All of our diploma programs are divided into three components, and each component has a series of written assignments that are generated from NAMC’s curriculum manuals and resources. You will be assigned a personal tutor for the duration of your program, and you will have unlimited access to her by email, phone, and Skype.
At NAMC, we focus on helping our students develop a thorough understanding of everything necessary to succeed as a Montessori teacher.
How will my NAMC tutor assist me?
Once you enroll in a NAMC Montessori Diploma Program, you are connected with a personable and knowledgeable NAMC tutor who will be your Montessori guide throughout your program. NAMC tutors are experienced Montessori classroom teachers and mentors whose sole responsibility is working with our students on a daily basis, offering friendly assistance and making real connections. Your tutor will provide you with individual support throughout your studies, reviewing your assignments and giving you constructive feedback. And if you have questions along the way, just ask! Your tutor is happy to assist you with any questions you may have related to your coursework. She is also ready to help with information about Montessori philosophy and methodology, opening a new school, selecting Montessori materials, setting up a classroom, classroom management, practical applications, and much more. Communicating with your tutor is easy. Just pick up the phone, send an email, or Skype!
What do the assignments involve?
NAMC’s assignments correspond closely with our curriculum manuals — so that your learning relates directly to what you will be teaching in the Montessori classroom. Most of the assignment questions require short answers — sometimes a sentence, sometimes a paragraph or two — and we consistently provide you with learning tools such as videos, graphics, and templates to support your comprehension.
The most important thing to know about our assignments is that they are manageable. You can do this! NAMC is proud of the fact that our dedicated, motivated students never fail. We assess you on the merit of your assignment answers. There are no examinations, and although grammar and composition skills are important, they are not the subject of your training.
Our assessment procedure is unique, and it is one of the reasons our motivated learners succeed. After you submit your assignments, your tutor evaluates your work and provides you with personal feedback, reviewing your answers with you to ensure that you thoroughly understand what you are learning.
NAMC wants more for you than just completed assignments; we work with you to make certain that you understand the program content and that you will have success applying what you have learned. We are kind of Montessori that way!
What if I cannot complete my assignments by the scheduled date?
NAMC offers diploma programs that are flexible for your lifestyle.
It is important that our students adhere to the timelines of our programs. However, we understand that sometimes extenuating circumstances can disrupt study commitments. In these cases, we are willing to review and grant assignment extensions upon receiving a written request detailing the circumstances. All extension requests are considered on an individual basis.
If I have more time to commit to my studies, may I accelerate my program?
Yes, if you can work on your studies full time, you may accelerate your program and complete it sooner. You are able to do this with NAMC because we include everything you will need to teach with our program fees. In other training programs, teachers must create their own Montessori manuals and printable resources, and this takes hundreds of hours. We have done all of this for you! Once enrolled, please contact Student Services to discuss a customized schedule, as we do have minimum time frames for each program.
Is there an internship or practicum involved?
No, NAMC programs do not include an internship or practicum. Requiring our students to have an internship would exclude many wonderful candidates who need to continue working while they take their Montessori training. We feel that this is too high a price to pay, and fortunately, many Montessori schools hold a similar view.
Distance education like NAMC’s makes Montessori teacher training more accessible worldwide. Many students do not have access to a training location, and many need to continue earning an income to support themselves and their families. They simply cannot stop working to volunteer as a student teacher.
It is of great value, however, for new graduates to work closely with an experienced Montessori guide when they first begin teaching. Almost every Montessori teacher starts his or her career working with a mentor in the classroom. A mentor can provide a profound and rewarding learning experience for a new Montessori teacher. Montessori schools find this arrangement beneficial, too, as new Montessori teachers can be mentored in accordance with the unique values and mission of that particular Montessori school.
Is an internship or practicum important?
An internship or practicum is always useful, but it is seldom a requirement to gain employment.
A mentor is a valuable resource for teachers
Prospective employers appreciate seeing initiative on the part of an applicant, and undertaking a practicum on your own time certainly shows initiative — it shows that you are genuinely enthusiastic about working in a Montessori environment. If you have the time and the opportunity, we always recommend that you volunteer in a local Montessori school during the final component of your NAMC Montessori training.
However, the reality is that few schools, if any, will hire a recent graduate of any Montessori training program to be a lead teacher. Most Montessori administrators think that graduates require at least one year of on-the-job training with an experienced teacher before assuming leadership of a Montessori classroom. To these schools, an internship is inconsequential as they know that anyone they hire will be spending a year with one of their experienced Montessori teachers — essentially a paid internship. Schools are much more concerned with finding enthusiastic, child-oriented graduates to join their team and embrace their ideals.