MACTE Accredited* AMTI Diploma in Montessori Adolescent Studies (AMTIUS4C)

Best for individuals with current national teacher credentials who want to work in or to establish a Montessori learning environment for adolescents and who are seeking an internationally recognized qualification.

Montessori Australia Endorsed | MACTE Accredited*

This intensive diploma program develops a deeper understanding of Montessori philosophy and curriculum, providing comprehensive training specifically designed for the adolescent age range (12-18 years). The course combines online learning with intensive on-site training to support skill development of teachers new to Montessori working in adolescent environments or those in the process of establishing Montessori learning environments for adolescents.

MACTE Accreditation

*Applicant for Accreditation status in no way determines the outcome of the accreditation decision by MACTE

This program is designed to meet MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) standards for adolescent education. AMTI is a MACTE Applicant for Accreditation, and graduates receive training aligned with international Montessori standards for the 12-18 age range.

Comprehensive Training Structure

Total Program Hours: 1425*

• 425 Academic Hours including virtual lectures, interactive activities, readings, live virtual tutorials, and practical assignments
• 1000 Practicum Hours of supervised teaching and hands-on experience in Montessori adolescent environments

*Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied where applicable

Blended Delivery Format

The program utilizes a flexible blended learning approach combining:

• Online Learning: Virtual lectures, interactive activities, readings, and live tutorials
• On-Site Training: Intensive face-to-face sessions (option included in 1425 hours)
• Flexible Scheduling: Consultation with school or individual to determine execution based on mutual requirements

Note: Face-to-face hours on-site are included as an option. Consultation occurs about implementation. Extra costs may apply for certain arrangements.

Internationally Recognized Credential

Upon completion, graduates receive a Montessori Australia Endorsed certificate demonstrating MACTE-aligned training in Montessori adolescent education. This qualification is recognized internationally and prepares educators to guide adolescents in authentic Montessori environments.

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PROGRAM FEATURES

✓ 12-18 Years Age Range – Montessori adolescent specialization ✓ Complete in 1-1.5 Years – Intensive timeline for qualified teachers ✓ Blended Delivery – Online and on-site components ✓ 1425 Hours Total* – Comprehensive training (425 academic + 1000 practicum) ✓ 425 Academic Hours – Virtual lectures, tutorials, activities, assignments ✓ 1000 Practicum Hours – Supervised teaching in Montessori adolescent settings ✓ Virtual Lectures – Expert instruction delivered online ✓ Interactive Activities – Engaging learning experiences ✓ Required Readings – Comprehensive resource materials ✓ Live Virtual Tutorials* – Real-time support and discussion ✓ Practical Assignments – Hands-on application of learning ✓ Assessment Tasks – Completed throughout the course ✓ RPL Applied* – Recognition of Prior Learning where applicable ✓ On-Site Option* – Face-to-face training available (extra costs may apply) ✓ Flexible Arrangements – Consultation with schools/individuals ✓ Certificate of Completion – Issued upon successful graduation ✓ Montessori Australia Endorsed – Nationally recognized ✓ MACTE Accredited* – Internationally aligned standards ✓ Enrollment Validity – Lifetime access

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WHO SHOULD ENROLL

This diploma is specifically designed for:

Primary Audience:

• Teachers with current national teaching credentials seeking Montessori adolescent qualification
• Secondary school teachers wanting to implement Montessori methods
• Educators establishing Montessori adolescent programs (12-18)
• School leaders developing Montessori secondary/high school environments

Ideal Candidates:

• Qualified teachers working with adolescents who want Montessori specialization
• Educators in traditional secondary schools transitioning to Montessori
• Teachers at Montessori schools expanding into adolescent programs
• School administrators establishing Montessori middle/high school programs
• International educators seeking globally recognized credentials
• Career educators wanting the highest level of Montessori adolescent training

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PREREQUISITES

Required:

• Current National Teacher Credentials – Must hold valid teaching certification/registration in your country

Recommended:

• Experience working with adolescents (ages 12-18)
• Understanding of secondary education structures
• Commitment to Montessori philosophy
• Access to or ability to arrange practicum placement in Montessori adolescent setting

