The Head of School for Montessori is the educational institution’s primary leader. She oversees all school programs: academic, athletic, summer and extracurricular; and is commonly directed with visioning, implementing and articulating the mission of the school.

Montessori Education

The Montessori education approach was developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. Under this education method, children are allowed to learn on their own while being guided by a teacher. A teacher assesses what a child has learned and then guides him into new areas of learning. Montessori education is practiced in an estimated 20,000 schools worldwide, serving children from birth to 18 years old.

Average Income

Salaries for full-time heads of Montessori schools vary depending on school location and size. The average annual salary for education administrators for other schools and instruction, which includes heads of Montessori schools, was $64,670, according to a May 2010 salary report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education

A career as the head of a Montessori school requires experience working in education and at least a bachelor's degree related to education. Specific studies can include early childhood education and/or child development. The American Montessori Society offers education services, as well as education credentials. To be eligible to earn a full Montessori credential at an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, an individual must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Additional credential programs are available for individuals who only hold a high school diploma.

Job Prospects

Montessori education has been prevalent for more than 100 years, but educational interest has predominantly grown since the 1960s. Aside from private Montessori school programs, more than 400 public schools have Montessori programs, according to the AMS. Job growth for education administrators was expected to be 8 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.