Montessori Training in Canada
AMI Training has been offered in Canada since 1971. There are two AMI Training Centres in Canada, one in Toronto, ON and one in Vancouver, BC.
Foundation for Montessori Education
Unit 13 - 2100 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6S 1M7
Ph: 416-769-7457
www.montessori-ami.ca
Montessori Training Centre of BC#200–8555 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC, V6P 3J9
Ph: 604-261-0864
www.mtcbc-ami.org/mtc/
AMI Training is always done face-to-face as opposed to online or distance education. Montessori training includes Montessori theory and child development lectures, demonstrations of the Montessori materials, supervised practical time with the Montessori materials, seminars, observation of children, practice teaching in Montessori classrooms, material making and the preparation of the teacher’s albums which outline the purpose and use of each piece of Montessori material.
In addition to this, the training includes a preparation of the adult about to undertake work with young children. This preparation can only be achieved through immersion in the Montessori theory under the supervision of experienced lecturers. The in-depth knowledge of the special materials to be used with the children in a Montessori class require individual training and supervised practice—as each piece of apparatus has a function in the total scheme of the Montessori Prepared Environment. The training demands a high degree of self-discipline and commitment, and a professional attitude. These fundamental aspects cannot be covered in sufficient depth by distance learning.
Throughout the training, the students come to understand the unique role of the Montessori teacher and how it differs from that of the traditional teacher. The Montessori teacher creates an educational environment which supports the children’s independence, curiosity and natural desire to learn. The teacher is a guide, an observer and a facilitator in the child’s individual learning. AMI graduates are highly sought by Montessori schools across the country and around the world.
Prerequisites
AMI Training Centres in Canada usually require a Bachelor’s degree for acceptance into the course.Formats
AMI courses are offered in various formats around the world. In North America, the most typical formats are the academic year and the summer course formats. Both formats cover the same content and both require a full-time commitment. The academic year course typically runs from September to May/June. Summer courses are two or three summers in duration with interim work such as, practice teaching, observation and seminars.Currently, the Primary course (3-6 years) is offered in the one academic year format at both training centres in Canada. The Assistants to Infancy (0-3 years) course is offered over two summers and the Elementary (6-12 years) course is offered over three summers. Other centres around the world offer various formats at various times.
Applying
Interested applicants are advised to contact the training centre of your choice to request specific details including training offered, application deadlines, and tuition assistance. Training Centres operate independently and each has its own application process.
Levels
Assistants to Infancy—A to I (Infant to 3 years)
The Assistants to Infancy course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of Montessori pedagogy and practices along with current medical and psychological approaches to child development during the first three years of life. During the course, students are introduced to Montessori’s theory of human development and specific studies in anatomy and physiology, obstetrics, nutrition and hygiene, child neuropsychiatry, development of movement, development of language, music, art, and spiritual development.
Primary (3 to 6 years)
The Primary course focuses on the Montessori pedagogy and practices relating to the characteristics of children from 3 to 6 years of age, the needs expressed during this stage of development, and the means available to assist the child’s work of self-construction. The teacher is trained to act as a vital and unhurried link between children and their surroundings; all children explore freely at their own pace. Student observation and practice teaching are under the direct guidance of the training staff.Elementary (6 to 12 years)
This course will be offered in Vancouver over three summers beginning in summer 2019.The Elementary course is an interdisciplinary study of human beings, their endeavors, and their relationship to the universe. At the elementary level, children seek the reason for everything. Rather than expecting the child to memorize a curriculum, Dr. Maria Montessori presented aspects of culture to the elementary child as “seeds of interest,” lessons to touch the imagination and ignite the intellect. Searching for answers through individual and small group activities, elementary students learn geography, biology, history, language, science, music, art, and all branches of mathematics. The training for elementary teachers also includes Dr. Montessori’s principles of psychology, education, and teaching methodology.
Click HERE for complete details on the three-summer elementary course at MTCBC.