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LEARNING FORMAT

Blended Delivery: Online & On-Site

Online Components (425 Academic Hours):

Virtual Lectures

• Expert instruction on Montessori adolescent philosophy and practice
• Developmental psychology for ages 12-18
• Curriculum design for adolescent programs
• Farm school and micro-economy concepts
• Recorded for review and flexibility

Interactive Activities

• Collaborative learning with cohort members
• Case study analysis
• Discussion forums and group projects
• Problem-solving exercises
• Reflective practice activities

Required Readings

• Montessori’s writings on adolescence
• Current research on adolescent development
• Erdkinder and farm school models
• Progressive education literature
• Contemporary Montessori practice

Live Virtual Tutorials*

• Real-time sessions with trainers
• Q&A and discussion
• Material demonstrations
• Peer collaboration
• Guidance on assignments and practicum

Practical Assignments & Activities

• Curriculum planning exercises
• Environment design projects
• Material album development
• Lesson planning and sequencing
• Reflective journal entries

On-Site Components (Optional within 1425 hours):

Intensive Face-to-Face Training

• Hands-on material presentations
• Observation practice in real settings
• Environment preparation workshops
• Collaborative planning sessions
• Direct mentorship from trainers

Consultation with school or individual will occur about how this is executed based upon mutual requirements. Extra costs may apply for specific arrangements.

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PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS

1000 Practicum Hours

The practicum component is extensive and essential, providing real-world experience in Montessori adolescent environments.

Practicum Includes:

Supervised Teaching

• Planning and delivering lessons to adolescents (12-18)
• Implementing Montessori methods in secondary settings
• Facilitating student-led projects and research
• Guiding practical work experiences
• Overseeing micro-economy activities (if applicable)

Observation

• Structured observation of adolescent behavior
• Documenting developmental patterns
• Analyzing individual and group dynamics
• Recording learning processes
• Identifying student needs and interests

Adult-Materials Interaction

• Mastering adolescent-level Montessori materials
• Preparing advanced academic materials
• Creating practical life experiences for adolescents
• Developing occupational opportunities
• Resource management and organization

Adult-Adolescent Interaction

• Building respectful relationships with students
• Facilitating group discussions and seminars
• Mentoring individual students
• Supporting social-emotional development
• Guiding leadership development

Integration of Knowledge with Practice

• Applying Montessori philosophy in real settings
• Connecting theory to practical implementation
• Adapting methods to specific contexts
• Problem-solving authentic challenges
• Developing professional judgment

Environment Preparation and Care

• Designing and maintaining adolescent environments
• Creating spaces for academic, practical, and social work
• Establishing productive work areas
• Organizing resources and materials
• Ensuring safety and functionality

Communications

• Parent/guardian partnerships
• Student conferences
• Staff collaboration
• Community connections
• Professional documentation

Demonstration of Skills

• Competency in Montessori methods for adolescents
• Curriculum delivery and adaptation
• Classroom/environment management
• Assessment and record-keeping
• Professional conduct

Supervised Practice

• Ongoing mentorship from experienced Montessori guides
• Regular feedback and evaluation
• Continuous improvement process
• Portfolio development
• Final assessment of competencies

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CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Montessori Adolescent Philosophy

Erdkinder – The Land School Concept

• Maria Montessori’s vision for adolescent education
• The third plane of development (12-18 years)
• Characteristics of the adolescent
• Social development and belonging
• Economic independence preparation
• Physical activity and outdoor work
• Dignity of work

Contemporary Applications

• Modern interpretations of Erdkinder
• Farm schools and land-based programs
• Urban Montessori adolescent programs
• Integration with traditional secondary structures
• Adaptations for different contexts

Adolescent Development

Physical Development

• Puberty and biological changes
• Brain development in adolescence
• Health, nutrition, and wellness
• Physical work and activity needs
• Sleep and self-care

Cognitive Development

• Abstract reasoning emergence
• Metacognition and self-reflection
• Critical thinking skills
• Research and inquiry abilities
• Creative expression

Social-Emotional Development

• Identity formation
• Peer relationships and belonging
• Independence and interdependence
• Moral and ethical reasoning
• Leadership development

