Meet Our Executive Director, Munir Shivji
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Appointed: June 2020
Munir Shivji has served as Executive Director of the American Montessori Society (AMS) since 2020, providing strategic leadership for the world’s largest Montessori organization. He leads a global membership association serving more than 22,000 educators, school leaders, teacher education programs, and schools while overseeing an annual operating budget exceeding $7.5 million and a multidisciplinary staff of nearly 30 professionals, including an executive leadership team of five senior directors responsible for advancing the organization’s strategic priorities.
Munir provides executive leadership for AMS’s national portfolio of accreditation, teacher education, credentialing, professional learning, membership, advocacy, research, publications, marketing and communications, and organizational operations. He provides the vision, executive leadership, and creative direction for The Montessori Event, the world’s largest Montessori conference, welcoming more than 4,000 educators and leaders annually.
As the chief executive and principal spokesperson for AMS, Munir represents AMS nationally and internationally, cultivating strategic partnerships across the global Montessori movement to advance collaboration, strengthen educational quality, and expand the reach and impact of Montessori education.Munir’s Montessori experience spans the full educational and leadership continuum. Before his appointment as Executive Director, he served as a teacher assistant, AMS adult learner, Montessori teacher, program director, head of school, teacher education faculty member, and teacher education program director. He also served on the AMS Board of Directors and contributed extensively as a volunteer on AMS committees and initiatives. His experience across classrooms, schools, teacher preparation, governance, and association leadership gives him a unique perspective on the diverse community AMS serves.Under Munir’s leadership, AMS has evolved into a more comprehensive Montessori institution, connecting community, professional learning, accreditation and credentialing, research, advocacy, publications, and global engagement around a shared vision for the future of Montessori education, ultimately ensuring that educators and schools are better equipped to serve the development and potential of every child.
Strategic Plan
2030
Annual Message from the Executive Director (2026)
Selected Speeches & Publications
Speaking & Visits
Munir accepts a limited number of speaking engagements and school or organizational visits each year that advance the mission of AMS and contribute to meaningful conversations shaping the future of Montessori education. To ensure each engagement receives the time, preparation, and attention it deserves, two external engagements are accepted annually outside of official AMS programs and events.
Request an AMS Recognition Letter
The American Montessori Society (AMS) is pleased to support members, schools, teacher education programs, and Montessori organizations by providing official letters of recognition, congratulations, or support for significant milestones and events within the Montessori community.
Media & Press Inquiries
AMS welcomes media inquiries related to Montessori education, educational leadership, teacher preparation, accreditation, research, and the future of learning.
AMS is available for media opportunities that align with the mission and strategic priorities of AMS. Media resources, including executive headshots, the AMS logo, organizational information, and approved images, are available in our press kit.
Donation Requests
AMS is proud to support the broader Montessori community through a limited number of donations each year. Requests from state Montessori organizations, nonprofit partners, and non-AMS affiliated Montessori groups are considered based on available resources and the potential impact of the event or initiative. Donations may include AMS publications, branded merchandise, professional learning opportunities, or other in-kind contributions, as available.
Partner with AMS
AMS welcomes partnerships with individuals, foundations, corporations, educational institutions, and philanthropic organizations who share our commitment to expanding access to high-quality Montessori education.
Whether you are interested in funding an innovative initiative, supporting research, investing in educator development, sponsoring a strategic project, or creating a lasting legacy through planned giving, your partnership helps advance Montessori education for children, educators, and communities around the world.
The Executive Office works with partners to identify meaningful opportunities that align with both your philanthropic goals and AMS’s strategic priorities.
Together, we can strengthen the Montessori movement and invest in the future of education.
Contact Katie Dupuis, Executive Associate & Board Liaison.
Katie Dupuis serves as Executive Associate & Board Liaison at AMS providing administrative, governance, and operational support to the Executive Director and the Office of the Executive Director. She helps coordinate the priorities of the executive office, supports organizational initiatives, and serves as an important connection point between the Executive Director, staff, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders.
As Board Liaison, Katie supports the effective functioning of the AMS Board of Directors and its committees by coordinating meetings, materials, communications, schedules, and governance processes. She works closely with board and committee leaders to ensure they have the information and resources needed to fulfill their responsibilities and helps maintain continuity between board governance and organizational leadership.