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The AMI 6-12 Course

The AMI 6–12 program is an internationally recognized Montessori training program of the highest level. This program trains teachers to become expert and self-assured guides for children of primary school age (6–12 years).

Graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude to optimally support children in their development into independent, curious, and responsible individuals.

  • Dr. Montessori founded the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) with the aim of protecting the quality and authenticity of her work. Her vision, methodology, and pedagogical approach form the core of the training.

    Montessori education is more than working with engaging materials; it is a well-thought-through pedagogical vision in which theory and practice reinforce each other. Within the training, theoretical insights and knowledge of the materials are therefore closely intertwined and in constant interaction.

    Approximately 25% of the training time is devoted to pedagogy.

  • Thorough knowledge of Montessori materials and the curriculum forms the core of good Montessori education. The materials are not merely didactic tools, but carefully designed to guide children step by step in their development; they are developmental materials. The materials come to life when someone can present them in an inspiring way, after which the child moves from action to understanding. To fully utilize this potential, in-depth understanding is essential: you must not only know how to present the materials, but above all why and when.

    The curriculum and materials can be found in the work of Maria Montessori herself and are based on her years of observation and scientifically substantiated insights into child development. This rich foundation makes it possible to provide education that closely aligns with children's natural learning needs.

    During the training, you develop this knowledge in detail, enabling you to act consciously and thoughtfully. This allows you to create a prepared environment in which children can learn independently, with motivation, and with confidence.

    Approximately 50% of the training time is devoted to substantive knowledge of Montessori materials and the curriculum.

  • To present the material effectively, practice is essential. Each piece of material has multiple possible presentations, and it is important to build these up in small, well-thought-through steps so that children gain experiences of success. In the training, both presentations and processing options are covered extensively, ensuring that your approach aligns seamlessly with the children's needs.

    In the diploma program, approximately 25 to 30% of the time is spent on targeted practice with material in various forms.

  • The term cosmic education is often misunderstood. Based on Montessori’s vision and practical examples, you will form an increasingly clear picture of what she meant by cosmic education.

  • The programme begins with 9 hours of observation in a Montessori Children’s House environment.
    To truly understand where children are in their development as they enter the elementary level, you learn to observe with purpose. You develop your observation skills in practice, grounded in the theoretical framework of the course.

    First week – Montessori Elementary (30 hours)
    You spend a week observing in a Montessori elementary classroom. Through targeted assignments, you develop and refine your observation skills, while actively connecting theory and practice.

    Second week – Montessori Elementary / Upper Elementary (30 hours)
    By the second week, you have engaged with significantly more course content, enabling you to observe with greater depth and analytical understanding.

    Third week – Montessori Upper Elementary (30 hours)
    Before beginning your third observation week, you will have further deepened your knowledge of the course content. This allows you to observe and analyse with increased insight and nuance.

  • An essential component of the course is the teaching practice. Regardless of prior experience in education, each student completes two practice periods of two weeks each (a total of four weeks, equivalent to 120 hours).

    During these periods, you apply your newly acquired knowledge directly in practice: you present lessons to children, observe their development, and reflect on your own practice. This takes place under the guidance of an AMI-certified teacher who is responsible for the class. This allows you to fully focus on presenting the materials, carefully observing the children, and deepening your own learning process.

Stack of four books, symbolising Montessori Theory, psychology and pedagogy.
Line drawing of a globe on a stand, showing the continents, symbolising the Montessori materials.
Outline illustration of a human hand, symbolising hands-on experience with the Montessori materials.
Outline drawing of a person's profile with a tree growing from their head and a bird flying above.
Symbolising cosmic education.
Close-up of an eye illustrated in white on a brown background, symbolising the art of observation and observing.
White recycling symbol on a brown background, symbolising teaching practice in a Montessori environment, to present, to observe, to reflect, to act.

The First AMI 6-12 Diploma Course in Mwanza, Tanzania

Bo Mynett presenting lectures in Mwanza, Tanzania on the first International AMI 6-12 Diploma course ever held in Africa.

In January 2024 the first AMI 6-12 Diploma Course ever held in Tanzania started at the Montessori Training Center in Mwanza. The course was divided over 5 modules of alternating 8 and 6 weeks each. The group came together twice a year to finally complete the course with the exams in February 2026. The training team is so proud of the 31 students who completed their exams! With great appreciation for the Arthur Waser Foundation which made this possible.

Bo Mynett was the Director of Training for this course and together with Marie Thérèse Faye Tine, Allan Nguyen and Poinsy Pinot who joined the team as trainers in training they formed the Tanzania Elementary training team.

“I am incredibly proud of this group; they have worked very hard and shown incredible perseverance. I have seen these people transform into true
Montessori guides.”
- Bo Mynett

The First AMI 6-12 Course
in the Netherlands

In September 2022 the first AMI 6-12 Diploma Course ever held in the Netherlands started after several AMI 6-12 Orientation Courses at the International Montessori Institute in Delft, founded by Anne Elzerman.

This course was delivered in an academic year format and was completed in July 2023. With a small group of international students from Japan, Australia, Ukraine, Nigeria and of course from the Netherlands.

Bo Mynett presenting lectures in Delft at the International Montessori Institute at the Meisjeshuis in Delft to the first AMI 6-12 diploma course group ever in the Netherlands.

The First AMI 6-12 Course in Dutch

In September 2024 another AMI 6-12 Diploma Course started at the International Montessori Institute, this time in Dutch. A bit of a challenge, because of the translation needed, but a wonderful opportunity to serve the local community better. We started with 19 students from eight different schools from the region and this group will complete the course in July 2026.

People practicing with Montessori presentations on the Dutch AMI 6-12 Diploma Course.
Two women practicing with Montessori material on the AMI 6-12 Diploma course in Delft at the International Montessori Institute (IMI).
A Woman practicing with Montessori material on the AMI 6-12 Diploma course in Delft at the International Montessori Institute (IMI).
Two women practicing with Montessori material on the AMI 6-12 Diploma course in Delft at the International Montessori Institute (IMI).

The First AMI 6-12 Course in Tallinn, Estonia

The first AMI 6-12 Course in Estonia, started at the end of 2024. The course is organised by Jaanika Müürsepp at the Eesti Montessori Institute in Tallinn.

Bo Mynett collaborated with Outi Leiste and Cordula Arana as the Director of Training on this course.

This course is delivered in a modular format of approximately three weeks each time with additional weekends and will finish in the summer of 2026.

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