Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships

Every year, the American Montessori Society awards teacher education scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers in support of their professional growth.

Those eligible to apply for scholarships are individuals who have been accepted, are in the process of being accepted, or are already enrolled in an AMS-affiliated teacher education program at any of these credential levels: Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary (I, I – II, II), and Secondary (I, I – II). These scholarships are not available for individuals enrolled in an AMS Administrator or MIE course.

Applications for 2024 – 2025

The application window for the 2024 – 2025 academic year was February 1 – April 19, 2024 and is now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about this and other updates from The American Montessori Society.

Selection Process

Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee chaired by a representative of the Teacher Educators Section of the AMS Board of Directors.

Applicants are considered on the basis of financial need, a compelling personal statement, 3 original letters of recommendation, and official verification of acceptance into an AMS-affiliated program.

Funds

Scholarships are drawn from 3 funds:

  • The AMS Teacher Education Scholarship Fund, for which monies are raised in honor of the current Living Legacy.
  • The Zell Family Scholarship Fund, established in 1995 by Dr. Pamela Zell Rigg to honor the memory of her late mother, Agnes Kister, and her late brother, John Kister Zell. Dr. Rigg seeded the initial fund with $20,000 and grew it to $100,000. AMS administers this fund, drawing from it to award scholarships every year in which funds are available.
  • The Joanne P. Hammes Scholarship Fund, established by an anonymous donor in 2013 to honor Ms. Hammes’s lifelong work as a Montessori educator. AMS administers this fund, providing scholarships every year in which funds are available.

Considering Applying for a Teacher Education Scholarship?