Invest in your Career [Montessori Certification Online Cost]

Embarking on a career in Montessori education is a fulfilling journey, but one that often requires proper training and certification. Aspiring Montessori educators frequently explore online certification for flexibility and accessibility. In this article, we will delve into the common pricing and scheduling factors that go into various Montessori teacher education programs, so you can make the best decision for your future, with a particular focus on the quality education at Montessori Teacher Education Institute Of Atlanta (MTEI). 

We will also highlight the benefits of choosing a reputable program, discuss the typical schedule and teachings, and outline the career advantages of obtaining Montessori certification.

Understanding Montessori Certification Costs

Montessori certification programs vary in cost, depending on factors such as the institution's reputation, program duration, and the depth of training provided. Online Montessori certification programs often offer flexibility, allowing individuals to balance their studies with other commitments. On average, Montessori certification costs can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.

Beyond the financial aspect, it's crucial to recognize that the investment in Montessori certification goes beyond a monetary commitment; it's an investment in a transformative educational journey. The cost of Montessori certification reflects the quality of the training, the expertise of the instructors, and the comprehensive curriculum that equips educators with the skills needed to implement the Montessori philosophy effectively. 

Consider the expenses not just as fees but as a contribution to a profound understanding of child development, teaching strategies, and the philosophy that underpins the Montessori method.

Montessori Teacher Education Institute Of Atlanta (MTEI) Pricing

As one of the recognized institutions providing hybrid Montessori certification, MTEI is known for its comprehensive and quality training. The institute offers various certification levels, each with its own pricing structure.

For example, the cost of the Early Childhood Montessori Certification program commonly differs from the Elementary Montessori Certification program. For reference, here is pricing information from the year 2021-2022:

Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood Course Fees

Program Tuition: $7,200

Elementary I - II Course Fees

Program Tuition: $8,200 FOR E I, $11,200 FOR E I-II

Prospective students are encouraged to review the institute's official website or contact admissions for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Benefits of Choosing a Reputable Program

Investing in a reputable Montessori certification program, such as MTEI, comes with several advantages. First, reputable programs are more likely to be respected within the education sector. Employers often value certifications from well-established institutions, enhancing the employability of certified individuals.

Reputable programs typically offer a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring that students receive thorough training in Montessori philosophy and teaching methods. The guidance and mentorship provided by experienced educators contribute to a more enriching learning experience, better preparing individuals for success in the classroom.

MTEI is MACTE-accredited and AMS-affiliated to provide the highest quality education to our students.

Typical Schedule and Teachings

Montessori certification programs, whether conducted online or in person, follow a structured curriculum designed to cover key aspects of Montessori education. Hybrid programs like those offered by MTEI often provide flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing adult learners to successfully complete the requirements to obtain Montessori teaching credentials.

The curriculum typically includes in-depth studies on:

• Montessori philosophy and pedagogy,

• child development,

• best practices,

• understanding the precision of the Montessori materials, 

• and the transformative preparation of the adults and their roles in the Montessori environment.

Practical components, such as astute observations and teaching experiences, are integral to the certification process. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application equips aspiring Montessori educators with the skills needed to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Career Benefits of Montessori Certification

Earning a Montessori certification transcends the acquisition of a mere qualification; it is a gateway to a fulfilling and impactful career in education. Montessori-trained educators find themselves at the forefront of a global educational movement, with their skills and philosophy highly sought after by institutions around the world.

Global Demand

The demand for Montessori-trained teachers is not confined to a particular region; rather, it spans continents. The international recognition of Montessori education ensures that certified teachers can explore enriching opportunities globally. The certification not only validates one's commitment to quality education but also acts as a key that unlocks doors to various educational systems.

Professional Credibility

Beyond the global appeal, Montessori certification significantly bolsters an individual's professional credibility. Employers, whether in traditional schools or specialized Montessori environments, highly value the unique and comprehensive training that Montessori certification represents. This acknowledgment enhances the educator's standing in the eyes of peers, parents, and educational authorities, contributing to a sense of professional accomplishment.

Foster Holistic Child Development

One of the distinctive aspects of Montessori certification is its emphasis on fostering independent learning and holistic child development. This pedagogical approach not only aligns with esteemed educational philosophies but also places Montessori-certified teachers in high demand. Schools recognize the value of educators who can create nurturing learning environments that cater to the individual needs and developmental stages of each child.

