AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank
Fostering collaboration of Montessori innovators who will continue to change the world.
The AMS year-long Innovation Fellowship Think Tank Program offers a deeply immersive and transformative experience for Montessori leaders who are committed to driving meaningful change for the Montessori community while protecting the integrity of Montessori pedagogy and practice.
The AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank Program bridges research-based concepts and creative, innovative ideas into practice.
The Inaugural Think Tank Cohort at Work
Over the past two years, the inaugural AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank (ITTF) has been strengthening a foundation for the future of Montessori. You can now access their work here.
- "Advancing Together: AI Tools for the Education Community," co-written by the members of the IFTT's Technology group.
- Digital Citizenship in Montessori Education - Self-guided Class
- Tech Talk Live: Shaping the Future of AI in Montessori Education-Student Panel Discussion - presented with IFTT’s Technology Group, featuring Montessori adolescent students
AMS has entered the second phase of our Innovation Fellowship Think Tank. Cohort 2.0 worked throughout the year with Eric Rodriguez to research, explore, and test a focused set of areas that can help Montessori have a positive impact on the world. These concepts will be piloted at The Montessori Event in Denver, with a Demonstration lab that will allow participants to play with, apply, and continue ideating in their own schools the multiple ways that Montessori can provide a healthy grounding in human-centered technology.
In addition, expert Montessorians will share their findings through a series of Deep Dive workshops and Poster Sessions on the following topics: Adult Learner Transformation; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; and Following the Child & Adapting Montessori Materials.
Selection Process
AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank participants were reviewed by a committee of AMS staff and volunteers who evaluated and ranked each applicant’s written responses and letters of recommendation. Total scores were then considered alongside various demographic criteria to ensure a diverse, well-rounded group. Cohort size was limited to facilitate maximum engagement and attention to detail.
How You Will Benefit: LEAD
L
Leverage innovative platforms to foster deeper connections
E
Engage with a global cohort of like-minded peers and learn from these change agents in the Montessori community
A
Accelerate your vision and impact by applying these skills in your schools and teacher education programs
D
Disrupt AMS and your own organization to drive meaningful and lasting change
Program Specifics
Guiding you in this journey will be Eric Rodriguez, advisor and mentor at Change Maker LLC and former keynote speaker at The Montessori Event 2023. With Eric's support, your cohort will seek sustainable pathways for Montessori to expand its reach and ways for pedagogy, teacher education, and school leadership to evolve to better meet the needs of children and adolescents of today.
Then, you will determine 3 – 4 specific topics to investigate and create a plan of action for. Topics could include new observation and assessment tools for classrooms; tools for supporting new teachers; integration of DEI learning into the teacher’s work; innovative ways to center Montessori philosophy; recruitment of new educators; and more.
Finally, your cohort will develop a foundation for long-lasting initiatives and be inspired to take their ideas forward in their schools and teacher education programs. AMS is committed to providing the resources to market and support these initiatives.