Montessori Orientation Courses Through the Southwest Institute for Montessori Studies
Beginning this spring, we are pleased to offer two AMI Orientation courses through the AMI Southwest Institute for Montessori Studies (SIMS). Most of our classroom assistants will be participating in one of these courses as part of their ongoing professional development, and we are also extending this opportunity to interested parents, grandparents, and community members who would like a deeper understanding of Montessori education.
These AMI Orientation courses provide a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy and practice and are designed to support adults who work with—or care deeply about—children in Montessori environments.
Primary (Ages 3–6) Orientation (online)
- Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00-8:00 PM, March 31 – April 30
- Receive an AMI 3–6 Orientation Certificate
- This course offers a detailed overview of Montessori education with a focus on the development of the 3–6-year-old child and the structure and purpose of the primary classroom.
Elementary (Ages 6–12) Orientation (online)
- Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:00-8:00 PM, March 23 – April 30
- Receive an AMI 6–12 Orientation Certificate
- This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Montessori education with a focus on the developmental needs of the 6–12-year-old child and the Montessori elementary environment.
Both courses are especially valuable for new classroom assistants seeking a meaningful orientation to Montessori and for experienced assistants who benefit from revisiting the big picture, strengthening observation skills, and identifying new ways to support a trained lead teacher. They are also highly beneficial for parents, grandparents, administrators, and professionals from other educational or childcare fields who wish to better understand the Montessori approach at the primary or elementary level.
Course Format & Requirements
The online format includes lecture presentations, readings, discussions, and reflective activities. To earn the AMI Orientation Certificate, participants must:
- Maintain 90% attendance
- Complete assigned independent online learning
- Complete nine hours of observation in a Montessori environment
- Submit three short essays (approximately 500 words each)
Tuition $775
Participants who complete an AMI Orientation Certificate and later enroll in the full SIMS Montessori training program will receive a $700 tuition credit toward that training.
More information will soon be on the SIMS web site: https://www.sims-ami.org/course_options/orientation-training/