Montessori Teacher Training
MACTE-Aligned Education for Adults
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Montessori education focuses on helping children develop independence, focus, confidence, and a genuine love of learning—by meeting them where they are developmentally and allowing learning to unfold through hands-on experience, movement, and meaningful work.
It is a scientific, evidence-based pedagogy, grounded in careful observation, developmental psychology, and deep respect for the child’s natural unfolding—from birth onward. At Open Door Montessori (ODM), we honor the classical Montessori tradition while integrating contemporary research in neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed practice.
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If you are searching for Montessori teacher training or exploring how to become a Montessori teacher, you are likely drawn to an education that is respectful, relational, and deeply aligned with how children naturally grow and learn.
​“Montessori education aligns remarkably well with what we now know from developmental science.”
— Angeline Lillard
Scholarship Opportunity
Limited $5,500 ODM Scholarship Available for the 2026–2028 Montessori Certification
Available to qualified applicants committed to completing the full MACTE-aligned Teacher Education Program.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say: the children are now working as if I did not exist.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
MACTE Accreditation Statement
Open Door Montessori is an applicant program in good standing with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
Our self-study has been submitted, and all coursework, assessments, and practicum components are intentionally designed and aligned with MACTE standards for
Montessori teacher preparation.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
Open Door Montessori envisions a world where early childhood education is rooted in
respect for human development, relational care, and the natural intelligence of the
child—beginning at birth.
Mission
Our mission is to prepare thoughtful, ethical, and developmentally grounded Montessori educators through MACTE-aligned teacher education, experiential learning, and sustained mentorship. We support adults in developing the skills, presence, and discernment required to serve children, families, and communities with integrity—across classrooms, homes, and care settings.
We believe Montessori preparation is not only professional training, but a process of continual transformation.
ODM Teacher Education Program (TEP)
Montessori teachers carefully observe children, prepare thoughtful learning
environments, and guide learning through hands-on materials rather than lectures or worksheets. Their role is to support independence, focus, emotional regulation, and intrinsic motivation—while respecting each child’s unique developmental timeline.
The Open Door Montessori Teacher Education Program prepares educators to support children’s natural development, emotional regulation, independence, and love of learning, while simultaneously cultivating the adult’s capacity for presence, observation, ethical leadership, and reflective practice.
The full MACTE-aligned Teacher Education Program typically takes 24–36 months, depending on the pace at which adult learners complete coursework, teaching practice, practicum requirements, assessments, and the final project.
Infant–Toddler Montessori Teacher Training (0–3)
For educators called to support the earliest years through attuned, relationship-based caregiving—thoughtfully designing environments that support movement, independence, emotional security, and early brain development.
Infant–Toddler Montessori teachers understand how movement, sensory exploration, co-regulation, and calm daily rhythms support secure attachment and learning in the earliest years of life.
Includes:
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Montessori philosophy and human development (birth–3)
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Developmentally appropriate environments supporting movement, independence, and safety
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Observation and family partnership
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Supervised practicum and field experience
Primary Montessori Teacher Training (3–6)
For educators preparing to lead calm, purposeful classrooms rooted in independence, concentration, joyful learning, executive function, and intrinsic motivation.
Primary Montessori teachers support emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social development while guiding children through hands-on exploration of language, mathematics, and the world.
Includes:
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Montessori materials for language, math, and cultural studies
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Classroom leadership and community building
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Observation and assessment
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Supervised practicum and field experience
“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”
— Maria Montessori
Program Credential Clarification
Montessori Teacher Certificates (as Level 1 and Level 2) are awarded as program milestones within the MACTE-aligned Teacher Education Program.
The MACTE Diploma is awarded upon successful completion of all required
coursework, practicum, assessments, supervised field experience, and final project.
What Distinguishes Open Door Montessori
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MACTE-aligned preparation with sustained faculty mentorship
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Integration of classical Montessori with contemporary developmental science
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Support for educators across classrooms, daycares, and home-based settings
Looking for Montessori support outside teacher certification?
Daycare Programs | Montessori at Home | Advanced Studies for Certified Educators
Admissions
ODM welcomes international applicants and multilingual educators. Instruction is offered in English, with select seminars and support available in Spanish.
Guided by experienced Montessori educators and MACTE-aligned faculty. Montessori teacher education is both a professional and personal commitment. Our admissions process ensures alignment between the learner, the program, and the integrity of Montessori education.
No prior Montessori or early childhood experience is required. This program supports both career-changers and experienced educators who are new to Montessori.
