AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma

Information Session

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Course Description

The AMI 12-18 Diploma is a rigorous study of Montessori principles and of the particular developmental characteristics and needs of young people ages 12-18. The course offers theoretical principles, key experiences in the life and work of adolescent communities, and support for implementation strategies dovetailed to the particular cultural and local contexts for communities in different places and regions.

This course includes:

  • A study of general Montessori theory
  • Foundational studies of children ages 0-12 years old, with a focus on key points of interest and materials that inform our work with adolescents
  • Montessori principles and practices for adolescents ages 12-18
  • Frameworks and implementation strategies for integrated study projects
  • An examination of culturally-responsive education and Montessori for Adolescents through the Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist lens
  • Essential experiences in social organization, economic activities for adolescents, self-expression, and residential and community life
  • Work on the land
  • Seminar discussions on Montessori texts
  • Writing papers on Montessori principles applied to adolescents

Award*

AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma

Training Location

Sydney

Director of Training

Laurie Ewert-Krocker

Schedule

DATEDAYTIME
2024
ONLINE SEMINARS
17 August 2024
31 August 2024
14 September 2024
Saturday10am – 12 noon AEST
12 October 2024
26 October 2024
9 November 2024
23 November 2024
7 December 2024
Saturday10am – 12 noon AEDT
30 December 2024 (online option)Monday8.30 am to 4pm AEDT
31 December 2024 (online option)Tuesday8.30am to 1pm AEDT
2 January 2025 (online option)Thursday8.30 am to 4pm AEDT
3 January 2025 (online option)Friday8.30am to 1pm AEDT
2025
IN-PERSON BLOCK 2025RESIDENTIAL STAY
5 January 2025Sunday (arrival and group dinner)Move-in by 3:00 pm AEDT
Dinner 6:00 pm
6 -24 January 2025
* Residential stay from
5 January to 24 January
* Classes weekdays (Monday to Friday) only. However evening and weekend group activities are involved.
8.30am – 4pm AEDT
ONLINE
15 March 2025
26 April 2025
7 June 2025
6 December 2025
SaturdayMorning (2-3 hours)
29 December 2025
30 December 2025
Monday
Tuesday
8.30am-4pm (AEDT)
2026
IN-PERSON BLOCK 2026Northside Montessori School
5 January – 30 January 2026Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
– The final week 26 January-30 January is an exam block. Attendance is required for the student’s exam/s only.
8.30am – 4pm AEDT
* AEST and AEDT is the timezone for Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra across the year.

In-person block locations

Mandatory Residential Stay – First in-person block (January 2025)

There is a 3-week mandatory residential stay for all students in the first block (Monday 6 January 2025 to Friday 24 January 2025) with check-in and a group dinner from 3 pm on Sunday 5 January 2025.

During this block classes occur on weekdays (Monday to Friday) only. However, evening and weekend group activities are involved. This is part of creating a classroom community which is a model for how to create such a community with adolescents and is a critical part of the learning and experience.

The residential stay is in Sydney. Location details will be confirmed shortly.

School Site – Second in-person block (January 2026)

The second in-person block in January 2026 will be hosted at Northside Montessori School. Students find their own accommodation or may commute from home if they live locally.

The local community will be offering affordable accommodation options to assist those students who require it and this will be arranged though SMTC.

Observation

As a guide, observations in Montessori adolescent environments would be expected to occur:

  • 12 hours of First Plane Observations (6 hours in 0-3; 6 hours in 3-6) (August to December 2024)
  • 12 hours of Second Plane (6-12) observations (February to June 2025)
  • 80 hours of Third Plane observation (12-18). Observations of two different adolescent communities; one week in each community or 35- 40 hours in each. In some instances, one week may be at the student’s place of employment if the nature of the environment is suitable but in all cases only where the student completely steps away from the role of guide, teacher or assistant during the observations. (Generally, to be completed or substantially completed before Practice Teaching can occur).

Practice Teaching

As a guide, practice teaching in Montessori adolescent environments would be expected to occur sometime between August to December 2025. Observations would generally be completed before practice teaching can occur.

As there is great variation in the situation of individuals, there is flexibility in how the practice teaching can be arranged, however the schedule must be agreed by the SMTC student with SMTC and hours equivalent to a three week full-time experience is the (minimum) expectation. A plan will be individualised for each student depending logistics and the type of the Plan of Study and Work that an SMTC student has opportunity to prepare or be involved with.

Generally, there will be a supervisory visit from SMTC academic staff during one practice teaching period. If necessary, a second visit will be made during a later practice teaching period. Ideally a Trainer or Advisor will visit the course student for a day during practice teaching to observe and offer feedback, suggestions, and support. If a Trainer, Advisor, or
practitioner is unable to travel to the SMTC student’s work site, a video or other substitute observation may be arranged or practice teaching may need to occur at a location where a visit can be made. If you have queries please contact us at [email protected].

Practice Teaching Examples: What could this look like?

Here are some examples of how practice teaching might work in some circumstances:

Example 1

Facilitating or contributing to the execution of a comprehensive Study and Work project from its inception to conclusion over the duration it naturally takes in the teacher’s own community or in a host community.

Example 2

Immersion for a full three weeks in an established Montessori adolescent community, supporting the adults in their roles, delivering key lessons, and participating in activities with adolescents as appropriate. Activities may include (but are not limited to):

  •   Book group discussions
  •   One or two Key Lessons
  •   Writing workshops
  •   Individual support
  •   Practical work
  •   Sessions for creative or physical expression

Example 3

Developing and implementing an extracurricular or after-school Study and Work project for rising 7th-year students in one’s own community (if the school is in the process of establishing an adolescent community).

