Training in the Montessori Educational Method
Since its conception, the Montessori Educational method has always been associated with teacher training as being a fundamental requirement without which it is not possible to approach the child and fulfil the role of the adult guide and model.
The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), founded in 1929 by Maria Montessori herself, is the most internationally recognised body that regulates the only training of Montessori guide trainers in the world and its Pedagogical Committee reviews the content and requirements for guide qualifications. One of the fundamental requirements is a period of observation and practice in order to achieve the required qualification and personal transformation. However, in addition to training, the implementation of the Montessori Educational Method in a school is tied to a comprehensive approach that encompasses all the educational moments and the curricular and extracurricular areas consistent with this philosophy.
AMI qualifications cover different roles and functions. Specifically, those that grant the status of ‘Guide’ or ‘Director’ of a classroom are, by age, the following:
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For the 0-3 years stage: AMI Montessori Diploma 0-3 years.
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For the 3-6 years stage: AMI Montessori Diploma AMI Montessori from 3 to 6 years.
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For the 6-12 years stage: AMI Montessori Diploma AMI Montessori from 6 to 12 years.
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For the 12-18 years stage: AMI Montessori Diploma from 12 to 18 years. This is the latest Diploma issued by AM
At Montessori Palau Girona, all the teachers in Montessori classrooms have obtained these AMI qualifications as guides and most of the assistants have obtained the AMI Guidance Certificate for the corresponding stage.
In addition, the school regularly organises revision weeks delivered by AMI trainers and participates in Refresher Courses, also provided by the AMI itself. Similarly, the school participates in numerous conferences, symposia and workshops on education as speakers.
In Spain there are currently several training centres recognised by the Association Montessori Internationale that teach the 0-3 and 3-6 Diploma and only the Montessori Palau International Research And Training Center (MIRTC) teaches the 6-12 Diploma. The MIRTC is one of the few centres in the world that is teaching the 12-18 Diploma, with the participation of around twenty teachers from our Secondary and Baccalaureate teams.
Currently three teachers from our teams have obtained the qualification of trainer of trainers.
Similarly, the school offers various forms of Introductory courses to the Montessori Method in order to introduce the basic premises of the educational Method and make participants aware of the importance of the rigorous preparation and teacher training required to lead a project. These introductory courses are certified by the Spanish Montessori Association (AME) and are carried out in coordination with experts from various Montessori centres throughout Spain.
Visit the MIRTC website and discover the Montessori Pedagogy
Information regarding the Master's Degree in Montessori Education (0-6 year-olds) at the Universitat de Vic
https://www.uvic.cat/master-universitari/pedagogia-montessori-0-6-anys