AMI/USA News

AMI/USA is Hiring! Office Manager Position Available

Association Montessori International USA (AMI/USA) seeks an experienced Office Manager to join our team. Click the link and/or image below to download the position description. To make a confidential application, please submit cover letter, resume with salary requirements and...

Jul 5, 2021

July 4th, 2021 Message

From the Executive Director’s Desk – Guest Essay – Sheri Bishop AMI/USA Human Rights & Social Justice Advisor The Truths are Self-Evident On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence to dissolve the connection between...

Jul 4, 2021

June 2021 E-Newsletter

Jun 29, 2021

Call for Proposals

We are so grateful for the skills, knowledge and experience of the AMI/USA community. Your unique perspectives are valuable. We are extending our annual call for proposals differently this year. In addition to inviting submissions for The Montessori Experience,...

Jun 24, 2021

Equity Statement Forum – June 9, 2021

Click here to access the recording from this session! Date : June 9, 2022 Time: 7pm ET Join us on Wednesday, June 9 at 7pm ET (4pm PT | 5pm MT | 6pm CT) as we discuss the AMI/USA Equity Statement...

May 31, 2021

February 2021 E-Newsletter

May 31, 2021

March 2021 E-Newsletter

May 31, 2021

April 2021 E-Newsletter

May 31, 2021

May 2021 E-Newsletter

May 31, 2021

Memorial Day Blessings and 100th Tulsa Remembrance

From the Executive Director’s Desk Memorial Day Blessings and 100th Tulsa Remembrance As Executive Director, I am humbled to send blessings on behalf of AMI/USA to all of our nation’s fallen soldiers, on this Memorial Day.* Memorial Day is...

May 31, 2021

BMEF 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 14

BMEF 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW The Black Montessori Education Fund is designed to support your independent growth as a culturally competent Montessori student, educator, and administrator. You may propose any...

Apr 30, 2021

Uplifting History and Standing in Solidarity

With the recent events around the AAPI community, AMI/USA is collaborating with WMI, Virginia Montessori Association and Loyola University to host an evening featuring a viewing of the short film Asian Americans: Part 5 and a panel discussion with...

Apr 20, 2021

Earth Day 2021 Updates

Meet the Earth Day Event Speakers! Join us on Earth Day April 22 starting at 7pm ET for a diverse panel of community leaders who will share on topics related to environmental education, environmental justice and sustainability. After the...

Apr 13, 2021

AMI/USA is Hiring! Director of Finance Position Available

Association Montessori International USA (AMI/USA) seeks an experienced Director of Finance (DF) to join our leadership team. Click the link and/or image below to download the position description. To make a confidential application, please submit resume with salary requirements to montessori@amiusa.org....

Mar 29, 2021

Women’s History Month 2021 “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced”

From the Executive Director’s Desk Guest Essay – Sheri Bishop Women’s History Month 2021 “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced” The presidential proclamation for Women’s History Week in 1982 read, “American women of every race, class, and...

Mar 16, 2021

Black History is Not Optional

Black History Is Not Optional We, the undersigned Montessori leadership organizations in the United States of America, are responding to the recent actions of the leadership of the Maria Montessori Academy in North Ogden, Utah, which allowed parents to...

Mar 9, 2021

AMI/USA Equity Statement

Dear AMI/USA Colleagues, Members, Collaborators and Montessorian Community Members At-Large, Since the first day of the 2020 AMI/USA Refresher Course in Seattle, many of you have been speaking to issues of equity and have called for organizational analysis and...

Feb 12, 2021

The three “whys” of Black History Month

From the desk of AMI/USA Executive Director, Ayize Sabater, Ed.D. Read More

Feb 1, 2021

“The Butterfly Effect” by Koren Clark

We are thrilled that Koren Clark is part of our distinguished speaker line up for the upcoming Virtual Montessori Experience. Koren will be sharing on the topic of Montessori as a healing tool for our liberation. In preparation for...

Feb 1, 2021

AMI/USA Welcomes New Board Members

Dear AMI/USA Community: The AMI/USA Board of Directors would like to announce the selection of Dallas Nelson, Jacqui Miller, and Barbara Williams to serve on the Board of Directors. We had a robust response to our call for nominations...

Jan 21, 2021

MLK Day 2021: From the Desk of AMI/USA Executive Director, Ayize Sabater, Ed.D.

As I rise this morning, on the day when the USA celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (although his actual birthday was last week), I ponder Dr. King’s profound significance during his lifetime and for us...

