Popular Questions about Diploma Courses
Blended courses are a mix of online (via Zoom) and in-person instruction. WMI offers several diploma courses in a blended format at various locations. Visit the main course page for more information.
No AMI diploma courses are fully online. AMI diploma courses are designed to include hands-on, in-person training and instruction. At least 55% of an AMI diploma course will be held in-person.
A diploma course includes significant components of observation and teaching practice, supervised practice using Montessori materials, classroom material making, and preparation of individual classroom manuals.
Trainees must be in attendance for 90% of the course in order to fulfill requirements for an AMI diploma.
WMI does not provide housing but we will share housing resources and options for trainees where possible. Visit the specific course page for more information.
Yes, this is done by many trainees on our courses. Aside from at least 90% required class attendance, trainees should ensure that they have enough time and energy to complete assignments. Trainees will also need to plan for time to observe and practice teach.
The amount of time each trainee takes to complete their homework varies. Most trainees undertake 1-2 hours each evening during in-person class weeks. During the weeks with Zoom class, trainees should plan for at least 3 hours of homework per week.
- Assistants to Infancy (0-3) course: 250 hours of observation and 30 hours of practice teaching are required.
- Primary (3-6) course: 90 hours of observation and 120 hours of practice teaching are required.
- Observation – Half of those might be done in one’s own classroom if they work in a primary Montessori classroom, with approval of the course trainer. The other half will be done in a classroom led by an AMI trained teacher (the school does not need to be AMI recognized). Your trainer will assist you in finding a school in your vicinity and must approve these placements.
- Practice teaching – 80 of those hours can be done in one’s own classroom, again, with approval from the trainer. The other 40 hours must be done in a classroom led by an AMI trained teacher. Usually this is the same classroom you observed in, if possible.
- Elementary (6-12) course: 90 hours of observation and 120 hours of practice teaching are required.
An undergraduate degree is not required for a diploma course. However, schools may require a bachelor’s degree in addition to an AMI diploma to be considered for a position.
Course instruction is conducted entirely in English. If you are a non-native English speaker, you must provide scores from one of the following tests:
Visit the Admissions page for more information.
WMI does not provide visas for students at this time.
WMI requires the student and sponsoring school representative to sign a School Sponsorship Agreement. This agreement allows WMI to communicate with both the student and the sponsoring school regarding financial matters, academic progress, etc.
An AMI diploma is the gold standard of Montessori teacher training. When you choose to study to be a teacher on an AMI course, you are earning a diploma that is recognized globally for its excellence, rigor, and authenticity and issued by the worldwide leader in Montessori education. Your diploma can open the door to a variety of career opportunities both within and beyond the classroom. Many schools that are affiliated with various Montessori organizations, within the U.S. and around the world, will hire AMI-trained teachers. Requirements for teachers can vary by state and country.