Guide to Montessori Organizations

In North America, Montessori educators are able to identify with any of four major Montessori organizations. These groups are designed to facilitate teacher training, job seeking, and to maintain the educational traditions started by Maria Montessori over 100 years ago.

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) is the original Montessori organization, founded by Maria herself. They claim to continue to hold truest to Maria's ideology and methods. They hold their own conferences and workshops, as well as training programs to provide educators with AMI certification. Schools who uphold the same ideals are eligible to become accredited by AMI. Though this is an international association, there is an American chapter (AMI/USA), with its headquarters located in Rochester, NY.

Educators who wish to become members pay a yearly fee. In return, they receive special AMI/USA publications throughout the year. Members also receive discounts on classroom materials and teacher resources.

American Montessori Society (AMS)

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is based in New York City. AMS was founded by Nancy McCormick Rambusch in 1960, as she strove to bring the alternative philosophy of education back to America. She was originally appointed by Mario Montessori, Maria's son, to be the American voice of AMI. Her society was born from this appointment.

AMS is considered to be more modern than AMI, as their interpretation of the methodology reflects the climate of the 20th century. AMS encouraged some Montessori coursework to extend into traditional teaching preparation, and encourages collaboration with public schools.

AMS members also receive regular publications and discounts at annual conferences and on materials. The society also provides specialized teacher training and job boards to connect educators and schools.

The Montessori Foundation

The Montessori Foundation was founded by Tim Seldin in 1992. Its goal is to bring together Montessori educators all over the world. It also serves as a resource for parents who are interested in the philosophy either at home or in a school. Members join an organization known as the International Montessori Council. Memberships are available for individuals and for entire schools. Benefits of being a member include publications, discounts on teacher materials, and discounts on conferences. School members get additional free resources and consultations.

Tim Seldin is also an author of several books, including The World in the Palm of Her Hand, about Montessori geography, and How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way, geared toward parents.

North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA)

The North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) is based in Cleveland, OH. It is an affiliate of AMI, and was founded in 1970. Its goal is to facilitate the incorporation of Montessori in public programs and mainstream education, as well as helping parents bring it into the home.

The organization conducts extensive research, and shares its findings with members. They provide conferences and training sessions, with summer courses focusing on tweens and teens. Their publications as journals and DVDs provide both guides, or teachers, and parents with a wealth of information.

School and individuals can choose to which organizations they wish to belong. Choose one or all four to maintain Montessori excellence in teaching.