Resources and FAQs
Resources
Early History
Dr. Maria Montessori
Books
Links
Early History
The Early History of Montessori
Montessori education began in 1907 when Dr. Maria Montessori opened her first school, the Casa dei Bambini, in a low-income neighborhood of Rome as part of an urban renewal effort. The remarkable success of this classroom quickly attracted attention across Italy, leading to the establishment of additional Montessori schools in cities such as Rome and Milan.
In 1909, Dr. Montessori documented her educational approach in her influential book, Il Metodo Della Pedagogia Scientifica Applicato All’Educazione Infantile Nelle Case Dei Bambini, later published in English as The Montessori Method. This work helped formalize and spread her ideas beyond Italy.
The following year, Montessori education had gained international interest. Educators from around the world traveled to study directly with Dr. Montessori, attending training courses that drew participants from countries including Chile and Australia. Within just a few years, Montessori schools had been established on five continents.
The movement reached the United States in the early 20th century, with the first Montessori school opening in 1911 in Scarborough, New York. Public interest grew rapidly, supported by well-known figures such as Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. Media coverage highlighted the independence and curiosity of Montessori-educated children, and by 1916, more than 100 Montessori schools were operating across 22 states.
Dr. Maria Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori, the visionary behind the Montessori method of education, was born in Italy in 1870. Early in her life, she aspired to become an engineer, but her interests eventually led her to pursue medicine. She went on to become Italy’s first female physician, beginning her professional work in the field of mental health.
Through this work, Dr. Montessori encountered children who had been labeled as having learning difficulties and were often excluded from traditional educational settings. Rather than accepting these limitations, she developed hands-on materials that encouraged learning through movement and sensory exploration—producing results that challenged prevailing assumptions about children’s abilities.
Her success led to an invitation to oversee a childcare program connected to a social housing project. In 1907, she opened her first Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. There, she carefully observed how children interacted with the learning environment and refined the materials and activities to support their developmental needs. Educators were astonished by the level of focus and academic growth demonstrated by these young children, including their spontaneous emergence into reading and writing.
As interest in her work grew, Dr. Montessori began documenting her observations and training others in her educational approach. Education became her life’s work, and she continued to refine her theories based on what she observed in children rather than on predetermined expectations.
For the remainder of her life, Dr. Montessori traveled extensively, lecturing and training educators across the globe. She came to believe deeply that meaningful education was essential to fostering peace and understanding in the world. When she passed away in the Netherlands in 1952, she left behind a lasting global legacy—one that continues today through Montessori schools and training centers serving children across cultures, languages, and belief systems.
Books
Books
Montessori Today – by Paula P. Lillard (1996)
Describes Montessori theory and contemporary American Montessori schools serving ages ranging from birth to adulthood.
Montessori from the Start – by Paula P. Lillard and Lynn L. Jessen (2003)
What parents can do to help their youngest children in the process of self-formation.
To Educate the Human Potential – by Maria Montessori (1948)
Describes the needs of the elementary-aged child in the process of acquiring culture.
The Absorbent Mind – by Maria Montessori (1949)
Discusses the development of infants and young children from birth to three years. Gives a clear explanation of the basis of Montessori theory and method.
The Child in the Family – by Maria Montessori (1956)
A series of short essays about the child, the family, and the school, with a philosophical emphasis.
From Childhood to Adolescence – by Maria Montessori (1973)
Discusses the development and education of the child from age seven through adolescence. Includes Dr. Montessori’s thoughts on university education.
Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work – by E. M. Standing (1957)
Covers Maria Montessori’s life, how she developed Montessori education, its theoretical basis, and the worldwide growth of the Montessori movement.
FAQs
What is the structure of the MDAME Montessori Teacher Education Program?
The MDAME Montessori Teacher Education Program offers a hybrid training model that combines online Montessori coursework with in-person learning experiences. Online instruction includes video lectures, both live and asynchronous discussions, collaborative assignments, and peer feedback opportunities. In-person sessions are held at our Ellicott City, Maryland campus, providing hands-on Montessori training and direct faculty support. This flexible format is designed to support adult learners while maintaining the rigor of an accredited Montessori teacher education program.
How long does it take to complete the Montessori teacher training program?
Each program cohort runs for 13 months, with the academic portion primarily occurring virtually over the course of 3 months, followed by a 9-month practicum and then a 1-month period of review and final exams.
Can I take a break from the Montessori training program if needed?
Individuals can request an official leave of absence due to personal need. While Adult learners are expected to complete all coursework and assignments within the scheduled duration of the program, MDAME may, at its discretion, allow learners additional time to complete scheduled course components (those requesting an extension may have up to 3 years total to complete the program).
What technology is required for the online Montessori coursework?
MDAME will work with Adult Learners to ensure they have all needed preparations and support systems in place to succeed when taking an online course. The minimum technology requirements for distance education/online learning are:
- High speed Internet access 512Kb/Second download or faster Either: 1 Gigahertz Macintosh running OS 10.3 or newer 1 Gigahertz PC running Windows XP SP2 or newer
- Computer with microphone and speakers
- Ability to record video of oneself
- Web camera
Is an official Montessori certification required to teach?
In Maryland and many other states, an official certification from an accredited institution is required in order to be considered a licensed Montessori teacher in both private and public school settings. Earning a recognized credential is an important step toward professional Montessori teaching opportunities.
What age level does this Montessori certification cover?
This program leads to Early Childhood Montessori certification, preparing graduates to teach children typically ages 3–6 in Montessori classroom environments.
Is the Montessori practicum placement provided, or do I need to find my own?
The practicum is a required component of the program and must be completed in an approved Montessori classroom setting. MDAME will provide a paid practicum site at one of the Children’s Manor & Magnet Montessori Schools in Maryland.
What Montessori credential will I earn after completing the program?
Individuals graduating from MDAME will receive an official AMS and MACTE approved Early Childhood Montessori certification. This certification is accepted throughout Maryland by the Office of Child Care, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and the Maryland State Department of Education. This certification is also recognized and accepted by teaching institutions across the USA.
How much does the Montessori Teacher Education Program cost?
Tuition for the MDAME Montessori Teacher Education Program includes academic coursework, practicum supervision, and program support. For current tuition rates, payment plans, and any available discounts, prospective learners are encouraged to contact our admissions team or visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Do I need prior Montessori experience to apply?
Prior Montessori training is not required. However, applicants must have experience working with young children and meet all admission requirements outlined by the program.
What are the admission requirements for the Montessori Teacher Education Program?
All adult learners must possess a bachelor’s degree or international equivalent from an accredited university or college and have experience teaching young children. Additionally, all adult learners accepted into the program must successfully pass a state and federal background check prior to beginning their studies, and must maintain this status in order to remain enrolled in MDAME’s program.