Shape the Future of Education

As the demand for Montessori education continues to grow, the certification becomes an increasingly valuable asset. The recognition of the effectiveness of Montessori methods in cultivating critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning ensures a sustained demand for certified educators. This not only translates into a stable job market but also offers educators the opportunity to be pioneers in shaping the future of education.

Choose MTEI for Affordable Costs and Premier Education 

Choosing to pursue a Montessori certification online is a significant step toward a fulfilling career in education. Understanding the common pricing structures, such as those offered by the Montessori Teacher Education Institute Of Atlanta (MTEI), provides prospective educators with valuable insights into the financial investment required.

Opting for a reputable program ensures not only quality training but also enhances career prospects by making individuals more marketable to potential employers. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, the MTEI certification programs equip educators with the skills needed to create nurturing and effective learning environments. 

The career benefits of receiving an MTEI certification are far-reaching, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth in the dynamic field of education.

Contact the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta today to get started. 

10 Best Montessori Books for Teachers

“The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination.”

-Maria Montessori

As teachers, it’s our empathy, approach, and patience that can support a child’s connection to school.

In honor of MTEI's 10th anniversary, we've compiled a list of the 10 best books for Montessori teachers! Allow this list to help you understand your pivotal role in a child's life. 

Top Books for Montessori Teachers

1. The Absorbent Mind - Maria Montessori

This is essentially the holy grail of Montessori philosophy. Allow Maria to refresh your memory of how crucial the first 6 years of life are in a child’s development, of how they soak everything in effortlessly, and what a pivotal role the teacher plays in preparing the environment.

1. The Tao of Montessori: Reflections on Compassionate Teaching - Catherine McTamaney 

Each verse leaves you with something to ruminate on, and will remind you why your job is so essential and why it’s important to be intentional each day. 

1. Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom - Chip DeLorenzo, M.Ed.

Have days where you are pulling out your hair getting children to listen and follow directions? Chip DeLorenzo encapsulates the core of educators fostering student empowerment. This book presents Positive Discipline through a Montessori lens, providing tangible and relatable classroom illustrations and offering guidance on how to be kind and firm at the same time. 

1. The Montessori Baby, The Montessori Toddler, The Montessori Child - Simone Davies 

Davies does an amazing job of reminding us that all ages of child development can be tricky.  She gracefully reminds us that raising little ones is not easy, but we are not alone in our struggles and most importantly, it’s okay not to be perfect. She gives realistic strategies in her three books to raise productive, cooperative, independent little people in as harmonious a way as possible. 

1. The Essential Montessori - Elizabeth G. Hainstock

This book is a valuable resource for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the method. It's an indispensable reference for teacher training programs, school selection, classroom materials, and more.

1. The Child Is the Teacher: A Life of Maria Montessori - Cristina De Stefano

This biography is brimming with fresh narratives and intriguing insights into Montessori's life. It offers a unique perspective from an author outside the Montessori movement, granting access to Montessori's original letters, diaries, notes, and texts, unveiling a wealth of previously unpublished material.

1. Montessori for Every Family: A Practical Parenting Guide to Living, Loving and Learning -  Lorna McGrath and Tim Seldin

Unlock daily Montessori magic with this modern parenting guide. It distills key principles for easy home application, serving as a valuable resource to create a Montessori-inspired family life. Accessible to every parent and instructor, this practical guide accommodates various time pressures and resources.

1. Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three - Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen

Derived from Dr. Maria Montessori's principles for nurturing infants and toddlers, this hands-on guide is packed with guidance, stories, and support for fostering composed, capable, and self-assured children. It covers everything from crafting the baby's room to promoting essential life skills like self-dressing and fostering both independent and collaborative work.

1. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind - Daniel J. J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 

In this groundbreaking book, neuropsychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer twelve key strategies for fostering healthy brain development in children. Explaining the science behind a child's developing brain, the authors provide practical insights to turn challenging moments into opportunities for vital growth, resulting in calmer and happier children.

1. Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius - Angeline Stoll Lillard

In this revolutionary book, Angeline Stoll Lillard explores the scientific validation of Montessori's insights, detailing eight foundational principles and their classroom applications. The book provides parents and educators with a clear understanding of the method's success. Lillard not only elucidates the scientific basis but also critiques traditional approaches and proposes a proven alternative.

“I wake up every morning and jump out of bed to go to work. I see every day in the way a child’s face lights up when I show them a lesson, pause to listen to them, or give them a hug that what I do makes a difference. The gravity of what I do has instilled in me the belief that continual growth and improvement are essential. There is no point at which, as a teacher, you have ‘made it.’ The only way we can ensure we show our best selves each day and model the traits we want to see in our students is to never become stagnant in our own pursuit of learning.” 

“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.”

 - Maria Montessori

Refine the Montessori Method with MTEI 

Are you prepared to deepen your teaching practices and take it to the next level? Join the Montessori Teacher Education Institute (MTEI) today, and embark on a transformative journey that will elevate your knowledge on the proven scientifically based educational method and understanding of the natural development of the whole child.   Gain access to a wealth of knowledge, practical insights, and innovative techniques that will empower you to become a more effective and impactful Montessori educator. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your Montessori method — enroll in MTEI now and open the door to a brighter future in education!

I would suggest taking out 4, 6, 8, 9

Books to add 

the child is the teacher - https://www.amazon.com/Child-Teacher-Life-Maria-Montessori/dp/1635420849

This is a new biography full of new stories and interesting facts about Montessori! 

Montessori for Every Family: A Practical Parenting Guide to Living, Loving and Learning

Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

Montessori Science behind the Genius 

Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos

Por Alejandra Ramirez, Montessori Primary Teacher.

Hola, mi nombre es Alejandra y les voy a contar una historia acerca de mis raíces mexicanas: El Día de los Muertos que es una tradición milenaria.

Nuestros ancestros indígenas solían poner un altar y rezar por las almas de sus seres queridos ofreciendo comida y objetos que podrían ser usados en su camino hacia el más allá. Es curioso saber que en el primer nivel de su viaje, sus almas se detenían en un río donde sus perritos muertos los esperaban y, si ellos habían sido buenos con sus perros, entonces éstos los ayudarían por su paso hacia el Mictlan o lugar del eterno descanso. 

Los antiguos mexicanos realizaban distintas ceremonias por alrededor de un mes de su calendario, dedicando el último día a todas las almas (El “Día de todos los Santos” o “almas” es celebrado el 1 de noviembre)

Con la llegada de la religión Católica, la celebración cambió durante el tiempo y hoy dedicamos sólo un día principalmente para que nuestros muertos nos visiten y disfruten lo que ellos les gustaba en vida. 

Puedo ver que “El Día de Muertos” sigue cambiando con la influencia de otras culturas: Yo uso un disfraz el 31 de octubre y me gustan los dulces, por ejemplo, pero también tengo un altar en mi casa con las fotos de mis seres queridos que se han ido, les pongo comida y cosas que a ellos les gustaban; y el 2 de noviembre (el último día de la celebración indígena) nos reunimos en familia alrededor del altar para recordar y celebrar sus vidas. Llevo haciendo esto desde que era niña.

Así que, no se asusten si ven un altar en las casas de sus amigos mexicanos y no se olviden de siempre ser buenos con sus perritos. 

---

The Day of the Dead

By Alejandra Ramirez

Montessori Primary Teacher

Hi, my name is Alejandra and I am going to tell you a story about my Mexican roots: The Day of the Dead, or “Día de los Muertos”, is a tradition we inherited from millennia.

Our indigenous ancestors used to set up an altar and pray for the souls of their departed loved ones offering food and goods that they could use on their way to the afterlife.  It is funny to know that the first stop during that journey was a river where their dogs waited for them and, if they were good to the dogs in life, the dogs would help them through their journey to the Mictlan (the place of eternal rest).

Native Mexicans performed different ceremonies for about one month of their calendar, dedicating the last day to all the souls (“Día de todos los Santos” or Souls is celebrated on November 1st)

With the arrival of Catholic religion, the celebration changed through time and today we dedicate only one day mainly for our departed ones to come and visit us to enjoy what they liked while they were among us.

