AMS Regional Action Commission
Increasing community and member engagement to extend the outreach of AMS.
About the Commission
The AMS Regional Action Commission (RAC) is a group of experienced, dedicated peers who encourage and facilitate relationships and volunteer opportunities for regional groups to promote participation of and growth of AMS membership and to work to fulfill the needs of AMS members by providing services and professional development to groups across the United States and other regions. The Commission’s work includes supporting AMS staff in the planning of regional professional development events and coordination of volunteers to help produce the events, possibly coordinating with regional groups to collaborate on their events; creation of guidelines and support for the formation and establishment of new regional groups.
We hope you will consider becoming involved with the Regional Action Commission and learning more about how you can support the Montessori Movement in your community.
Responsibilities of the RAC
The Regional Action Commission is the third commission of the American Montessori Society (joining the Teacher Education Action Commission and School Accreditation Commission) and the official liaison with the Montessori Public Policy Initiative. Commissioners meet with MPPI representatives and stay apprised of advocacy issues in the states within their regions.
Mission and Vision of the Regional Action Commission
1
Brand Recognition
Create a stronger brand connection and recognition for the public to AMS.
2
Member Engagement
Boost member community and engagement across the United States.
3
Availability of Education
Advance the national availability of Montessori education.
4
Collaboration
Promote collaboration and sharing among Montessori schools and teacher education programs within each region.
5
Increase Membership
Increase AMS school membership and teacher education program affiliation.
Marie Conti
AMS Senior Director of Community & Events
Leading the Commission
I see the establishment of this regional commission to be a golden opportunity for AMS to help all members feel connected and to develop a sense of belonging, as well as to promote AMS membership for schools and individuals. AMS’s goal to formulate regional groups is evidence that AMS is advocating for all and strategically building a foundation with this new initiative to take all voices into account.
Get Involved
Why Get Involved
Getting to know your regional action commissioner will help you, your organization, and your school or TEP stay apprised of what AMS has to offer and enable you to connect with other Montessorians in your region for professional development and advocacy efforts. Through these localization efforts, we look forward to boosting member engagement, establishing leadership within each region, and expanding content to a national and eventually international level. We know this is a critical next step to strengthening the Montessori Movement.
How to Get Involved
AMS has a number of options to become more involved in your local Montessori community. Check out what is happening in Montessori education in your state and connect with your regional commissioner.
Find Your Region
Are you interested in starting a regional group in your area? Interested in joining a state group? Find your region below or contact us.
Midwest Region
Led by Maggie Bischoff and Carol Martorano, the Midwest region boasts states with many Montessori schools and other states with few, it is our second largest region for AMS member schools (including 29 public Montessori schools) and teacher education programs. This region covers Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Non Contiguous Region
The small, but mighty, Non Contiguous region is led by Laura Roark. These states are eager to start regional Montessori groups and encourage the development of teacher education programs. This region covers Alaska and Hawaii and includes 11 AMS member schools.
Northeast Region
Regional Action Commission chair and Northeast commissioner, Saloni Mathur, leads the Northeast region which covers Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Vermont, which is dense with 268 AMS member schools and 10 teacher education programs.
Pacific West Region
Megan Ricks heads the Pacific West region including the states of Oregon, California, and Washington, boasting over 120 schools and teacher education programs.
Rocky Mountains Region
Led by Commissioner Martha Teien, the Rocky Mountains region supports the states of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Southeast Region
Led by Lisa Anderson, the Southeast region boasts the largest number of AMS member schools including 28 public Montessori schools and the largest number of AMS teacher education programs. Included in this region are the states and territories of Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama.
Southwest Region
Two commissioners, Sharmeen Niazi, and Lindsey Pollock, provide support for the Southwest region, which covers the states of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
FAQs
What is the role of the Regional Action Commission?
The RAC was created by the AMS board in 2022 to support local outreach, bring more services and professional development to Montessori educators across the United States, help members feel more connected, and promote AMS membership.
We don’t have a Montessori organization in our state. How can I get one started?
Use the RAC contact information to reach your Regional Action Commissioner. Your Regional Action Commissioner will help you identify organizations in your area or at the national level that can support you in developing a state organization. Email Marie Conti at marie@amshq.org.
I have an idea for a local/regional event for AMS members. Who should I contact?
Your Regional Action Commissioners are here to help! Email Marie Conti at marie@amshq.org and she will connect you with your Regional Action Commissioner! THANK YOU for being an AMS member!