Jan 18, 2021

From the desk of AMI/USA Executive Director Ayize Sabater, Ed.D.

“As I arose this morning I had deep thoughts about the American political upheaval which recently transpired on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. My primary question and concern as a father, educator, and educational leader is, “How are...

Jan 8, 2021

January 2021 E-Newsletter

Jan 1, 2021

Call for Success Stories in Family Engagement

Share Your COVID-19 Success Story at The 2021 Virtual Montessori Experience (February 12-15) We want to celebrate you and all of the amazing things happening in your school community! We know this year has been a challenge mainly because...

Dec 19, 2020

Registration is now open for The 2021 Virtual Montessori Experience

Join AMI/USA & EAA February 12-15, 2021 for The Virtual Montessori Experience The year 2020 has been full of transitions — on a local, national and global scale. Many of these transitions have required unfathomable feats of adaptability. Join us February 12-15, 2021 as...

Dec 19, 2020

December 2020 E-Newsletter

Dec 1, 2020

In Memoriam Estela Palmeri

The following was shared by John Page – Good Afternoon, I had an extended conversation with Queta Harlan this afternoon, Estela Palmeri’s sister, who informed me that Estela passed away on November 5. I was a former student of...

Nov 16, 2020

AMI/USA Announces Appointment of Executive Director

Click here or the image below to read the full announcement! Read More

Nov 12, 2020

November 2020 E-Newsletter

Nov 1, 2020

AMI/USA Announces Human Rights & Social Justice Adviser

Check out the recording from Sheri’s webinar that took place on Sunday, November 15, 2020 – Preparing Ourselves Spiritually and Mentally for Revolutionary Social Change – click here! Read More

Oct 19, 2020

October 2020 E-Newsletter

Oct 1, 2020

Social Justice Webinar Series

AMI/USA is excited to learn alongside our community through a series of four free webinars focusing on issues of race, bias and injustice through a Montessori lens. Listen, learn, share and connect with experts and peers as we work...

Sep 8, 2020

September 2020 E-Newsletter

Sep 1, 2020

Fall 2020 Online Conference

Montessori Leadership for Tumultuous Times: Embracing Our Cosmic Task in Support of Universal Solidarity OCT 9 – 11, 2020 INTRODUCTION “Human Solidarity in Time and Space” (San Remo Lecture II, 1949) is a rallying call for Montessori school leaders,...

Aug 20, 2020

AMI/USA Human Rights & Social Justice Adviser

Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) is dedicated to bringing the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori to the education of children through its support and advancement of the AMI Montessori community in the United States. AMI/USA has...

Aug 4, 2020

Applications Open for 20-21 AMI Recognition Process

Applications for AMI Recognition Status and Recognition Consultations 2020-21 are open! The program will take place wholly online and provides opportunities for supportive discussions with Montessori experts. Consultations will be relevant to the conditions currently affecting schools and focused...

Aug 4, 2020

August 2020 E-Newsletter

Aug 1, 2020

AMI/USA Solicits Applications for Executive Director

Jul 24, 2020

AMI/USA Announces Human Rights and Social Justice Committee

AMI/USA recently established Human Rights and Social Justice Committee provides insights, guidance and recommendations to the AMI/USA Board. A diverse group of advisers to the Committee provide a voice for the wider Montessori community in establishing goals and strategies as...

Jul 22, 2020

AMI/USA Announces New Chair and Board Expansion

AMI/USA is pleased to announce that Mary Levy has become Chair of its Board with immediate effect. Previous Chair, Gretchen Hall, has accepted the position of Vice Chair. Further changes at the recent Board meeting included a resolution to extend...

Jul 22, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, July 2020

Jul 16, 2020

BBC StoryWorks Features Montessori Education

We would like to share with you two beautiful, short documentaries, which have been produced by BBC StoryWorks. BBC StoryWorks is part of BBC Global News. They specialize in producing short documentary style films, focusing on creating beautiful stories to...

Jun 24, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, June 2020

Jun 18, 2020

AMI/USA Bookstore Open; Limited Shipping Schedule

In accordance with Phase I of Virginia’s “safer at home” re-opening plan, the AMI/USA Bookstore is once again open for business and operating on a limited shipping schedule. Orders will be shipped every other Friday starting Friday, June 19th. Please plan to place...

