Meet AMS’s New Senior Director of Accreditation and Affiliation
The American Montessori Society (AMS) is thrilled to welcome Scott Davidson as its new Senior Director of Accreditation and Affiliation. With a deep respect for the Montessori philosophy and a clear passion for supporting meaningful education, Scott joins AMS with a heart for service, a mind for strategy, and a spirit of curiosity. In this new role, Scott will be supporting the work of the Accreditation, Credentials, and Teacher Education teams. He will also collaborate with the School Accreditation Commission (SAC) and Teacher Education Action Commission (TEAC) in upholding the shared standards and philosophy of the Montessori community. He is excited by the incredible talent on these teams, as well as the deep experience and wisdom provided by the Commissioners.
From the very beginning of his career, Scott has been driven by a desire to make education more relevant and valuable for young people. His alignment with Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision—a holistic approach to human development rooted in essential truths—makes his new role at AMS feel less like a job and more like a calling.
“I’m always looking for a mission I can internalize authentically,” he shared. “The opportunity to work at AMS couldn’t be more aligned with who I am as a professional.”
Scott brings more than two decades of experience in education, beginning his career as a classroom teacher and school administrator in K – 12 settings. He went on to lead school turnaround efforts for some of the nation’s most underperforming schools. Scott most recently served as Vice President of Improvement Services at Cognia, a global accreditation agency. He focused on strategic initiatives like STEM certification, teacher development, and school improvement planning. Most recently, Scott has been engaged in nonprofit work supporting school board governance—an extension of his commitment to systems that keep students at the center.
As he steps into this next chapter with AMS, Scott is eager to learn from the community. He’s especially inspired by Montessori’s emphasis on observation—a practice he sees as a counterbalance to today’s individual-driven culture.
“In a world that often pushes us to be the main character, the Montessori approach to quiet observation is humbling and wise,” he said. “I’m opening my mind and heart so I can recognize the lessons this community has to offer.”
Scott also knows that change doesn’t come from the top down. He plans to spend his first year listening to AMS-accredited schools and teacher education programs, understanding their needs, and collaborating with the existing teams to make every member interaction meaningful.
A highlight for Scott was attending The Montessori Event in Denver, where he experienced firsthand the sense of connection and community that defines AMS. “It was remarkable to see so many educators express that this was the one time each year they felt truly connected to a larger community. That energy, that spirit—it’s what I want to help nurture moving forward.”
When he’s not working, Scott finds joy in the quiet moments with his wife, two sons, and their dog. He’s an aspiring gardener, an enthusiastic homebody, and someone who values the “little things” that ground us in gratitude.
Please join us in welcoming Scott Davidson to AMS. We’re excited for what’s ahead—and we know he is, too.