How to Become a Montessori School Teacher in Illinois
The Montessori style of teaching differs from traditional teaching in certain key ways, including the structure of the teaching curriculum and how children interact with their learning environment. As such, Montessori teachers must be trained accordingly.
Overview of Montessori School Teachers in Illinois
The Montessori way of teaching is most often taught at private or charter schools in Illinois, so teachers usually complete Montessori-specific educational training through private organizations rather than the state. Credentialing organizations include the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the American Montessori Institute (AMI). Some of the general requirements for becoming a Montessori teacher are summarized in the table below.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Education Required</td><td> Bachelor's degree, completion of Montessori training program</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certification Renewal Period </td><td> Five Years (AMS)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Requirements for Renewal </td><td> 50 hours of professional development (AMS)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Average Salary (2016)* </td><td> $41,945 (Montessori teachers in IL)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)** </td><td>7-10% (all preschool through high school teachers nationwide)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *Glassdoor.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AmericanMontessoriSocietyAMS">American Montessori Society (AMS)</h3><p>The AMS offers teacher credential programs to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university. The process to earn a credential includes online as well as in-person teaching sessions. Interested candidates will also be required to create teaching manuals, read journal articles and create a year-long project, among other things. After completing coursework, the candidate will undertake a yearlong practicum in a Montessori classroom under the supervision of an experienced mentor. It can take a year or two to earn an AMS credential.
</p><p>Those who do not have an undergraduate degree but have a high school diploma are eligible to complete an associate teacher training program for early childhood levels through the AMS.
</p><h3 id="section---AssociationMontessoriInternationalUSAAMI">Association Montessori International USA (AMI)</h3><p>The AMI credential is also available to persons who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Programs are offered over the course of one school year or two summers. Prospective teachers can select from three different age ranges for certification spanning from infant to age three, age three to age six, or age six to age 12. Schools can also be identified as AMI-certified which ensures the standards are maintained based on the programs taught.
</p><h3 id="section---CredentialLevels">Credential Levels</h3><p>Generally, the credential levels are broken out into the categories of infant and toddler, primary, elementary, and secondary education. Interested candidates will need to choose a credential level and apply for that particular training program. It is possible for a teacher to undertake the training for different credential levels over time as this can make them more versatile. There are several training centers located throughout Illinois offering AMI and AMS certification.
</p><h3 id="section---ProfessionalDevelopment">Professional Development</h3><p>The AMS and AMI also offer professional development courses for Montessori teachers that will aid in keeping teaching skills up-to-date and in line with the program. The AMS requires their credentialed teachers to complete a minimum of 50 professional development hours every five years in order to keep their credential valid. The AMS recognizes professional development hours earned from their events as well as coursework from an accredited college or university. The AMI holds refresher courses across the country on a scheduled basis.
</p><h3 id="section---SchoolSpecificGuidelines">School-Specific Guidelines</h3><p>While there is a general guideline by which Montessori schools operate, it is recommended that candidates contact the specific school to which they would like to be employed. This will guarantee that any additional requirements are clear before the candidate begins the certification process.</p>