Montessori teacher

Montessori teachers help very young children to grow in confidence, and learn at their own pace.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

32 to 34 term time

You could work

evenings attending events or appointments

How to become a Montessori teacher

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in any subject and then train as a Montessori teacher.

You'll need to study for an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma, which includes a placement.

You could study a foundation degree in Montessori Pedagogy at the University of East London. This course includes the AMI diploma.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels for a degree

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Work

You can train as a Montessori classroom assistant then move on to a teacher training course.

You'll need to study the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certificate which includes 9 hours of observation with a child in any setting.

To get into this job you'll need a good general standard of education, with passes in English and maths.

Some employers may prefer you to have a level 3 qualification in early years.

Volunteering and experience

You'll find it useful to get as much work experience with children as possible. It will help you get a better understanding of the career, and you'll make contacts who could help when looking for work.

More information

Career tips

Many people start Montessori training after working in other careers, not related to working with children or in education.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join organisations like the Montessori Society AMI UK, for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Montessori teacher from the Maria Montessori Institute and Montessori Society AMI UK.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• be at least 17 years of age

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• planning a programme of work and activities
• preparing the learning areas and resources, and making sure they’re safe
• watching the children and making notes of progress and issues
• making sure all children have equal chances to learn
• supporting parents and involving them
• looking after sick or injured children
• helping with dressing and undressing when needed
• feeding children when required
• attending staff meetings
• keeping records and writing reports

Working environment

You could work at a school.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a nursery manager, assistant headteacher or headteacher. You could also become an area manager for a group of schools. 

You may be able to set up your own school, or take on a franchise either in the UK or overseas.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Montessori teacher right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Montessori teacher?

Search for training courses near you.

Related careers

• Nursery manager
• Primary school teacher

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