based on your answers...
the career pro program is right for you
or
online course work
residency
internship
certification
after you've picked your program... pick your level!
which level is right for you?
Infant-Toddler
Early Childhood
Elementary I
Elementary II
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.
“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 >
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-c
Infant-Toddler: https://learn.aimmontessori.org/infant-toddler-certification
Early Childhood: https://learn.aimmontessori.org/early-childhood-c