United Montessori Association training?

[ihugtrees]

I have always been fascinated by Montessori, but am not an expert. I would love to work at a Montessori school, as I have extensive experience working with children, but have not been given the opportunity as all of the schools in my area require certification to teach even at the early levels. As a military spouse, I've recently been made aware of a program that will pay for a military spouse's licensure or certification in the program of their choice, and one of the options is a Montessori lead teacher certification program. The program, United Montessori Association, is completely online and pretty affordable.

Does anyone know anything about this program? Also, would most schools hire you to teach the early childhood level without a Bachelors degree in teaching already? I only have a year or so of college (in addition to various early childhood education trainings by the state, my own self study, and my experience, of course.)

Any favorite websites you would suggest where I could learn more about Montessori to be sure this is the career I want to pursue?

[MattBronsil]

Originally Posted by ihugtrees

I have always been fascinated by Montessori, but am not an expert. I would love to work at a Montessori school, as I have extensive experience working with children, but have not been given the opportunity as all of the schools in my area require certification to teach even at the early levels. As a military spouse, I've recently been made aware of a program that will pay for a military spouse's licensure or certification in the program of their choice, and one of the options is a Montessori lead teacher certification program. The program, United Montessori Association, is completely online and pretty affordable.

Does anyone know anything about this program? Also, would most schools hire you to teach the early childhood level without a Bachelors degree in teaching already? I only have a year or so of college (in addition to various early childhood education trainings by the state, my own self study, and my experience, of course.)

It wouldn't be recognized by most schools. Generally speaking, I would contact the schools in your area and find out what type of training you need. You'll likely hear that they need AMS, AMI, or MACTE Certification. Ask about those three things.

That said, you might also find a job as an assistant then find a school that will have you as an assistant then help pay for your certification. But without a degree, most qualified training programs won't take you unless you're also getting your degree at the same time.