Psychological Needs

• Valorization (sense of worth)
• Meaningful contribution to society
• Economic independence preparation
• Creative expression opportunities
• Physical and intellectual challenges

Academic Program

Humanities

• History and social studies
• Literature and language arts
• Philosophy and ethics
• Cultural studies
• Foreign languages

Sciences

• Physical sciences
• Life sciences
• Earth and environmental sciences
• Scientific method and inquiry
• Hands-on experimentation

Mathematics

• Advanced mathematical concepts
• Real-world applications
• Problem-solving and reasoning
• Data analysis and statistics
• Mathematical communication

Practical Work

• Micro-economy projects
• Entrepreneurship skills
• Agricultural and land work
• Craft and production
• Service learning

Creative Expression

• Visual arts
• Performing arts
• Music and movement
• Design and technology
• Digital media

Environment and Curriculum Design

Creating Adolescent Environments

• Space planning for diverse needs
• Academic work areas
• Practical work spaces
• Social and community areas
• Outdoor and physical activity spaces

Curriculum Development

• Integrated studies approach
• Student-led inquiry
• Real-world connections
• Assessment and documentation
• Individualization and personalization

Micro-Economy

• Establishing student enterprises
• Financial literacy development
• Production and commerce
• Resource management
• Economic interdependence

Montessori Methods for Adolescents

Seminar Approach

• Socratic dialogue
• Student presentations
• Collaborative discussion
• Critical analysis
• Intellectual discourse

Independent Study

• Research projects
• Self-directed learning
• Mentor relationships
• Portfolio development
• Passion-based inquiry

Group Projects

• Collaborative learning
• Team building
• Leadership roles
• Conflict resolution
• Collective responsibility

Community Engagement

• Service learning
• Partnerships with organizations
• Real-world experience
• Social responsibility
• Civic participation

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ASSESSMENT

Assessment Tasks Completed Throughout the Course:

• Reflective Journal Entries – Regular self-reflection on learning and practice
• Adult Learner Handbook – Comprehensive resource development
• Curriculum Planning Assignments – Designing integrated studies
• Material Album Development – Creating teaching resources
• Observation Reports – Documented practicum experiences
• Teaching Demonstrations – Competency assessments
• Environment Design Projects – Creating adolescent spaces
• Final Portfolio – Comprehensive demonstration of learning
• Practicum Evaluations – Supervisor assessments
• Written Examinations – Testing theoretical knowledge

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RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

*Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied

AMTI recognizes that adult learners bring valuable experience and qualifications:

RPL May Apply For:

• Teaching experience with adolescents
• Previous Montessori training at other levels
• Relevant graduate coursework
• Professional development in progressive education
• Demonstrated competencies in specific areas

Process:

• Submit documentation of prior learning
• Evaluation by AMTI faculty
• Potential reduction in required hours
• Credit toward specific course components
• Individual assessment and determination

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CERTIFICATION PATHWAY

Individual Pathway

1. Enrollment – Verify current national teacher credentials
2. Academic Study – Complete 425 academic hours (virtual + on-site)
3. Practicum – Fulfill 1000 supervised hours in Montessori adolescent setting
4. Assessment – Complete all tasks and evaluations
5. Graduation – Receive MACTE Accredited* Montessori Australia Endorsed Certificate

School Pathway

For schools enrolling unlimited attendees ($53,200):

• Customized delivery schedule
• On-site training options
• Group cohort learning
• School-specific consultation
• Potential cost efficiencies for multiple teachers

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QUALIFICATION AWARD

MACTE Accredited Montessori Australia Endorsed AMTI Certificate of Completion*

Upon successful completion, graduates receive certification demonstrating:

• MACTE-aligned training in Montessori adolescent education
• 1425 hours of academic study and practicum experience
• Competency in guiding adolescents (12-18 years) in Montessori environments
• Understanding of Erdkinder philosophy and contemporary applications
• Skills in curriculum design, environment preparation, and adolescent guidance
• Recognition by Montessori Australia
• International credential for Montessori adolescent educators

Lifetime Enrollment Validity – Continued access to course materials and resources