I will be graduating in Dec. with a degree in Elementary Education. I am really interested in Montessori schools but I don't know where to start. I know I need special training and so on but other than that I'm clueless. How long does the training take, how much does it cost? How do I find a job in a montessori school? It's pointless to train if I can't even find a job. I'm a mess! Any information you have would be great! Thanks, Liz
http://www.amshq.org/tep_southeast.htm This link will give you the two training centers in North Carolina if you scroll partway down. I'd suggest getting in contact with one of them and asking these questions. (BTW, I know Rosann Larrow...she taught me my upper elem. math and now I teach it). As for me....I had to take seven weeks one summer plus two weekend institutes and a two week course the following summer for my elem. 1 program (1st-3rd grades). Then I did another five weeks for the elem 2 program (4th-6th). What do you want to teach? I don't know how much it cost because the school I was teaching at at the time paid for it, but I know it's not cheap. I was lucky enough to find a job first and then be able to take the training. Oh, and that same website (www.amshq.org) also posts job opportunities...http://www.amshq.org/jobs_southeast.htm#
I would try to get a job at a Montessori school as an assistant in an Elementary classroom first. This will help you decided if Montessori is for you and you may also have a school that will pay for your Montessori training. I think it is better to be an assistant first because it allows you to become familiar with the Montessori materials before you begin your training.
Did you know that the AMI is the organization started by Dr. Montessori to preserve and perpetuate her life's work? There are alot of AMI schools in NC - here is a link for the AMI teacher training: http://www.ami.edu/usa/training.html I think it is a good idea to do some observations at Montessori schools in your area and I would definitely mention that you are interested in training.
