AMS TEP Instructor Academy

This is a special version of AMS Instructor Academy tailored specifically to current instructors at current AMS education programs.

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.

Gina Taliaferro Lofquist

AMS Senior Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives

“Our task is to keep the legacy of Dr. Montessori alive and thriving. This happens by bringing properly trained Montessori teachers into the prepared environment to guide our children and adolescents. By becoming a teacher educator, you will carry the torch of Maria Montessori and ensure that this unique and powerful pedagogy continues to transform lives and our society.”

Instructor Academy Overview

Instructor Academy consists of five classes over the course of two years and is designed to be respectful of the schedules of classroom teachers and TEP instructors.

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. 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. 

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. 

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

Scholarships

The AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible applicants. Learn more.

Program Timeline

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

Have questions about the Academy?

Contact Us

For future instructors

Learn More & Apply