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 Commission
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.
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.
Mission and Vision of the Regional Action Commission
1. Advocacy for Standards
Creates and advocates for equitable standards that ensure and enhance the quality of AMS-affiliated Montessori teacher education programs.
2. Strategic Focus
Anticipates the needs of teacher education programs by strategizing and staying ahead of future trends in teacher education.
3. Advance DEIB Initiatives
Aligns with the AMS Strategic Priority Statement: “AMS will model and ensure the advancement of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion by creating an environment in which all feel welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered.”
4. Innovation
Recognizes that teacher education is constantly evolving and embraces innovation and change.
5. Equitable Access
Champions Montessori teacher training that is accessible and responsive to the needs of the community.
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.
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.
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.