This program is best suited for adult learners who are:
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Self-motivated and organized
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Committed to long-term study
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Reflective and team-oriented
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Financially and logistically prepared for MACTE-aligned training
This program may not be the right fit if:
You are looking for a fast, lecture-only certification, or are unable to commit to reflective practice, supervised fieldwork, and long-term study.
This program is a good fit if:
You value depth, mentorship, and developmentally grounded education—for both children and adults.
Admissions Steps
1. Review program details
2. Submit application
3. Admissions conversation
4. Acceptance and enrollment
Hybrid Montessori Teacher Training
Boston · Colorado Springs · Online
ODM’s hybrid model allows adult learners to remain rooted in their communities while engaging in deep, hands-on Montessori preparation through required in-person retreats.
These retreats focus on material practice, guided observation, and real-time faculty feedback—experiences essential to Montessori preparation and required for MACTE diploma eligibility.
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Online Coursework: Academic study aligned with MACTE standards
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In-Person Practicum Retreats: Required for diploma eligibility (Boston and Colorado Springs)
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Supervised Field Support and Assessment: Classroom-based practice teaching
Practicum Placement Support
Adult learners may complete supervised practicum hours in approved Montessori or Montessori-informed settings. ODM provides guidance and approval for practicum sites and supports learners who are new to Montessori classrooms.
2026–2028 Teacher Education Cycle
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Modular online enrollment opens quarterly (January, April, June, October)
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Live monthly seminars (English and Spanish)
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Quarterly in-person retreats in Boston or Colorado Springs
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Supervised field visits and faculty mentorship
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This pacing supports sustainable adult learning, integration, and reflection—without burnout.
Time Commitment
Most adult learners dedicate an average of 1.5-2 hours per week to coursework,
observation, and reflective practice during Level 1 and 2, with increased time, 3-4 hours per week during Level 3 and Practicum period.
Regular Tuition: $12,000
Includes:
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Up to 300 hours of coursework and assessment
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Faculty mentorship and office hours
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Five in-person practice retreats and one specialist immersion
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Over 400 hours of supervised Montessori classroom internship
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Travel and lodging not included.
Scholarship
Up to $5,500 Scholarship available for the 2026–2028 cycle
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
CAREER PATHWAYS FOR GRADUATES
ODM graduates develop transferable skills in observation, child development, and relationship-based support—skills increasingly valued across early childhood systems.
Graduates pursue roles such as:
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Montessori classroom educator (0–3 or 3–6)
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Newborn care specialist or infant care professional
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Parenting educator or family support consultant
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Curriculum advisor or educational consultant
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Infant–toddler program developer or director support
There is no single “right” path. Graduates are supported in shaping careers aligned with their values, capacity, and life seasons.
Explore Related ODM Programs
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Advanced Studies (Post-Certification)
POST-GRADUATION SUPPORT
Graduation from the ODM Teacher Education Program is not an ending—it is an entry point.
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After certification, graduates may choose to engage in optional, post-certification professional development through the Center for Embodied Montessori Learning ™ (CEMLC™) advanced study programs.
CEMLC™ offerings support:
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Educator wellbeing and nervous system regulation
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Trauma-informed and relationship-based practice
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Conscious classroom leadership
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Ongoing mentorship and advanced study​
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Participation in CEMLC™ is optional and separate from MACTE diploma requirements.
ODM FACULTY
“The adult must find out how to serve the child, and in doing so, serve life.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
Open Door Montessori faculty are experienced Montessori educators, adult learning facilitators, and early childhood professionals, committed to depth, integrity, and mentorship. They have been selected and trained to provide ODM specific framework for adult learning.
Faculty are selected not only for credentials, but for their capacity to model presence, humility, and ethical leadership in adult learning spaces.
Open Door Montessori coursework and practicum are delivered by experienced Montessori educators and MACTE-qualified faculty.
Detailed faculty credentials are shared with applicants during the admissions process.
Open Door Montessori was founded by a Montessori educator, daycare founder, and a Worldschooling mother, with decades of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary experience supporting teachers, children, families, and adult learners.
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Take the Next Step — Choose Your Own
Download the full ODM Teacher Education Program Roadmap, including detailed curriculum, competencies, MACTE-aligned standards, online module schedules, in-person retreat dates, and classroom practicum expectations.
Ready to apply and begin your journey this year?
Still have some questions about fit or pathways? Schedule an Admissions Call
Open Door Montessori provides MACTE-aligned Montessori teacher training for Infant–Toddler and Primary educators.
