AMI Training and Certification in Greece
Information on AMI Training and Certification
Montessori Greece, based in Athens, operates under the auspices of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). AMI was founded in 1929 by Maria Montessori and is the most widely acknowledged international organization for training and certification in the Montessori approach at the international level. It offers comprehensive training programmes for Montessori educators, as well as short seminars.
In detail:
- AMI Montessori Teacher Training (AMI Diploma Course), a two-year part-time programme for children aged 0–3 or 3–6
- AMI Orientation Courses on the Montessori Approach, (for children aged 0–3, 3–6, 6–12, or 12–18), plus the AMI Assistant Adjunct Course (AMI Assistant Adjunct)
- Lectures and Events on the Montessori approach
1. AMI Diploma Courses
AMI DIPLOMA COURSE for children aged 3–6 (AMI Training for Montessori Educators)
The AMI Diploma Course for children aged 3–6 prepares educators to work with children in this age group, either in-person in Athens or through a blended learning format (Blended Course) to accommodate the needs of participants from other regions of Greece and abroad.
The program is a two-year part-time course, and classes are held in Greek and English usually on two afternoons a week (e.g., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and one weekend a month.
Throughout the programme, students engage in an in-depth study of the theory and practice of the Montessori approach and are introduced to the full range of Montessori educational materials (Practical Life, Sensorial Materials, Language, Mathematics and Culture).
Students are required to prepare written assignments on Montessori theory and to create individual folders/albums containing all the information about the educational materials, including detailed description of the material itself, illustrations, a reference to the aims of each material, a description of exercises and games, etc. The training program includes specific hours of hands-on practice with the educational materials at the training center, under the supervision of AMI instructors, as well as classroom observation and practical experience at Montessori schools who have an AMI educator. Finally, trainees are required to create specific materials for use in the Montessori environment for children ages 3–6.
The training programme concludes with written and oral exams. AMI appoints accredited examiners from abroad and provides translation for the exams as needed. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants receive the internationally recognized AMI Montessori Diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale. It is a prestigious qualification recognized within the international Montessori community. (This Diploma is not recognized by the Greek government.)
Tuition is paid in installments over the course of two years.
AMI DIPLOMA COURSE for children from 0 to 3
Every 2-3 years, Montessori Greece invites AMI 0-3 Trainers to come to Greece and conduct the 0-3 AMI Diploma Course.
These courses are conducted in English with simultaneous translation into Greek. The total duration of the programme and the requirements for completion are similar as for the 3-6 programme. The specific structure and curriculum of the course, depend on the visiting instructor, details of which are included, along with all other information regarding the training, with the announcement for each course. (This Diploma is not recognised by the Greek government.)
Tuition is paid in instalments over the course of two years
(Detailed announcements for previous and future programs can be found on the “Seminars and Training Cycles” webpage.)
These programmes are often conducted entirely online.
The Orientation Courses provide a general introduction to the Montessori approach, covering the main topics of Montessori developmental psychology and methodology. Each seminar focuses on a specific developmental stage (0–3, 3–6, 6–12, 12–18), but there is also extensive coverage of development as a whole, from birth to adulthood. The AMI Orientation Courses, do not include a presentation of Montessori materials.
These short courses are intended for anyone interested in the Montessori approach. AMI highly recommends them to parents, as well as to professionals working in various fields related to children. They are also of interest to those considering the full training programme who would like to gain an initial understanding of the approach.
Depending on the Orientation Course, each instructor determines the assignments required for its completion.In order to complete the Course, it is usually required that the student completes three short essays (approx. 500 words each) and carries out a 9 hour observation in both a school and a non-school setting. Provided the requirements for completing the course are met, participants receive the AMI Certificate of Attendance. (This certificate is not recognized by the Greek government.)
AMI MONTESSORI ASSISTANT COURSE
Those who wish to become an Assistant in a Montessori Class for children either in a Nido/Infant Community (5months -3years) or in a Children’s House (3-6 years) have to have completed first, the Orientation Course for the equivalent age group. Only then, will they be able to attend a further 20-hour seminar: the Assistant’s Adjunct Course. This course is held on site at our centre, over the course of three days. During this extra time, students will be introduced to certain techniques, skills and activities which they will need to have, in order to work in a Montessori environment. They will also need to make certain materials. These courses are not held every year.
For more details on when the next Assistant Adjunct Course will be held, please refer to the announcements page or contact the Secretariat at info@montessorigreece.gr
Every year, we organise lectures, short seminars, screenings, and other educational activities centered on the Montessori approach to human development—from birth through old age! If you would like to be included in our mailing list in order to receive regular email updates about new educational programs as they are announced, please visit the registration page or contact the Secretariat (info@montessorigreece.gr)