school event. Talk with children and parents about their enthusiasm for Montessori education.
Volunteer in a classroom, or for a special project such as a cultural celebration or a specific topic/skill like dance, baking, gardening, etc. Teachers are always looking for ways to engage with the community. You can also consider working as a substitute teacher – talk with the school administration about how to do this.
Explore websites. Learn about the Montessori Method and Dr. Maria Montessori’s life. There are many excellent online videos about what to expect in a Montessori classroom. Examples include videos by Dr. Steve Hughes that can be found on YouTube. Dr. Hughes is a pediatric neuropsychologist who explains the wonders of a Montessori education program in relation to brain development.
Read! These books are readily available from the public library, school libraries, or retail outlets. Recommended readings include:
The Absorbent Mind by Dr. Maria Montessori
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Lillard
Montessori A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard
Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard
Once you have decided that becoming a Montessori teacher is the path that you want to take, we suggest the following:
1. Choose an AMI training center and program that works for you. Currently, the most popular course format in the United States is called "blended" - it combines online learning with on-site learning, and spreads the coursework over many months to make it possible for teachers to attain their diploma while simultaneously teaching and/or observing during the school year. New course schedules are continually being developed. See https://montessori-ami.org/training-programmes/diploma-courses for course offerings.
2. Write a Letter of Interest to SEAFOM, letting us know that you are interested in Sponsorship (financial support). Tell us when, and where, you think you want to pursue the AMI diploma. We recommend that you submit a Letter of Interest before you apply to an AMI training program. We can mentor you with the options that follow your interests, and we can support you with logistical and financial ideas in addition to sponsorship. There is not deadline for submitting a Letter of Interest, but be aware that SEAFOM completes its annual budgeting process in May of each year. Knowing your interest helps us, and you, plan for the future.
3. Complete the SEAFOM application for Teacher Training Sponsorship. Once you know your desired path and have been accepted into a Training Center, submit the SEAFOM application to be considered for sponsorship. Applications are due no later than 120 days prior to the start of the AMI diploma training program you wish to enroll in. The application can be found at http://www.seafom-friendsofmontessori.org/teacher-training.html.
4. Additional funding sources for AMI Diploma Courses. In addition to SEAFOM, there are other scholarship sources to consider for financial support. These include:
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI): https://amiusa.org/teacher-training/financial-aid-opportunities/
Black Montessori Education Fund: https://www.blackmontessori.org/scholarships
Montessori Global Growth Fund: https://www.montessori-mggf.org/
Mario Montessori 75 Fund: https://www.mm75.org/
SEAFOM encourages individuals to become AMI certified Montessori teachers so as to maintain strong Montessori programs in our communities. Montessori training is an intense personal commitment of post-graduate education. Here are some important steps as you consider this career and life path:
Talk with Montessori teachers. Why did they choose a Montessori career? How did they achieve their training? What are the essential personal characteristics of Montessori teachers for the specific teaching levels?
Classroom Observations. Sitting quietly in a Montessori classroom and observing the activities and social interactions of children and adults is a great way to get oriented to the Montessori Method.
Attend a classroom or school event. Talk with children and parents about their enthusiasm for Montessori education.
Volunteer in a classroom, or for a special project such as a cultural celebration or a specific topic/skill like dance, baking, gardening, etc. Teachers are always looking for ways to engage with the community. You can also consider working as a substitute teacher – talk with the school administration about how to do this.
Explore websites. Learn about the Montessori Method and Dr. Maria Montessori’s life. There are many excellent online videos about what to expect in a Montessori classroom. Examples include videos by Dr. Steve Hughes that can be found on YouTube. Dr. Hughes is a pediatric neuropsychologist who explains the wonders of a Montessori education program in relation to brain development.
Read! These books are readily available from the public library, school libraries, or retail outlets. Recommended readings include:
The Absorbent Mind by Dr. Maria Montessori
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Lillard
Montessori A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard
Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard
Once you have decided that becoming a Montessori teacher is the path that you want to take, we suggest the following:
1. Choose an AMI training center and program that works for you. Currently, the most popular course format in the United States is called "blended" - it combines online learning with on-site learning, and spreads the coursework over many months to make it possible for teachers to attain their diploma while simultaneously teaching and/or observing during the school year. New course schedules are continually being developed. See https://montessori-ami.org/training-programmes/diploma-courses for course offerings.
2. Write a Letter of Interest to SEAFOM, letting us know that you are interested in Sponsorship (financial support). Tell us when, and where, you think you want to pursue the AMI diploma. We recommend that you submit a Letter of Interest before you apply to an AMI training program. We can mentor you with the options that follow your interests, and we can support you with logistical and financial ideas in addition to sponsorship. There is not deadline for submitting a Letter of Interest, but be aware that SEAFOM completes its annual budgeting process in May of each year. Knowing your interest helps us, and you, plan for the future.
3. Complete the SEAFOM application for Teacher Training Sponsorship. Once you know your desired path and have been accepted into a Training Center, submit the SEAFOM application to be considered for sponsorship. Applications are due no later than 120 days prior to the start of the AMI diploma training program you wish to enroll in. The application can be found at http://www.seafom-friendsofmontessori.org/teacher-training.html.
4. Additional funding sources for AMI Diploma Courses. In addition to SEAFOM, there are other scholarship sources to consider for financial support. These include:
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI): https://amiusa.org/teacher-training/financial-aid-opportunities/
Black Montessori Education Fund: https://www.blackmontessori.org/scholarships
Montessori Global Growth Fund: https://www.montessori-mggf.org/
Mario Montessori 75 Fund: https://www.mm75.org/
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