Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori is not just a teaching method. It’s a life perspective and a scientific approach to supporting human development in general. It is not a form of  “schooling;” it is an “aid to life.” Montessori philosophy rests on the observation that human beings develop in universal ways through stages of life that have defined characteristics, while still manifesting unique, individual qualities based on different contexts and circumstances. We don’t just teach--we observe, respond, support, and  partner with children and adolescents to maximize the potential they were born with. The aim is not to “mold” them, but to SUPPORT their natural learning processes. The reward is watching them become strong, independent, highly functioning and highly collaborative human beings, free to express their needs and their thoughts and ideas. When we take obstacles out of their path and provide environments for them to pursue life with curiosity, maximum engagement, and wonder--children and adolescents successfully teach themselves--or, as Dr. Montessori would say, they “construct themselves.” 

Another reason to join Montessori as an educator is because Montessori offers a pedagogy that supports optimal growth from birth through age 18, changing environments and approaches as the individual matures, but respecting the core person in every child with both reverence and wonder.

Great (and important) question! Please see our blog post titled: “Why a Farm?”

IMTI does not have the capacity to provide financial aid at this time. However, in the coming months we will be investigating ways to help teachers who need financial support to take AMI training. Please keep checking back with us to get updates. 

We have a particular goal to support teachers of the global majority who are working in school settings with a high level of diversity. We are also committed to supporting teachers in the public sector. If this describes your situation, please feel free to contact us. 

The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was established in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori and guided for more than 50 years by her son and close collaborator, Mario M. Montessori. It is presently directed by an international board and supported by distinguished leaders and scholars all over the world. AMI is the oldest authority on the application of Dr. Maria Montessori’s theory and practice and, since its inception, has been a coordinating agency for the growth, expansion, and authenticity of Montessori education worldwide. Annual Refresher Courses for practitioners, school leaders, parents and community leaders are held by national AMI affiliates such as AMI-USA, AMI-Mexico, AMI-Canada, and AMI-Europe.

The Association Montessori Internationale authorizes and permits The International Montessori Training Institute of Ohio to establish and conduct AMI training courses.

Although courses may have some online components, face-to-face interaction and participation in a genuine community of learners who collaborate and support each other every day is absolutely necessary to experience and understand the deeply human approach to education that Montessori is. Particularly at the adolescent level, an immersion in a direct experience of human interdependency gets to the core of Montessori educational philosophy. It is no less than uncovering and supporting the natural moral tendencies of human beings--by interacting with each other face-to-face. Montessori says, “Without doubt we can, for what the child has shown us, consider morality in relation to social life. For the meaning of morality is our relation with other people and our adaptation to life with other people. Therefore, morality and social life are very closely related.” Maria Montessori, “Moral and Social Education.”  (The NAMTA Journal, 37:2, Spring 2012, 81).