Become a Montessori Teacher

We have the right Montessori course for you.


Now Enrolling Spring 2025

Courses start March 4, 2025


Not sure where to begin?

Courses + Certification Programs

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Essentials
$1,950

Embark on a comprehensive journey into Montessori education with our fully online Essentials course.

Explore the profound philosophy and psychology underpinning the Montessori Method and Message, ideal for educators in Montessori environments, daycares, or homeschools seeking a deep understanding without the need for MACTE-accredited certification.

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Career Starter

2024/25 Pricing

IT, EC, ELI, ELII
$5,000

Not sure where your Montessori journey will take you? Our Career Starter is the perfect course to get you moving in the right direction. Career Starter is ideal for those who are unsure whether they will eventually need a certification program that is MACTE accredited. During your online study, you will delve deeply into the philosophy and psychology that is the heart of the Montessori Method. You will emerge with a complete understanding of Montessori Education. Once you complete the program you have the opportunity to continue on with the Online Career Pro or Career Pro certifications.

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Online Career Pro

2024/25 Pricing

IT, EC, ELI, ELII
$7,500
ELI + II Combo
$9,300

This online program gives you the time you need to assimilate the complete message of Maria Montessori. During your online study, you will delve deeply into the philosophy and psychology that is the heart of the Montessori Method. You will emerge with a complete understanding of Montessori Education. This option is perfect for uncertified Montessori Teachers and for Classroom Assistants who are considering making it their career. 

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Career Pro

2024/25 Pricing

IT, EC, ELI, ELII
$11,000
ELI + II Combo
$14,200

This program provides all of the components necessary to become a Certified Montessori Teacher. The online course gives you the time you need to assimilate the complete message of Maria Montessori.

During the online portion, you will delve deeply into the philosophy and psychology that is the heart of the Montessori Method. In the in-person residency (check calendar for dates) you will perfect your lesson presentation skills, learn classroom songs and classroom management skills.  Our faculty supports you throughout your student-teaching at the school of your choice. Upon completion of the program you will receive your aim Career Pro MACTE Teacher Certificate. 

AIM holds accredited status for its Infant Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I and Elementary II Career Pro Montessori teacher education courses from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

420 Park Street Charlottesville, VA 22902434.202.7793info@MACTE.org

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Tuition & Payment Plan Information

Essentials

Infant-Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary II
$1,950

Career Starter

Infant-Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary II
$5,000

Online Career Pro

Infant-Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary II
AIM Certification
$7,500

Career Pro

Infant-Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary II
MACTE Accredited AIM Certification
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the certification program work?

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.

What is the difference between the Online Career Pro and the Career Pro certification programs?

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.

What is MACTE?

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.

Do we offer scholarships or financial aid?

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

How do you upgrade from one program to another?

Individuals may upgrade by paying the cost difference between the programs as well as a $500 program transfer fee. Email rklein@aimmontessori.org to do this.

What is the difference between the virtual residency and the in-person residency?

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.
More Details >

Can you enroll in one of our certification programs if you do not live in the United States?

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.

Is the program 100% online?

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.

Question about CAREER STARTER Course

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.

How does the online portion work? Do I need to log in at a certain time or is it self-paced?

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.

What topics will be covered in the online academic courses?

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

Do you need a degree?

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

How long does the program take?

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.

Can I complete a certification program I there are no Montessori schools in my area?

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

If I have begun a certification program at another Montessori training center, will the units or classes I have completed transfer to the AIM certification programs?

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Are there any additional costs?

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

Does my classroom internship need to be approved before I begin a certification program?

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.

Is the internship a paid position?

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

I am currently working in a Montessori classroom. Can I complete my internship where I teach?

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.

Does AIM help me find an internship?

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.

Can I do an internship in my home school or daycare?

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.

Have more questions? 

Fill out the contact form and one of our friendly aim staff members will be in touch!