AMI Training of Trainers

The AMI programme for the training of future AMI Trainers

Background

The AMI Training Group is responsible for the course content and the academic guidance as well as the selection of trainers-in-training and the continuous assessment of their ongoing training. AMI has been providing this type of training since 1974, and many of the programme’s graduates are now established trainers and directors of training.

The Training of Trainers Programme is a challenging experience, providing participants with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the ideas and principles of Dr. Maria Montessori and develop the skills to pass the knowledge gained to future generations of Montessori teachers.

1.	Trainers-in-training can opt for one of three different formats. The training formats are not interchangeable.

2.	Trainers-in-training are expected to participate in the Training of Trainers Programme on a full-time basis.

3.	Regular assessments of the work done by the trainers-in-training are carried out by the Training Group.

Training Formats

Option 1: Full-time training on three academic-year courses.

Option 2: Full-time training on a combination of academic-year and summer courses for a total of three courses. Training may be followed primarily on summer courses with obligatory participation in at least one academic-year course.

Option 3: (Seminar format, occasionally given): Full-time training on two courses, combined with a series of seminars to be held over a period of 2 to 3 years. The seminars are equivalent, for the purpose of the Training of Trainers Programme, to attendance on one full training course. For details of plans for upcoming Seminars, please contact the Training Group.

The Training of Trainers Programme at the Assistants to Infancy level is carried out on summer courses only since, at the present time, the majority of those courses are given in a summer format.

Where Is The Training Programme Carried Out?

The trainer-in-training is assigned by the Training Group to an experienced Director of Training at an AMI Training Centre running a course for the age-level in question.

The Programme

The Training of Trainers Programme is composed of three parts.

Part 1 and Part 2 are followed at one and the same training centre.

Part 3 is followed at a different training centre.

Part 1 is a probationary period, during which the trainer-in-training audits all lectures, prepares written assignments and experiences the day-to-day aspects of a course.

Part 2 is an extension and consolidation of the work started at Part 1; the trainer-in-training finishes the written assignments, completes the Trainer’s Album and begins to lecture to the students.

Upon successful completion of Part 2, the trainer-in-training is granted Auxiliary Trainer status.

Part 3 allows the trainer-in-training to take on more responsibility for areas of training already covered. Lecturing skills are strengthened and the trainer-in-training is required to submit a number of research papers. This part is done at a second centre, under a different Director of Training.

Requirements for Acceptance for Training

Assistants to Infancy level training:

	an AMI assistants to infancy diploma

	an AMI primary diploma (applicants who are not in possession of an AMI primary (3-6) diploma are required to attend an AMI Foundation Course, carry out observations in Primary classrooms and submit certain written assignments)

	five years teaching experience, at least two of which are consecutive, in an infant/toddler community where the Montessori principles and practice are fully implemented

	a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent

	membership of AMI

Primary level training:

	an AMI primary diploma

	five years teaching experience, at least three of which are consecutive, directing a class of 3-6 year-old children where the Montessori principles and practice are fully implemented

	a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent

	membership of AMI

Elementary level training:

	an AMI elementary diploma

	an AMI primary diploma

	five years teaching experience at the elementary level, at least three of which are consecutive at either lower or upper elementary, directing a class of children where the Montessori principles and practice are fully implemented

	a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent

	membership of AMI

Classroom Visit
A classroom observation visit may also form part of the application process, at all levels.

Applicants who meet the requirements are requested to present themselves for two interviews, to be carried out by members of the Training Group.

Fees

An application fee of Euro150 is standard for all applicants. There are no tuition fees for Option 1 and Option 2.

There is a tuition fee for Option 3 (seminar format); to be announced when plans for such a format are being realised.

The trainer-in-training is not reimbursed by the training centre. However, a salary may be paid to a trainer-in-training at the discretion of and financial possibilities available to the training centre concerned.

Expenses

While at a training centre, the trainer-in-training is responsible for costs incurred for travel, accommodation, meals, day-to-day living expenses, books and study materials.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to the trainer-in-training from the MM 75 Fund in the form of an interest-free loan. Upon achieving AMI trainer status, 50% of the loan is turned into a grant. An application form can be had on request by email to: office@mm75.org

Continued Support by AMI

AMI offers a range of possibilities to its trainers to continue deepening their knowledge and understanding through ongoing guidance, study conferences and trainers’ meetings.

Information and Application Forms

As a first step, prospective candidates are invited to submit their curriculum vitae/resumé to the AMI Training Group by e-mail to: trainingoftrainers@montessori-ami.org or in writing to Association Montessori Internationale, Koninginneweg 161, 1075 CN Amsterdam, Netherlands.