Jun 10, 2020

Statement from AMI/USA Board Chair

Please read the following statement from AMI/USA Board Chair, Gretchen Hall, in relation to current events. Read More

Jun 2, 2020

The Circle of Distinction Nominations & Call for Abstracts

The Circle of Distinction The Circle of Distinction acknowledges an individual’s lifelong dedication, inspiration, creativity, resilience and passion within the AMI/USA community. We share a sense of commitment to the continuation of Dr. Montessori’s work and there is deep...

May 14, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, May 2020

May 13, 2020

Webinar recording available & bonus audio!

If you missed our March 26 webinar with Jesse McCarthy and Karin Ann, the recording is available for purchase, including bonus audio in which both presenters answer additional questions that were posed by attendees during the live webinar. Jesse and Karin took...

Apr 8, 2020

2020 Administrators Retreat Update

It was with great difficulty that the decision was made to cancel the upcoming AMI/USA Administrators Retreat originally scheduled to take place in July in Traverse City, Michigan. We understand, however, that administrators may have been especially looking forward to this year’s...

Apr 8, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, April 2020

Apr 8, 2020

COVID-19 Resources

With the spread of COVID-19 impacting our communities, AMI/USA is sharing resources (below) to ensure that everyone is supported during this unique crisis. We understand that the situation, challenges, and questions are changing with what seems like each passing moment,...

Apr 2, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, March 2020

Mar 11, 2020

2020 Administrators Retreat

We are closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 and will communicate if the event is postponed or cancelled with as much advance notice as possible. At this point in time, we are still moving forward with the July dates...

Feb 17, 2020

Seattle Overflow Hotel

Overflow Hotel for “The Montessori Experience” Additional sleeping rooms for “The Montessori Experience: Refresher Course & Workshops” 2020 in Seattle are now available at The Westin Bellevue, just a quick 6-7 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, where the...

Jan 17, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, January 2020

Jan 8, 2020

AMI/USA Newsletter, December 2019

Dec 11, 2019

Upcoming Consultant Training – June 2020

Consultant Training Yes, the time has come to announce the opening of applications for the Primary and Elementary consultant training THIS JUNE (2020)! We couldn’t be more excited that the Consultation Committee in partnership with the AMI/USA office is conducting this much needed...

Nov 22, 2019

AMI/USA Newsletter, November 2019

Nov 13, 2019

Seattle 2020 Brochure and Registration

The Montessori Experience 2020 Refresher Course & Workshops Seattle, Washington, Feb. 14-17, 2020 Get our official conference app iOS Android For Blackberry or Windows Phone, Click here For feature details, visit Whova >> Registration is now closed for The Montessori Experience: Refresher Course & Workshops...

Oct 22, 2019

Baltimore/Columbia Workshop Brochure

Baltimore/Columbia Workshop Montessori: Learning for All October 11-12, 2019 Join us in Columbia, Maryland, for our first of two regional workshops in 2019-2020. We look forward to partnering with NAMTA for what will be their final regional workshop as...

Aug 27, 2019

Webinar: Supporting the Natural Development of the Will

Webinar Description: Supporting the Natural Development of the Will Live Event: September 19, 7:00 p.m. ET The will is a psychic power that humans are not born with, but one that develops over time through experience following natural laws. The...

Aug 6, 2019

MPPI Conference Registration

Montessori Public Policy Initiative Through the Montessori Public Policy Initiative(MPPI), AMI/USA and the American Montessori Society are working collaboratively to communicate, influence, and participate in policy developments. We believe that by sharing a common voice with our AMS colleagues, the entire Montessori...

Jul 25, 2019

Children at Our Borders: One Year Later

A little over a year ago today, AMI/USA issued a statement on the detrimental effects of separating children from their parents in response to the United States’ practice of removing children from their families and placing them in custody...

Baltimore Regional Workshop – Save The Date!

AMI/USA and NAMTA, in partnership with EAA, are pleased to announce the upcoming regional workshop Montessori: Learning for All. We look forward to offering this exceptional professional development opportunity once again in beautiful Columbia, Maryland. Registration opening soon. Stay tuned for...

New 401(k) Benefit Now Available!

AMI/USA is proud to announce the availability of a new 401(k) plan designed to be affordable and easy to administer. Please, see the attached informational flier with a link to more information or contact Brian Prasifka directly at 972-567-4012 or bp@rsi2.com....

