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AMS Affiliation and Your Program

Teacher education programs that successfully undergo the process of affiliation by the American Montessori Society are affirmed as meeting rigorous, internationally recognized standards of Montessori teacher preparation.

Melina Papadimitriou

AMS Director of Teacher Education

Schedule Your Personalized Information Session Today

My team and I are here to help. Please schedule a personalized information session to discuss AMS affiliation and your program. We look forward to getting to know you.

Schedule Now

Benefits of AMS Affiliation

 AMS-affiliated teacher education programs are part of a global membership organization that influences the direction of Montessori education. Achieve affiliation for your TEP and you will be helping to support successful outcomes for adult learners worldwide.

  • Connection with the AMS Teacher Education Team: Engage with former AMS TEP directors and experienced staff to build an inspiring and robust credential course.
  • Membership in the AMS Teacher Education Section: Join a forum to develop knowledge and best practices for preparing Montessori educators.
  • AMS Credentials: successful graduates of your program will receive an AMS credential – a signifier of quality that will open a range of job opportunities and more professional growth.
  • Invitation to Montessori Teacher Educators Day: Participate in an event blending community, learning, and professional growth.
  • Voting Rights and Exclusive Resources: Gain access to members-only resources, voting rights in AMS elections, and opportunities to feature your program news in Montessori Life magazine.

Eligibility

Types of Programs

Teacher education programs vary to meet the needs of prospective adult learners. They may either offer all of instruction in person, or as a blend of experiences that take place in person and online. AMS affiliation is available for programs that fit into the following categories:

  • Within an Accredited University or College
  • Within an Educational Organization (e.g., Montessori School)
  • Freestanding Institution Solely for Teacher Education

The Affiliation Process

The AMS teacher education staff is standing by to support you throughout the process of affiliation. We offer you personalized support, as well as the opportunity to participate in monthly meetings with other program directors pursuing AMS affiliation.

The affiliation process includes submitting an application to AMS, writing a self-study, and gathering documents such as course syllabi and an academic schedule.

Highly qualified Montessori educators review the documents and the process culminates in an onsite visit.

The process is our way of ensuring that any Montessori teacher education program granted AMS affiliation demonstrates fidelity to our standards of excellence. We hope and trust that you will find it to be purposeful and enriching.

Steps to Take:

  • 1

    Meet with Melina Papadimitriou:

    Discuss your program with the AMS director of teacher education.

    Schedule AMS affiliation discussion
  • 2

    Purchase the AMS Handbook:

    Obtain the handbook for Teacher Education Program Affiliation.

  • 3

    Complete the Affiliation Application:

    After you meet with us and review the Handbook, request and submit the AMS Affiliation Application.

    Request AMS Affiliation Application

Affiliation & Accreditation

Affiliation with the American Montessori Society (AMS) is voluntary. In the U.S., free-standing teacher education programs seeking AMS affiliation are also required to seek accreditation from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

Teacher Education Programs Not Requiring MACTE Accreditation:

  • University-Based Programs: AMS-affiliated programs offered by regionally accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. that provide state licensing and are accredited by another teacher education accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are exempt from MACTE accreditation for AMS-affiliated courses.
  • International Programs: AMS-affiliated teacher education programs outside the U.S. do not need MACTE accreditation. This exemption does not apply to U.S.-based programs with international locations or international programs with U.S. locations.