OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL AMI MONTESSORI SCHOOL LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE COURSE

Introduction to the Course

The AMI Montessori School Leadership Certificate Course is designed for school leaders, founders, and administrative staff seeking to strengthen their expertise in Montessori school management and leadership.

Maybe it is you:

• You are leading a Montessori school as a director, founder, or administrator, and want to enhance your leadership skills while staying true to Montessori principles.

• You seek a deeper understanding of Montessori school management from strategic planning and staff development to creating a thriving school community.

• You want to ensure long-term success for your school by strengthening your ability to support teachers, collaborate with parents, and maintain high educational standards.

• You are looking for an internationally recognized certification to validate your expertise and commitment to high-quality Montessori leadership.

In this course, you will:

• Develop essential leadership skills Learn how to effectively manage a Montessori school while upholding its core principles.

• Gain practical tools for school administration Explore strategies for staff development, financial sustainability, and community engagement.

• Strengthen your ability to support teachers and parents Foster collaboration and create a thriving Montessori environment.

• and much more!

What is the role of an administrator in a Montessori school?

An administrator in a Montessori school plays a vital role in creating a supportive and well-functioning environment for children, teachers, and parents. Their primary responsibility is not direct teaching, but ensuring that the school operates smoothly while upholding Montessori principles.

A Montessori administrator guides the school’s vision and strategy, oversees daily operations, and fosters a strong community. They provide essential support to teachers, helping maintain a prepared environment where children can thrive. Through careful leadership and collaboration, they facilitate staff development, financial sustainability, and strong relationships with families.

By balancing practical management with a deep respect for Montessori philosophy, administrators ensure that the school remains a place of independence, self-confidence, and lifelong learning for all involved.

Learning outcomes and key benefits

During the first sessions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of Montessori education.

The course then explores the more complex aspects of school administration across multiple areas, with a particular focus on school culture and working with different community groups.

The program covers essential topics such as:

• Collaborating with parents to maintain their engagement and support.

• Understanding the mindset of school staff and strategies for fostering growth.

• Identifying key administrative goals to ensure effective school operations.

In addition, the course provides concrete strategies for working with school personnel—including teachers, assistants, and other staff—to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning.

Participants will learn how to support team members, guide new teachers and assistants during their early stages, and collaborate effectively with experienced staff.

The course also emphasizes strategic leadership, helping administrators maintain the “big picture” and long-term development while preserving educational quality and supporting the professional well-being of their teams.

Throughout the program, participants will have access to a range of materials and tools that can be applied directly in practice, such as a strategic plan tailored for their school. They will learn from experienced AMI trainers — Sue Pritzker and Todd Covert — and study alongside colleagues from around the world, engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and gaining new perspectives.

All participants who successfully complete the course will receive an internationally recognized certificate from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

AMI Montessori School Leadership Course program:

The Montessori School Leadership Certificate Course is designed for school leaders, administrators, and decision-makers who wish to enhance their understanding of Montessori principles and apply them to school management. This program equips participants with essential skills in visionary leadership, strategic planning, and school community building while maintaining the integrity of authentic Montessori education.

PART 1: Core Considerations for Administrators

• Biography of Dr Montessori and an introduction to the concept of education as an aid to life

• The role of the Montessori teacher and assistant and how the prepared adult can support the development of the child

• Montessori’s framework outlining the different characteristics of needs of people at different stages of development and how we can support this

• The role and nature of the prepared environment (including the physical and the intangible aspects)

• Understanding the concept of Freedom from the Montessori point of view and the growth of Discipline as an inner development

PART 2: Your School as a Community within a Community

• Overview of Montessori education around the world

• Defining the growing school and how it responds to the needs of children in each plane of development.

• Understanding of the major areas of difference between Montessori and mainstream education

• Understanding obstacles to school growth in relation to the school community and ways to manage a school through difficulties

• Involving the parent community in your school or centre to achieve the best outcomes for everyone

• Introduction to topics and managing community education involving parents and others

• Improving communication skills to enhance relationships within the school community

Certification Requirements

• Completion of 90% attendance in all live sessions.

• Submission of detailed observation notes.

• All coursework must be completed after the course ends.

PART 3: Being an Effective Montessori School Administrator

• The role of visionary leadership in a Montessori context

• An overview and the practical application of the Montessori curriculum in early childhood and school settings

• Understanding how teachers grow and develop in Montessori settings and how best to work with them

• Planning for improvement, sustainability and growth of school

• Basic mentoring skills development and the importance of professional development and staff evaluation procedures

• Identifying quality practice and Implementing an evaluation and quality assurance program

• Observation of Montessori environments to guide teaching and learning

Cre: (Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE), 2025)