May 8, 2019

In Memoriam Kay Baker PhD

On April 20, Kay Baker died peacefully after a short illness. AMI wishes to pay tribute to our friend and colleague Kay Baker. Please see AMI’s tribute here. Read More

AMI Administrators Course

AMI will be offering an Administrators Certificate for the first time in the United States July 7-12 in Houston, Texas! Click here to be directed to the Houston Montessori Institute for more information. Read More

AMI/USA Administrators Retreat

Registration for this year’s AMI/USA Administrators Retreat, formerly held by the Montessori Administrators Association (MAA), is now open! The retreat will follow the opportunity to add knowledge gained through the first AMI Administrators certificate course in the United States....

Seattle Affiliates Conference

Montessori Guidance for Adapting to the Global Digital Culture April 4-7, 2019 Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma Washington The acceleration of technology and the complexity of changes in our current society will define the future for today’s children. Montessori...

Refresher Course Certificates

Refresher Course certificates of attendance are available by email (free) or regular mail (incurs a $5 processing fee). To request your own certificate, please click here. If you are requesting a number of certificates for a school, please download this certificate...

AMI/USA and MAA Merger

On Friday, February 15th at the opening of the 2019 Refresher Course, AMI/USA Board President, Gretchen Hall, and MAA Board President, John Churn, announced plans to consolidate into one organization. Read their joint statement here. Questions? See below:...

Feb 16, 2019

AMI/USA and MAA Merger

On Friday, February 15th at the opening of the 2019 Refresher Course, AMI/USA Board President, Gretchen Hall, and MAA Board President, John Churn, announced plans to consolidate into one organization. Read their joint statement here. Questions? See below: AMI/USA...

Feb 15, 2019

Refresher Course Information

2019 REFRESHER COURSE The 2019 Refresher Course & Workshops will take place February 15-18th at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. SPEAKERS Keynote Speaker Refresher Course Speakers BROCHURE 2019 Refresher Course Brochure REGISTRATION Forgot to register...

Onsite Registration Available

Forgot to register for next week’s Refresher Course & Workshops? Just decided you’ll be joining us? Get a head start on your on-site registration: Register here by Thursday, 2/14 at 5 p.m. CST Stop by Central Registration at the Sheraton New Orleans to finalize the...

Feb 6, 2019

Update from the AMI/USA Board

Greetings from your AMI/USA Board! In an effort to better communicate and connect our membership with the work of the board, we will be including brief quarterly meeting updates in this and future newsletters. We hope that they serve...

Feb 1, 2019

2019 Refresher Course Keynote Speaker

We are excited to announce the keynote address for the 2019 Refresher Course & Workshops in New Orleans! Challenges and Opportunities: Why Poverty Matters and Why Schools Can Matter More Tammy Pawloski, Ph.D.Life with limited resources can negatively impact achievement...

Jan 24, 2019

AMI Announces Piloting of New Training Formats

As a way of creating greater access to AMI principles and training, two new courses with distance learning components are being piloted through the Montessori Institute of North Texas (MINT). The Montessori Core Principles course will explore human development...

Jan 10, 2019

Diversity Forum Scholarships

AMI/USA would like to announce an additional scholarship opportunity for those interested in attending the Diversity Forum on Friday, February 15th, 2019 at the AMI Refresher Course in New Orleans. To be considered for financial assistance for the Diversity...

Jan 3, 2019

AMI Marketing Webinar for Schools

AMI Marketing Webinar for Schools More than 60 individuals interested in learning more about how to market Montessori schools listened in on an AMI Marketing 101 Webinar for Schools earlier today (Tuesday, November 6th). If you listened in then...

Second Overflow Hotel for New Orleans

We are happy to announce that we have secured rooms at a second overflow hotel, just four minutes walk from the Sheraton, where the Refresher Course will be taking place. To make room reservations at the Wyndham New Orleans...

Nov 5, 2018

Global School Accreditation (GSA) Update:

Global School Accreditation (GSA) Update: AMI’s Global School Accreditation committee, with the support of teachers, administrators, and trainers, completed five pilot visits in the United States and Canada last year. These visits were tremendously helpful in refining the documentation...

Oct 16, 2018

Refresher Course Overflow Hotel

We know that for some the reservation process at the Sheraton New Orleans has been a challenge. It has been a challenge for the AMI/USA office as well, but we are glad that we were able to help nearly everyone...

Oct 12, 2018

2019 Refresher Course Brochure

We are excited to release the brochure for the 2019 Refresher Course & Workshops in New Orleans, February 15-18, 2019. Download the brochure. You have the option of printing the brochure and cutting out the registration form and mailing...

