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Early childhood & elementary
Montessori Teacher
A separate credential, and a genuinely different theory of childhood.
Typical pay
$35k-$65k
How you get in
AMI or AMS Montessori credential, 1-2 years
Outlook
Steady; Montessori enrollment continues growing
Montessori teachers guide children in prepared environments using a specific pedagogy and materials. The training is its own credential entirely separate from state licensure, and it is portable to Montessori schools worldwide.
A day in the life
- 7:30aPrepare the environment and set out materials
- 8:30aChildren arrive and choose their work
- 9:00aThree-hour uninterrupted work cycle with individual lessons
- 12:00pLunch and outdoor time
- 1:00pAfternoon work cycle
- 4:00pObservation notes and material preparation
How to get in
Montessori training credential
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$5,000-$20,000
Credential
AMI or AMS diploma for your age level
- Choose an age level — infant, primary (3-6) or elementary
- Complete an AMI or AMS accredited training program with a practicum
- Note that most programs require a bachelor's degree
- Apply to Montessori schools, where the credential is what matters
Licensed teacher adding Montessori
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$5,000-$20,000
Credential
State license plus Montessori credential
- Hold a state teaching license
- Complete Montessori training alongside or after
- Public Montessori magnet programs require both credentials
- Opens both public and private Montessori positions
Assistant to lead guide
Duration
2-4 years
Cost
$5,000-$20,000 when you train
Credential
Montessori credential
- Work as a classroom assistant in a Montessori school first
- See whether the philosophy genuinely fits how you think about children
- Many schools subsidize training for committed assistants
- Complete the credential and move into a lead guide role
What people love
- · Coherent, deeply developed educational philosophy
- · Credential is portable internationally
- · Small class sizes and multi-year student relationships
- · Genuine autonomy within the method
What wears people down
- · Training costs money and takes a year or more
- · Private school pay is often below public districts
- · Material preparation is substantial unpaid time
- · Credential is specific to Montessori schools