We offer two certification program options. The Online Career Pro (AIM certification) and the Career Pro (MACTE-accredited). Both programs have 3 components: an online academic course (6-10 months depending on the grade level), a residency (in-person or virtual depending on the program) and a classroom internship (6-9 months depending on the grade level). The Online Career Pro is upgradeable to the Career Pro program.

Both programs have the same online component and a classroom internship. The difference is the Online Career Pro has a virtual residency (40 hours) and the Career Pro has a 3-week, in-person residency (120 hours). At the completion of the Online Career Pro, you will receive an AIM teaching certificate. At the completion of the Career Pro, you will receive an AIM teaching certificate with the MACTE seal.

MACTE or the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, is the international standard-setting and accrediting body for Montessori teacher education. MACTE is the sole accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for Montessori Teacher education programs.

“If a student wants training that will allow them to be hired at reputable schools around the country and, more and more, around the world, they need to select a course that is MACTE-accredited,” explains AIM Founder & Program Director Mary Ellen Maunz. The bottom line is that there are many organizations that train Montessori teachers in the United States and throughout the world, but in the United States there is only one accrediting body, and that is MACTE.

For more detailed information check out our blog post.

Although we do not offer any type of scholarship or financial aid, we offer an affordable interest free payment plan. You can see our payment plans here: https://aimmontessoriteachertraining.org/certifications

Individuals may upgrade by paying the cost difference between the programs as well as a $500 program transfer fee. Email [email protected] to do this.

The virtual residencies are a series of ten 4-hour clinics conducted monthly. Attendance is encouraged, though not required at these virtual residencies. Students may watch recorded replays to receive credit for those clinics. More Details >

In-person residencies are held during the summer and consist of three weeks of daily classes Monday-Friday.
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Yes. If you are unable to travel to the United States to attend an in-person residency (required for the MACTE-accredited teaching certificate), the Online Career Pro AIM certification would be a great option for you.

The Career Pro MACTE-accredited AIM certification program requires a 2-3 week in-person residency. Both the Online Career Pro and Career Pro certification programs require a classroom internship. The Essentials and Career Starter training programs are 100% online.

The Career Starter is the initial online academic course that all AIM students must successfully complete in order to move forward with one of our certification programs. You might choose to first enroll in the Career Starter Course if you are uncertain as to your final Montessori goals or if you are not yet able to commit to the tuition obligations of one of the certification courses.

You can log in and engage in your online environment anytime 24-7. However written assignments have specific due dates, and students are expected to follow the course units sequentially as they have been organized by the program director. Additionally, there are monthly Zoom meetings with faculty advisers and fellow students.

To view the contents of the online academic courses, you may go to:
Infant-Toddler: https://learn.aimmontessori.org/infant-toddler-certification
Early Childhood: https://learn.aimmontessori.org/early-childhood-certification
Elementary I: https://learn.aimmontessori.org/elementary-1-certification

The Elementary I and Elementary II certification programs require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite.

The Online Career Pro and Career Pro certification programs can be completed within 18 months, depending on when you enroll. You have 4 years to complete your certification.

The Online Career Pro certification program offers the opportunity to complete a self-directed internship if you have a home-based educational environment.

FAQ 1 description

Additional costs include required textbooks as well as travel, food, lodging and required supplies for the in-person residencies (Career Pro Only).

It is not necessary to have a classroom internship in place before joining an AIM certification program. Specific information about the requirements for an approved internship will be provided during your training.

The classroom internship is completed in an approved Montessori classroom where you are working as a paid employee or as a volunteer.

Yes, your internship can be done in the school where you are currently employed. Your internship will need to be in an approved Montessori classroom for the age group which matches the certification program you are enrolled in.

The first step is finding employment in a Montessori school where you can complete an internship. Our AIM faculty can help guide you as you are searching for an appropriate Montessori school, but we do not find employment for our adult learners or secure internships for them.

In some cases, you can complete an internship in a home school or daycare. This will depend on the number of students you have enrolled and whether you have an approved Montessori learning environment.