Description
COURSE OBJECTIVE :
The AMI Montessori 12–18 Orientation provides foundational Montessori theory and principles for supporting adolescent development (12-18 years). Lecture topics focus on the central principles of Montessori, the needs and characteristics of the adolescent, and the key principles that support Study and Work for this stage of human development, including the prepared environment, the role of the adult, and the importance of experiencing social and economic independence.
DURATION OF THE COURSE
The course will meet twice a week on Zoom and include 20 hours of lectures and discussion related to adolescent development. Participants must observe adolescents or an adolescent community for 2 hours and write a summary of those observations. The course also requires an additional reflective piece of writing on an excerpt from Montessori’s From Childhood to Adolescence.
The course will run over five weeks (Tues/Thurs format) with ten live online sessions from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (IST) on the following dates:
- October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 and November 3 & 5, 2026 (Tuesday and Thursday format). Each session will be 2 hours (with needed breaks).
More details will be shared at the start of the course.
COURSE DELIVERY
The course combines the following:
- Live online lectures, with time for questions and discussion
- Pre-recorded audio and video lectures, Presentation of videos, photographs
- Directed study, including reading, Directed practice of techniques
ZOOM SESSIONS
The live lectures will be delivered via the platform Zoom – https://zoom.us/, which is free and simple to use. You will need access to a computer with speakers, a microphone, and a good internet connection, preferably located in a space where you will not be disturbed. Please download the app before the first session and check your sound and video connection. The video screen has to be ON during the session to mark your presence and for attendance.
TOPICS OF STUDY
- General Montessori Theory: Human Tendencies; Planes of Development
- General Montessori Theory: Prepared Environment
- General Montessori Theory: Role of the Adult
- Characteristics and Needs of the Adolescent
- The Prepared Environment that Supports Adolescent Development ; The Contribution of Residential Life
- The Work of Adolescents; the Important Work of the Hand
- The Pivotal Role of Production and Exchange
- Study and Work: Social Organization
- Study and Work: The Educational Syllabus
- The Role of Adults in the Third Plane
- The Life and Work of Maria Montessori
- Outcomes of the Third Plane
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS – 2 Reflections
- Reflection on Appendices A and B in From Childhood to Adolescence
Due 29 October, 2026
- Reflection on two hours of observation of adolescents Due May 10, 2025
AMI REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION
Admission to the Programme does not guarantee certification. Each student must meet the following, basic requirements in all areas of the course in order to receive the AMI Adolescent Orientation Course Certificate (12-18) at the end of the Programme: Certification:
- A minimum of 90% attendance at all lectures and pre-recorded sessions 2. Required reading as directed by the course
- The completion of the observation assignment as directed by the course
- Submission and completion of assignments or the equivalent assignment on topics set by the Trainer to be submitted by the date stipulated by the course
STATIONERY AND COURSE MATERIALS
To complete the requirements of the course, these items will be useful:
- Note taking materials daily (notebook or computer)
- Computer and fast internet connection
- Montessori resources and book (Approx. Rs.3,500/-)
ATTENDANCE POLICY
In order to obtain the Orientation Course Certificate a minimum of 90% attendance is required for both the live sessions and it is expected that you view or listen to 90% of the assigned video and audio content as applicable.
If you are absent for more than one live session, you will not be eligible for the Orientation Course certificate. (Recorded sessions, if available, are offered as a courtesy to you only).
AMI requires attendance records to be kept and full attendance and satisfactory participation are required for all sessions. Please arrive at a good time for your lectures so that sessions may start on time.
COURSE FEES :
Early Bird (until 15th August, 2026)
- Rs.30,090 (for Indian nationals)
- Rs.32,450 (for NRI and OCI card holders)
- US$395 (Asians & African nationals)
- US$420 (for Foreign nationals)
Regular (from 16th August, 2026)
- Rs.35,990 (for Indian nationals)
- Rs.39,530 (for NRI and OCI card holders)
- US$415 (Asians & African nationals)
- US$450 (for Foreign nationals)
Indian Nationals can pay the fees by Bank Transfer in favour of “Montessori Institute of Bangalore”. Foreign Nationals must pay the fees in US Dollars by Bank Transfer or preferably through TransferWise in INR equivalent to US dollars in favour of “Montessori Institute of Bangalore” payable in Bangalore.
*Please note additional bank charges need to be paid separately for the bank transfer and should not be deducted from the course fees.
MIB Bank Details for Bank transfer, Gpay or PAYtm on MIB Bank details ONLY : Account Name: Montessori Institute of Bangalore
Bank name: Kotak Mahindra Bank
Branch: K R Road
Account no. 6052919109
IFSC code: KKBK0008074
SWIFT Code: KKBKINBBCPC
REFUND POLICY
The fee is non-refundable. Once paid it cannot be refunded for any reason either prior to the commencement of or during the course on withdrawal of a student. Students will be required to submit a Refund Policy Acceptance letter at the time of payment of fee.
AMI Trainer: Emily Dowell
Emily Dowell is an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Trainer specialising in Montessori education for adolescents aged 12–18. For more than 15 years she has helped develop authentic Montessori adolescent communities, combining a deep understanding of Dr. Maria Montessori’s developmental theory with extensive experience in study and work environments.
Emily began her professional career as a paediatric nurse after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University in Canada. Her work in paediatric healthcare shaped her holistic understanding of child and adolescent development and ultimately led her to Montessori education. She later completed AMI diplomas for both the 3–6 and 12–18 age levels, dedicating her career to the unique developmental needs of adolescents.
She was a founding member of Strata Montessori Adolescent School in Ontario, Canada, and has worked in several established Montessori adolescent communities, including the Hershey Montessori Farm School, one of the pioneering Erdkinder programmes. Emily also served as Lead Guide and Curriculum Coordinator at the Montessori School of Tokyo. She currently works as a 15–18 Guide at Y2 Montessori Adolescent Community in Taiwan, a residential, land-based programme where authentic implementation of Montessori’s Center for Study and Work is the priority.
Alongside her work as a guide, Emily has been involved in preparing future Montessori educators since the original NAMTA/AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies. Now an AMI 12–18 Associate Trainer, she leads diploma and Orientation courses internationally. She is currently the Director of Training for the AMI 12–18 Diploma Course at the Sydney Montessori Training Centre (SMTC) in Australia.
Today, Emily Dowell is recognised internationally as one of the leading AMI specialists in Montessori education for adolescents. Through her work as a guide, teacher educator and AMI Associate trainer, she continues to support the development of Montessori adolescent programmes and the preparation of educators around the world.
REQUIRED READING
Required Reading: Appendices A and B in From Childhood to Adolescence, Maria Montessori, Montessori Pierson, 2007 (available through AMI website)