AMS Teacher Education Action Commission
Setting the standard for high quality Montessori Teacher Education.
About the Commission
The Teacher Education Action Commission (TEAC) has led the AMS teacher education community since 2004, supporting program affiliations and becoming the official leadership and standards group in 2012.
TEAC champions equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in AMS teacher education. With a global perspective, the commission prioritizes learner outcomes, flexibility, and research-driven innovation, including the use of technology, to prepare future educators.
Leading the Commision
TEAC has been working to develop culturally responsive teacher education standards. By realigning these standards to be more flexible and grounded in values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, TEAC aims to ensure that teacher education programs can better meet the needs of their adult learner communities. This approach also welcomes individuals for whom Montessori certification was previously inaccessible.
TEAC is such a fantastic opportunity. The Commission is a chance to not only contribute to the expansion of teacher education, but learn from the Montessori community, soak-up the wisdom of Montessori veterans, and grow personally and professionally. As representatives, we gain energy when we're together and are appreciative of the collective knowledge that we share. Our diverse backgrounds and experiences provide the foundation to advocate for teacher educators, adult learners and the children that we serve.
Our Mission
TEAC's mission is to strengthen Montessori teacher education by providing leadership and strategic guidance to Teacher Education Programs (TEPs) as new issues and initiatives arise. TEAC makes recommendations to the AMS Board based on their collective expertise and collaborative discussions, and by facilitating dialogue among AMS teacher educators, all in service of bettering the future of Montessori education.
Responsibilities of the Commission
TEAC spearheads innovation in AMS teacher education. They propose and review research, represent the community to the broader TE field and AMS Board, and facilitate communication through educator networking sessions. Additionally, TEAC supports programs in upholding DEI/ABAR standards by providing guidance during affiliation and renewal.
Functions of the Commission
1
Leadership Activities
The Commission spearheads teacher education initiatives, proposing research and keeping the board informed on key issues. They act as ambassadors, fostering collaboration within the teacher education community and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through initiatives like DEI program support and anti-bias training. They also connect educators at conferences and encourage programs in underserved communities.
2
Affiliation Responsibilities
The commission assesses programs and courses for AMS membership, recommending improvements and addressing documentation issues. They also review accreditation changes and suggest ways to strengthen AMS affiliation standards, with a focus on inclusivity.
3
AMS ABAR Strategic Initiatives
Reflecting the Society's commitment to equity, TEAC integrates ABAR principles into teacher education standards and supports programs implementing ABAR and DEI.
Serving on the Commission
TEAC seeks diverse voices to represent the broader needs of the AMS community and serve under-represented Montessori communities. We actively recruit commissioners who embody the diversity of the global Montessori community, including emerging leaders in teacher education with a range of backgrounds, skills, and interests. TEAC recognizes that some perspectives have been underrepresented in teacher education, and we welcome candidates who bring fresh viewpoints and new voices to the table.
Why Get Involved?
The Teacher Education Action Commission (TEAC) offers a valuable opportunity for teacher educators to contribute their expertise in shaping the future of Montessori teacher education. This commission brings together educators to develop standards that reflect the current needs of the field. TEAC fosters a collaborative environment for discussing critical topics and shaping the ongoing development of AMS teacher education programs.
TEAC is hands down the best professional development I have ever participated in. It provides a unique opportunity to engage in deep, meaningful discussions about Montessori education with other passionate Montessorians. The Teacher Education Action Commission excels in guiding the work of teacher education programs, blending the latest research with Dr. Montessori's timeless philosophy. Being part of TEAC has profoundly enriched my understanding and practice of Montessori education.
Qualifications to Serve
Qualified candidates for the commission must:
- Have an active AMS membership
- Be a current or former director of an AMS-affiliated teacher education program, or a core instructor of an AMS teacher education program
- Have a Montessori credential at the level being represented
- Be available to attend one in-person meeting a year, attend quarterly zoom meetings, and participate in affiliation reviews
Preferred candidates have experience with the AMS affiliation process and accreditation processes.
Contact Us to Get Started
Are you interested in serving on this commission? Write to us using this form.