I can see “El Día de Muertos” still evolving with the influence of other cultures: I wear a custom on October 31st and enjoy the candies, for example, but I also have an altar at home with the pictures of my loved ones and food and things they liked; and on November 2nd (the last day of the original indigenous celebration) we gather around the altar to remember and celebrate their lives. I have been doing this since I was a child.

So, don’t be scared if you see an altar at the houses of your Mexican friends and don’t forget to be always good to dogs.

Montessori: A Life of transformation and Renewal

As I start my new endeavour here in MTEI, I’d like to reflect on the lessons Montessori education has brought to my life. I never thought it would turn into a life journey or how the work of being a Montessori educator would bring such profound experiences. I have been serving in different roles for the past 15 years and I have nothing but gratitude for the amazing opportunities in the Montessori community. 

From being an assistant, to Lead Guide, to completing my Masters in Montessori and using the knowledge to create my consulting company, to serving as a Head of School, and now the assistant director of a phenomenal Montessori Institute that I really love, you can see how Montessori can bring you to so many places. More importantly, how the values continue to transform you to a better person. 

Struggles and challenges are inevitable of course, but I must say that with pure intentions, quality actions, dedication, and humility, these struggles become so small and can be overcome.

 I want to share a couple of my favorite quotes and how it holds true throughout my Montessori career. 

 "The vision of the teacher should be at once precise like that of the scientist, and spiritual like that of the saint. The preparation for science and the preparation for sanctity should form a new soul, for the attitude of the teacher should be at once positive, scientific and spiritual.

Positive and scientific, because she has an exact task to perform, and it is necessary that she should put herself into immediate relation with the truth by means of rigorous observation...

Spiritual, because it is to man that his powers of observation are to be applied, and because the characteristics of the creature who is to be his particular subject of observation are spiritual." (Dr. Maria Montessori, 'The Advanced Montessori Method - I', Clio Press Ltd, 107)

As a Scientist, learning and practice never ends no matter how long you have been in the field. In meeting the interests and the needs of the children and supporting their families, one can never settle on what they know or what they have “mastered”. 

As a Saint, we must all serve as models of grace, kindness, compassion, and respect. All children deserve to have people around them who have genuine spirit. People who can truly laugh with them, embrace them, see them through and value them as a whole. Being a “Saint” calls us to take a look inside ourselves, purifying, and taking away all that is hindering us to form a harmonious and loving relationship. Inner preparation is one deep calling for a Montessori guide and this is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the children and to yourself. 

Lastly, as a Servant - “The teacher must be the servant of nature. The highest thing she can do is to serve. The best she can do is to be a perfect servant, to show respect and care, and to be humble”.

--- Maria Montessori (The 1946 London Lectures. The Montessori Series. Ed. Annette M. Haines. Amsterdam: Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company, 2012. p 34)

As a Servant, my Montessori practice has never been just about me and my goals, but the inspiring community I get to be part of and help grow, and most importantly the children who continue to give such humbling experiences and joy. The children are the very reason our practice exists. We always need to keep in mind that we all learn from them and serve their needs to truly fulfill the roles of a Montessori guide. 

I am also a firm believer of “community over competition” and serving one another. As a community we need to focus on true service and keep our eyes on the ultimate goal - to first and foremost love the child wholly. For one is not able to build a foundation of success for every child without the love and respect that they deserve. We all have this very important responsibility and we can do this collectively. We are able to fulfill this by understanding that our intentions should be rooted from a humble heart. Avoid battling, anger, and pride, instead, honor each other’s strengths. 

The number of years in practice, the degrees and credentials, titles and positions, can blind us from what true service really means.  Often we should ask ourselves - Does the purpose of my action - to serve or to be served?

Whole New World: Montessorians Journey Abroad

Had anyone told me in 2016 that my Montessori journey would lead My husband and I to China, I would not have believed them. I remember being a nervous, homesick wreck at just the idea of moving overseas, as once proposed by my best friend in 2014 as I prepared for an interview to be an assistant in a Montessori classroom. Alas, in January 2020, we made the decision to uproot our lives from Atlanta, GA and move abroad to teach, live, and learn in Beijing, China. As we are both Montessori certified Teachers, we arrived in Beijing excited at the prospect of learning new ways to implement our knowledge of Montessori Philosophy in this new place. COVID changed those plans. We quickly realized this adventure would not be what we thought and the experience was short lived.  

