Career change into teaching Montessori

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking about making a career switch and training as a Montessori teacher.

Currently bored beyond belief in IT.

Looks like I could be certified to teach after a one year program.

Anyone know anything about Montessori teaching - career satisfaction levels, job opportunities, etc?

[Anonymous]

I have been teaching Montessori for several years and LOVE IT!

PROS:
* Philosophy is wonderful!
* You may have some children in your class for 3 or 4 years. It is amazing to see them progress. You will really bond w/ them & parents.
* Vacations/Summers (although- I work 1 summer session at my school for extra cash.)
* Opportunities for tutoring for extra money if you desire.

Please let me know if you have specific questions--- I will check back.

Also- there are 2 certifications you can choose from:
AMI: more training. Rigid.
AMS: less training. Less rigid (more flexibility w/ teacher- made materials.) I am AMS certified and think it is better (more creative.)

Cons:
* $$$ (However- I do have a great retirement plan and good health plan.)

[Anonymous]

(Cont.) Most opportunities are in the private sector (also- a reason for the lower pay.) There may be a few charter Montessori schools.

It is a lot of work. I work my asa off! But well worth it. If you can afford it-- I say "go for it!"

[Anonymous]

*ass

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:(Cont.) Most opportunities are in the private sector (also- a reason for the lower pay.) There may be a few charter Montessori schools.

It is a lot of work. I work my asa off! But well worth it. If you can afford it-- I say "go for it!"

Exactly how much are you paid? I am a daycare teacher and thinking about going Montessori as I see many children at my daycare leave to go to Montessori.

[Anonymous]

17 years experience. $ 48,000

[Anonymous]

That is less then a first year teacher in public school. In MCPS, you would be making almost $100k after 17 years...

[Anonymous]

Exactly my point that I make less....but $100,000?! R U sure?

[Anonymous]

Yup. More if u are team leader and/or do extra-curricular stuff....

[Anonymous]

NP here. How much do new montessori teachers make? This sounds like something I would like to do once I don't have little ones at home.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for posting, Montessori PP! Did you get certified around here? (I am looking into Barrie, which seems to be about 1/3 the cost of Loyola.) Are there job openings? Is the entry salary in the $40k range?

[Anonymous]

I have to say that as a former teacher, the "Pro" that 1800 listed of having the same children in your class for 3 or 4 years can actually be a "Con"! Sometimes, you are really, really ready for kids to move on to the next teacher by the end of the school year!!

I would also recommend to OP that she spend some time in a Montessori classroom as an observer before she go through the training.

[Anonymous]

18:00 here again

I received my certification from Montgomery Montessori Institute (MMI) in Rockville at the Franklin Schools.

Unsure about job openings at various schools.

Yes- agree w/ pp that observing a classroom first is important.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

If you are still considering check out www.ageofmontessori.org the do MACTE accredited teacher certification and are really good at it. The program director has over 40yrs experience in Montessori and designed her program with Elisabeth Caspari. (Maria Montessori's close friend and colleague.)

[Anonymous]

I used to work in apparel and the saying around the office was, "we make clothes we don't save lives." When Montessori is done right it really can save lives by giving children respect and trust in themselves as well as for other beings and lives.