Frequently Asked Questions - Elementary Training
Click the questions below to see the answers:
How can I prepare for the course?
The best preparation for taking the blended course is to organize your schedule in anticipation of becoming a part time student. Success in this course relies on your ability to manage your time, create time to complete your work, communicate your needs and participate in class. Please be sure to make any arrangements necessary to be available during our scheduled synchronous class time.
Can I have a job during the course?
Yes! This blended format is designed with teachers and assistants who are working in mind! Because of the nature of the course, time management and meeting deadlines are key skills. Having the time available in your schedule to complete work is important. You should budget for about 15-20 hours of synchronous work per week.
What materials should I bring for taking notes?
You will take notes of lectures and begin creating your “albums” or curriculum for the classroom. Most students find typing notes to be the best use of their time. Having a notebook and pencil nearby to make sketches of the materials is often helpful. All students will need regular access to a computer with a camera and microphone and internet access. You will require access to a printer, too, so that you can print your completed album write ups and meet the material making requirements (see below).
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 our synchronous time together. Each student will be assigned a mentor, but 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 budgeting $700 for 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 albums and materials by using items they already own or that they purchase for a relatively low cost. It is practical to assume that there will be some supplies needed for album creation, such as paper, 3-ring binders, page protectors as desired, and art-media. Students should be prepared to spend some time and money acquiring these (See supply list below.)
Guidelines for material making will be clarified during the course. Each student will be responsible for making several materials, but very few speciality items will be necessary.
Students are also required to purchase books. Many books can be purchased elsewhere, while a few can only be purchased through the Institute.
What will the assignment schedule be?
Assignments will be given on a weekly basis for discussion in our in person sessions. Assignments are submitted for review once a month.
What supplies will I need?
- Typing, computer or copy paper on which to write curriculum manuals
- Pens, pencils and note paper as needed for note taking
- Colored Pencils – good assortment of high quality colored pencils are recommended.
- Archival ink pens in black and red
- “Gel” pen in opaque white
- Ruler with inches and metric measurementsScissors
- Paper Clips
- Card stock and speciality paper for material making. (Purchased individually at the DoT’s instruction or from TMI at cost)
- Access to a two hole punch
- Glue,Rubber Cement
- Scissors
- Paper cutter is recommended
- “O ring binders” (Purchased from TMI)
- Any computer supplies you might need for the course
What materials will I be required to make other than albums?
Throughout the course, students will make the following classroom materials: parentheses and brackets
WHM tickets
Number cards and signs
Fraction tickets
Fraction bars
Fraction problems within limits
Fraction overlays*
Notation of squares
Notation of cubes
Paper decanomial
Binomial Cube tickets
Trinomial Cube tickets
HTU notation tickets
n/n squared chart
n/2n squared/ n cubed chart
Classification of articles cards*
Classification of nouns cards*
Classification and comparison of adjectives cards*
Verb conjugations
Word Study charts (hanging)
History of Language charts
Pronoun charts
Compound and Complex Sentence Material
Pronoun cards
Body Function Material
Labels for Body Function Material
No materials will be made until after they are introduced on the course so that the details and use are clear. To make materials, students will need some speciality (but readily available) papers, archival ink pens in three colors and a printer. Digital files will be provided where hand-lettering is not required (*denotes handwritten).
It is advised that each student budget at least $700 to cover the cost of the above plus the materials used in producing the curriculum manuals (see above list of suggested needed supplies). The $500 to $700 will cover the cost of required materials but not optional materials. Please keep this in mind when you budget and/or begin spending for other optional items.
Where can I find the books from the required reading list?
The required reading list can be found at this link. TMI sells 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 90-hour interim year observation requirement?
For students currently employed in a school, 50% of required observation hours could be in the student’s own classroom, regardless of the role that student plays in the classroom. The other 50% of hours must be full days on site in a school with an AMI trained elementary teacher, but could be either two one-week sessions or one two-week session.
For students not currently employed in a school, 100% of required hours will be on site in a school with an AMI trained elementary teacher, but could be either in one week long sessions, two-week sessions or a combination of both. The training team will help facilitate these placements.
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 precise 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 $400 to $1200 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 $114/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 not offer scholarships. We provide two loan plans for those interested. Association Montessori Internationale does offer a financial scholarship for training center applicants which applies to 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 visit the sponsorship program.
TMI does not qualify to offer student VISAs, as our training is too short. Once international students are accepted, they will receive a letter helping them to acquire a tourist Visa for the short duration of each summer.
Does TMI offer translation services for students?
It is the responsibility of students needing translation to hire and pay for this service.
What is the daily schedule? How much time do I need to devote outside of class?
During our Distance Learning Blocks, students will be self-paced and should expect 15-20 hours of independent work per week and two hours of synchronous time together. Class will meet on Wednesday evenings from 5-7 pm MST.
During our On Site Learning Blocks (July 2025 and 2026), students will be expected to attend class for full days, 8:30- 11:30 and 1:00-4:00.