Frequently Asked Questions
Click the questions below to see the answers:
How can I prepare for the course?
The best preparation for taking the course is to organize your schedule in anticipation of becoming a full time student. This may include limiting extracurricular activities, schedule adjustments and for those with children, scheduling additional childcare.
Can I have a job during the course?
Due to the intensive nature of the course we recommend that students not work during the summer in person sessions.
How will students take notes?
Many students find a laptop computer useful, while others prefer to hand write their notes. During the synchronous online portion of the course as well as portions of the in-person modules, students should be prepared to take notes for a variety of information, including: theory topics, text for exercises, sketches of the materials, book references, songs and poetry, teaching tips and techniques. Spiral notebooks (or 3-ring binders) with lined paper and subject dividers can work well to accessibly organize this variety of course information.
Students' daily notes are the basis for various course assignments. All students will need regular access to a computer and internet.
Is time allotted for student questions? Is the Director of Training available to see me if I have a question or issue I would like to discuss privately?
There will be opportunities for clarification during a lecture, and time will be allotted for questions as the schedule permits; written questions are always welcome and will be answered either in writing to the sender or in class for the group. Students can schedule an appointment with the Director of Training to discuss specific questions or issues that might not be applicable to the whole group.
The TMI website refers to additional expenses in the form of books, paper, projects, and other course related expenses. What are these expenses?
The curriculum albums and other materials the students prepare can vary widely in cost. Often students create beautiful physical albums and materials by using items they already own or that they purchase for a relatively low cost. With the blended course format, it is now possible to create Digital Albums.
Guidelines for material making will be clarified during the course. Each student will be responsible for making several materials. Kits are provided at cost for students. Most kits are required for the first summer (See material list below.)
Students are also required to purchase books and timelines. Timelines will be purchased or ordered while at the Institute. Many books can be purchased elsewhere, while a few can only be purchased through the Institute. The Institute also has a library where students can access a number of books, during the in-person module, or for those living in Colorado, at any time during the course.
What will the assignment schedule be?
Assignments will be given on a weekly basis. Assignments are turned in on Monday morning and returned Tuesday afternoon of the following week.
What supplies will I need?
- Curriculum Manual Binders (sturdy Three Ring Binders) if creating a physical album
- Typing, computer or copy paper on which to write curriculum manuals, if creating a physical album
- Pens
- Pencils
- Colored Pencils – good assortment of colors for timeline and illustrations
- "Sharpies” – fine and/or extra fine points – in red, blue, black, purple, orange, green, yellow, brown – or other type of indelible pen to write on plastic
- Ruler with inches and metric measurements
- Tape measure with inches and metric measurements
- Scissors
- Paper Clips
- Glue,Rubber Cement
- Handsewing supplies, i.e., thread, needles, scissors
- Spiral notebooks or loose-leaf binder and paper for taking daily notes
- Any computer supplies you might need
- Indoor shoes – to be worn only inside while at the Institute to keep our environment clean
What materials will I be required to make other than albums?
First In-Person Module**:**
Topponcino (kit is $30)
Mobile (kits are $12)
Tablecloth, napkin, bib or placemat (approximately $10 to make)
Prenatal Timeline ($30)*
Psychomotor Development Timeline ($50)**
Medical Text ($20)
Second In-person Module:
2 or 3 toys from 1st Summer
2 Practical Life Exercises
1 Set of Language Objects
1 Set of Language Cards with Matching Objects
1 Set of Language Cards only
1 Fishing Bag with Contents
1 Gluing Box (kit is $30)
Where can I find the books from the required reading list?
The required reading list can be found here: https://www.tmidenver.com/0-3-years-assistants-to-infancy
TMI sells Understanding the Human Being, The Medical Text and The Human Tendencies. The books written by Montessori on the required reading list can be purchased through www.amiusa.org/bookstore/ or www.Nienhuis.com. Other books can be found at www.Amazon.com or your local bookstore.
What are the parameters of the 250-hour interim year observation requirement?
Observation is a major component of the Assistants to Infancy course. Student will do a number of hours of Observation during their first in-person module and will continue to complete Observation assignments throughout the interim year, prior to returning to Denver for the second in-person module. Students receive support from TMI in a variety of ways in order to help them succeed with this assignment. Further details can be shared by contacting TMI at tmiami@mac.com
Will all students’ albums look the same?
All students will see and record the same demonstration of a lesson, but will describe this in their albums in their own words. Our goal is for each student to create albums that will represent the Montessori theory and use of the materials, yet also reflect the distinct voice of the individual.
Is student housing provided for traveling students?
The majority of our students travel from some other part of the country or world. Housing is the responsibility of the student, but the administrative staff is happy to assist with this process. We have many regular renters who entrust their homes with our students during the summer.
What is the cost of living in Denver?
Housing and transportation costs are the responsibility of the student. Housing costs can range from $800 to $2000 and up, per month, depending on the situation. Food expenses vary from $300-$500 per month. Denver has reliable public transportation system (RTD) which includes city buses and light rail. Monthly bus passes can be purchased for your convenience at $88/month. For more information on public transportation in Denver, please go to www.rtd-denver.com.
Does TMI offer any scholarships or financial aid?
TMI does offer scholarships as well as loan plans for those interested. Additionally, Association Montessori Internationale offers a financial scholarship for training center applicants including those applying at TMI. Please visit www.amiusa.org/teacher-training/financial-aid-opportunities/ for financial aid information.
Can my Montessori school sponsor me or can I find a school to sponsor me?
Many schools send sponsored teachers for training. Loan options also apply to schools sponsoring a student. If you are searching for a sponsorship, please contact TMI or go to www.amiusa.org to learn more about sponsorship.
Does TMI offer translation services for students?
It is the responsibility of students needing translation to hire and pay for this service. Please contact TMI at tmiami@mac.com to learn more.
What is the Schedule for the 2024-2025 Course?
The schedule outlines the required synchronous (everyone together on Zoom) sessions where attendance is required. There will be asynchronous (work outside of the Zoom sessions) required for each online module as well.
April - Early May, 2024: Online Evening Module 1 Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required) April 3: First synchronous session: Orientation April 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, May 1 May 3: Final synchronous Session for this Module
June 2024 Module 2: June 5 and 19th: Synchronous session from 5:30 - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required)
July, 2024 In-Person Module 3: In person is Monday through Fridays from 8:00 - 5:00 at The Montessori Institute in Denver (attendance is required). July 8: First day August 1: Final Day
September - March, 2024 - 2025 Interim: Includes observation hours and practice teaching requirements plus asynchronous online learning modules and bimonthly synchronous online Wednesday evening meetings held from 5:30 - 7:30 MST (attendance is required). September 4 and 18 October 9 and 23 November 6 December 4 and 18 January 8 and 22 February 5 and 19 March 5 and 19
April- Early May 2025 Online Evening Module 4: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required) April 2: First session April 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, May 2, 5, 7, May 9: Final session for this module.
June 2025 Module 5: June 4 and 18th: Synchronous session from 5:30 - 7:30 pm MST (attendance is required)
July - Early August 2025 In-Person Module 6: In person is Monday through Fridays from 8:00 - 5:00 at The Montessori Institute in Denver (attendance is required.) July 1: First day July 15 and 17: Written Exams July 28-August 1: Oral Exams August 1: Graduation