The above examples are not an exclusive list and there may well be many other approaches available. In all cases, the practice teaching arrangements would be agreed with the trainer on an individual basis.

Certification Requirements

  • Students must maintain a minimum 90% attendance to receive a certificate. A student’s camera must be on during the online components to qualify as being in attendance. 
  • During periods where the course is online, in addition to the online session times, students are expected to do an additional 10-12 hours per month of additional readings and follow-up work such as lecture notes; reflections (journals); observation exercises, lexicon terms; integrated theory paper in connection with the sessions. Observations and Practice teaching work is additional.
  • Observations will be required along with observation notes and reports: First Plane (12 hours of observations, usually 6 in the 0-3 age-level and 6 in the 3-6 age-level), Second Plane (12 hours), Third Plane (80 hours).
  • Practice teaching completion. Hours are discussed above.
  • Students must attend any online sessions in a space away from distraction as much as possible. They must be able to take notes and participate in group discussions and breakout rooms. 

How to Apply

Complete the application form at the button below.

Supporting documentation can be provided after initial application by email to  [email protected]

APPLY NOW

Application Requirements

AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma applicants are required to provide the following:

  • Current resume
  • Copies of all academic transcripts (in English or translated into English). (We may request you have these certified in some cases).
  • A short 2 page statement written in the applicant’s own words on why you want to undertake the diploma and what brought you to Montessori
  • 2 written signed reference letters (1 personal, 1 professional).

* You can submit your application form online and send us the required documents via email at a later date.

Other Requirements

  • If English is your second language, a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) of 6 is required to undertake an AMI Diploma. 
  • Non-residents are responsible for obtaining their own visas to enter Australia. Please reach out to SMTC to discuss via [email protected].
  • Working With Children Check (WWCC) or equivalent in the state, territory or country in which you currently work.
  • It is an AMI requirement that all AMI Diploma students hold current AMI membership for the duration of the course. AMI membership costs €40 (Euro) for a 12 month period. AMI requires that SMTC collect membership fees on their behalf.

Course Fees, Discounts and Payment Plans

Apply by 15 June 2024 to receive a $2,200 Early Bird Fee Discount (application deposit must also be paid by this date). Applications will still be accepted after this date however the early bird discount would not apply.

See our course fees page which includes fees, discounts and payment plan information: Fees | Sydney Montessori Training Centre.

Additional Costs – 2024 Course

  • Accommodation
  • Meals

There is a mandatory residential component as part of the first in-person block. Accommodation and meal costs are additional and not included in the course fees.

*Qualification Authorising Body

The AMI Diploma is awarded by the Association Montessori Internationale  and does not form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework. AMI is considered as the worldwide leader in Montessori education. Its certified training is acknowledged for its rigour and authenticity and the AMI Diploma is internationally recognised. It qualifies the holder to work in a pre-existing 12-18 classroom or to start a new classroom. All Association Montessori Internationale Diplomas state the holder has “Studied the principles and practice of the Montessori method for children from 12-18 years of age” and has “passed the written and oral examinations”.  The AMI Diploma does not automatically qualify the holder to teach. The state or country in which the AMI Diploma-holder wishes to work may have other teaching requirements that must be fulfilled. In New South Wales, all teachers must be accredited to teach through the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Required and Recommended Reading

Required readings:

  • The Absorbent Mind, Maria Montessori
  • Citizen of the World, Maria Montessori
  • Education and Peace, Maria Montessori
  • From Childhood to Adolescence, Maria Montessori
  • The Secret of Childhood, Maria Montessori
  • The Human Tendencies and Montessori,” Mario Montessori (booklet)
  • To Educate the Human Potential, Maria Montessori
  • The 1946 London Lectures, Maria Montessori
  • AMI Communications 2011:
    • “The Adolescent: A Social Newborn”
    • “Principles and Practice in Education”
    • “Development and Education of the Adolescent,” Kodaikanal lecture
    • “Three Levels of Ascent,” Maria Montessori
    • “The San Remo Lectures”

To be provided by SMTC in downloadable PDF form:

  • “The Four Planes of Development,” Camillo Grazzini
  • E.M. Standing, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, chapter 17, pp.263-270
  • “Some Suggestions and Remarks On Observing Children,” Maria Montessori (NAMTA Journal)
  • Maria Montessori, “Lecture 19” 1921
  • Maria Montessori, “Lecture 4” 1927
  • “Observation,” by Hilla Patell (NAMTA Journal)
  • “The Observation Artist” by Molly O’Shaughnessey (NAMTA Journal)

Recommended Readings (not required):

  • The Discovery of the Child, Maria Montessori
  • Education for Human Development, Mario M. Montessori Jr
  • Education for a New World, Maria Montessori
  • The Formation of Man, Maria Montessori
  • Volume I of The Advanced Montessori Method, Maria Montessori
  • Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, E.M. Standing

How to Purchase Books

SMTC offers an optional Montessori-Pierson book pack to students prior to the start of the course which is available to pick up in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne in August 2024 at a discounted price. The student has the choice of purchasing required texts, additional texts or both. Information is supplied about the book packs after application.

The above texts can also be purchased individually from Montessori Materials Australia as well as other suppliers.

Download the Required Reading List