Montessori teacher training starts here!
Since 1979, the Montessori Institute Northwest in Portland, Oregon has offered rigorous, practical and in-depth Montessori teacher preparation, in affiliation with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). The quality of our graduates reflects the quality of our training: knowledgeable and compassionate, with a teaching practice grounded in a thorough understanding of Montessori principles and child development.
This video gives an overview of Montessori education from birth through age twelve, and contains interviews with people training to become Montessori teachers as well as teachers in their classrooms. Much of this video was filmed at the Montessori Institute Northwest and in Montessori classrooms here in Portland
Our Courses
The Montessori Institute Northwest offers AMI Montessori teacher training:
- Assistants to Infancy Diploma – for work with children ages birth to three
- Primary Diploma – to work with children ages three to six
- Elementary Diploma - for work with children ages six to twelve
After successful completion of all coursework, graduates receive the AMI diploma, which is recognized internationally as a standard of quality in Montessori teacher preparation. Students may enroll in one of the cooperative programs – Marylhurst University (for the Bachelor of Arts program) or Loyola University Maryland (for the Masters in Education program and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Montessori Education [C.A.S.]) – and receive credit towards these programs for work undertaken at MINW.
MINW offers a rigorous, engaging and inspiring course of study. Students explore Montessori theory and the use of Montessori materials through lectures, collaborative seminars, and active group practice in our model classrooms. Students create their own teaching manuals, to deepen and solidify their learning. They apply their knowledge through observation and practice teaching in Montessori classrooms. Studying at MINW is a transformative experience; in addition to a foundational knowledge of the Montessori method, we offer opportunities for leadership, collaborative learning and personal growth. Our expectations of students mirror the expectations found in a professional setting, further preparing our graduates to begin their new careers.
Please contact us to arrange for a personal tour of our facility in Southeast Portland.
View our current course brochure (PDF)
Why Choose AMI?
The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded by Maria Montessori in 1929 to protect the integrity of her work. Today, AMI continues to uphold these standards by offering high-quality, authentic and rigorous teacher training through its affiliated training centers.
The AMI diploma is used in over 110 countries as a mark of teacher training excellence. Graduates of AMI training courses must demonstrate understanding of educational theory, child development, observation techniques, use and presentation of the Montessori materials, and ability to create appropriate activities for children. The practice teaching component solidifies this learning through hands-on work in Montessori classrooms.
AMI courses are conducted by AMI trainers, master teachers who have completed the Training of Trainers program and have a profound understanding of Montessori theory and practice.
In the past ten years, Montessori schools have nearly doubled their student enrollment, and positions at AMI-recognized schools go unfilled. Your AMI diploma allows you to pursue your Montessori career with the confidence that comes from extensive training and foundational knowledge.
Options for undergraduate and graduate credit are available through colleges and universities affiliated with individual training centers. Explore our Teacher Training section to learn more.
