We are proud to celebrate the 2026 graduates of the AMS Teacher Education Director Academy—a program designed to transform and uplift Montessori teacher education through innovation, excellence, and leadership.
The AMS Teacher Education Director Academy has equipped this exceptional cohort of emerging leaders and seasoned directors with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to design and deliver learner-centered programs at every stage. Cohort 3 comprises 14 outstanding leaders who successfully completed a comprehensive course of study that supports and strengthens essential skills and knowledge needed to lead high-quality Montessori teacher education programs.
Director Academy graduates are prepared to lead teacher education programs through successful self-studies and navigate the AMS affiliation process with clarity and confidence. Their passion for shaping the future of Montessori education is evident: they’ve spent months creating compelling programs and building curriculums that will guide future learners in their careers as educators.
AMS is proud of their accomplishments and invites you to join us in congratulating this cohort on their next steps!
Interested in leading or starting an AMS-affiliated teacher education program? Let us know here.
Natasha M McKenzie
AMS Instructor Academy Facilitator
St. Augustine, FL
Kishyia McKnight
Director
West Chester, PA
Hya Masigman
Qingdao Amerasia International School Montessori Team Coordinator
Qingdao, China
Ifeoma Orji
Guide/Trainer Lower Elementary
Cayman Islands
Jesmine SeeChek Lok
Head of School
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Jessica Styers
Head of School
Buffalo, NY
Mercedes Paine Castle
Head of School, Portland Montessori Collaborative, ED Heart and Hand MTEP, Doctoral Student, UWRF
Portland, OR
Raife Cebeci
Executive Director, Montessori Institute of Teacher Education
West Chester, PA
Heba M Elsherbeeny
Herndon, VA, US