In more traditional education, in order to become the principal of a school (or head of a school) a particular training for administration needs to be undertaken; in some places this is even titled “Principal’s Training”. In Montessori schools the same is true. Historically, especially when Montessori schools were quite small, often the teacher (or one of the teachers) was additionally the Head of the School – without additional training. 

As schools grew in size, offering more levels of education, as schools needed some kind of governmental recognition, as educators realized that running a school had special requirements, training for Montessori School Administrators was birthed. In different countries globally, the requirements differ. It is critical that the staff/board of a school know the local regulations regarding administration and additionally the requirements for teachers.

When a school begins their expansion, one person is usually in charge with, perhaps, support for all financial matters. Most Montessori schools globally function within specific local government requirements. It is important to know the legal requirements and to ensure that whoever is leading the school is knowledgeable of and trained in school administration. AMI has a Montessori School Leadership course advertised on AMI’s website with trainers trained in leading administrative courses; AMI even has a Training-of-Trainers programme for this position. For additional information, go to our website: https://montessori-ami.org/training-programmes/certificate-courses