Living in Beijing during the pandemic was...simultaneously refreshing and stressful. Like many Teachers around the world, we were able to work virtually, which provided time to write, think, and set our intentions for the future. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach virtual parent infant classes and to host a few Montessori workshops on various topics. I even had the opportunity to connect with a few Teacher Education programs for the opportunity to teach. As one can imagine, being abroad can be challenging- being abroad during a pandemic proved to be even more of a conundrum. 

With money dwindling and no information about returning to school in sight, we had some decisions to make. Though we searched for Montessori schools, our efforts to find a great fit for each of us were not met. We are both firm believers in life unfolding the way it should. We were determined to fulfill the mission of living and teaching abroad; therefore, we decided to step away from our Montessori school, opting to join an international school with a Play based, Reggio inspired curriculum. Boy were we in for an awakening.

Moving to Shenzhen China to join the Reggio school was such an eye opening experience for me. As an Infant Toddler trained teacher, I immediately recognized that I may be biased in my approaches, but I was open to this new perspective, especially after reading how similar Reggio and Montessori are. What most great educators know is that it's all about the implementation of the philosophy.  We also learned that we would no longer be lead teachers in a single classroom, but would be “language focused” teachers leading Phonics and inquiry between two classrooms. To add to this challenge, many schools in China begin at age three, so my Infant Toddler abilities were placed in a classroom with four and five year olds. 

I was determined to bring my passion for educating and understanding children to this International school. With that, I asked many questions, listened and observed classroom teachers create environments. They were different than I imagined “Reggio” to be, but as the new girl, I quietly observed and made note of what I could do. I shared my knowledge where appropriate considering space, organization, and varied interests of the children for their age. In my time in this play based classroom, I thought of my Montessori training many times and thanked the heavens for its depth, clarity, and practicality since it allowed me to share so much knowledge with others. Here are some points I constantly think about

1.Prepared Environment is an essential component of guiding children

Montessori Philosophy stresses the importance of the environment not only being prepared physically, but being an aesthetically pleasing home for the child. There are many great similarities in the Reggio approach and Montessori such as natural lighting, use of varied real materials for learning. The key difference is how the Montessori classroom is organized to scaffold the child’s independence and sense of order. The environment assists the child in being social or respecting the need to work independently. Most of all, the environment includes the Teacher that understands how she may help or hinder a child and she takes care to protect his concentration. 

2. The child does not require external praise.

I have long appreciated the value Positive Discipline and the Montessori Philosophy have added to my awareness of the child as creator. One thing that has been affirmed in my time here in China is noticing how similar we as adults can be in using Praise as a system of discipline. It can be like an addictive candy for children if we are not careful. If building the esteem of the child is our true motivator, we can find ways to slowly shift focus toward encouraging them instead of praising their actions. Pairing this with the freedom to explore their environment can be so powerful in building their self efficacy skills.

3. Montessori is Universal

Though there are some concepts that are very familiar to Montessori Teachers and environments, Montessori concepts are not just for Montessori credentialed schools and classrooms. I think of how my training taught me to be inclusive of many different personalities and temperaments. How I learned to celebrate the cultures and practices of each family within the Montessori environment I set.  I continually learn about the 

child and family dynamics, parent teacher relationships and preparing the environment. I recognize how I may use a technique from my Montessori environment to assist a child in learning something new. I am able to balance open and closed ended tasks into the environment to help the children discover their interests and the natural ability to concentrate. I have used three period lessons more times than I can think to count and I credit part of the success of the children’s English learning to the concepts I learned during my time practicing in a Montessori classroom.

Though I miss Infant Toddler spaces, I still believe life unfolded the way it should have. I believe it is the bigger mission to bring Montessori knowledge outside the Montessori classroom into the wider fold of education. Applying philosophies we have learned and taking into context the Chinese culture, considering standard methods of child care, parent to child interaction, and everyday interaction within the environment. As I continue to learn, I will move forward with the knowledge that Montessori gave me the strong foundation to embrace varying systems of education with a strong knowledge of child development and the belief that Montessori is universal and applicable for all.