AMI was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929, and continues to supervise its accredited teacher-training centers.  These courses prepare adults to work with children in three different levels.  The first level is
‘A to I’ or Assistance to Infancy level working with the child from birth to 3 years of age.  The Primary Level works with ages 3 to 6 and at the Elementary Level  with ages 6 to 12.  At this time, AMI does not offer training to work with adolescents; the North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA), an AMI affiliate, annually offers an intensive seminar for preparation of teachers working with adolescents.

Montessori is a complex approach to human development, from birth to maturity, based upon universal principles.  It is international in that, when done in an exacting manner, it can be used with children of all nationalities with the same results.  The training is essentially the same everywhere, with natural adaptations to the language and culture of each country.  Lectures, seminars, the preparation of materials and curriculum texts, observation, and practice teaching are all carried out under the direct supervision of the training center.  Each course lasts one or two academic years; these courses are thorough and require intense study.  Some training centers offer both academic-year and multi-summer formats.

The courses actively seek students from all nations, races, and creeds.  The AMI diploma is universally recognized for the quality and authenticity of the training given.

Course admission requirements vary from country to country.  In the United States, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite; all centers do make some exceptions based upon the candidate’s experience and intentions.  A few courses offer college credit, or have arrangements for credit with regional colleges.

All of our lead teachers here at Evergreen are AMI certified.  Angela Feathers and Melissa Rye are certified in the Montessori Method for Primary aged children ages 3 to 6 years of age and Sally Self is certified in the Montessori Method for Elementary aged children ages 6 to 12 years of age.   Marie Stone is currently in training to lead the A to I classroom.