Oct 12, 2018

2019 Refresher Course Speakers

We are excited to announce the 2019 Refresher Course speakers! Our annual Refresher Course & Workshops will take place in New Orleans, February 15-18. 2019. We are looking forward to the energy that this historic city will lend to our...

Montessori’s Framework: Reshaping Education for All Children

Montessori’s Framework: Reshaping Education for All Children November 8-11, 2018 Doubletree Dallas Campbell Centre, Dallas, TX School superintendents, administrators, trainers, researchers, teachers, and social service providers will join to create a comprehensive education model with Montessori at the center. Montessori...

Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos’ Announcement

Dear AMI/USA Community, Do you feel the energy? Have you heard the buzz? If you haven’t then you certainly will soon as Montessorians in the United States learn about the $2 billion committed by Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, and...

2019 Refresher Course Keynote Speaker

We are excited to announce the keynote address for the 2019 Refresher Course & Workshops in New Orleans! Challenges and Opportunities: Why Poverty Matters and Why Schools Can Matter More Tammy Pawloski, Ph.D. Life with limited resources can negatively impact...

Refresher Course 2019 Hotel

We are excited to announce that the hotel for the 2019 Refresher Course and Workshops – The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel – is ready to accept your room reservations! Please click here to reserve a room as part of the AMI/USA...

Building Partnerships in Support of the Child, Teacher, and Parents

AMI/USA is excited to announce that registration for the first AMI Affiliate Conference in the United States is now open! As a reminder, AMI/USA, EAA, MAA and NAMTA have committed to three joint professional development conferences throughout 2018 and...

Upcoming Professional Development Events

Upcoming Affiliate Events Just a reminder about this year’s professional development events, coordinated by the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA) in partnership with AMI/USA, the Elementary Alumni Association, and the Montessori Administrators’ Association. The events will take place...

MPPI State Advocacy Retreat

MPPI State Advocacy Representatives, MPPI is thrilled to announce our Fall 2018 State Advocacy Retreat, to be held at the Crown Plaza Old Town Alexandria, September 30th-October 2nd. This third MPPI retreat will once again bring our Montessori advocates...

Separation of Families at U.S. Borders: A Tragedy for Children

View the full statement from AMI/USA Executive Director Debby Riordan here. Read More

Montessori Parents Research Released

As Montessori educators, we have a unique offering to children, supporting their natural development. But we haven’t always been successful communicating our message to families and the non-Montessori world. With that in mind, AMI recently sponsored a research initiative...

Massachusetts Recognizes Montessori Teacher Credentials

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care has approved the recognition of Montessori credentials from teacher education programs accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). Montessori teachers in Massachusetts will need only to submit a transcript from...

Remembering Elizabeth Hall

Elizabeth Gardner Hall of Denver, Colorado, a longtime trainer of teachers at the primary and assistants to infancy level, died after a brief illness on May 19, 2018. Ms. Hall, 83, was a staple in the Montessori community in...

Georgia Adopts New Montessori Teaching Certificate

The state of Georgia has created a Montessori teaching certificate, thanks to the hard work of Montessori Partnerships for Georgia. The new certificate is open to anyone who holds a Montessori credential from a program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation...

Montessori for Social Justice Conference

AMI/USA is a proud sponsor of the 2018 Montessori for Social Justice conference, to be held in St. Paul, MN, June 27-July 1. Montessori for Social Justice (MSJ) is dedicated to promoting anti-bias, anti-racist Montessori education. They bring together...

Remembering Dr. Silvana Montanaro

Dr. Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro, AMI Trainer and author passed on March 30, 2018. Dr. Montanaro was instrumental in the revitalisation of AMI’s 0-3 course and in training many of AMI’s leading 0-3 trainers and practitioners. Her work embodied the...

2018 Refresher Course Recap

The 2018 Refresher Course & Workshops in Phoenix, Arizona was the event’s most successful year yet! Including NAMTA’s Adolescent Workshop, the Refresher Course received 1,200+ participants who enjoyed, as one participant put it, “true” refreshers at every level from...

Keynote Address from Gretchen Hall

If you are one of the 1200 people that attended the 2018 Refresher Course & Workshops in Phoenix, AZ and were able to attend the Friday night Keynote Address, you know how inspiring AMI/USA Board President Gretchen Hall’s speech...

Refresher Course Certificate Requests

Refresher Course certificates of attendance are available by email or mail (with a $5 processing fee). To request your own certificate, please click here. If you are requesting a number of certificates for a school, please download this certificate request form to...

Indiana Montessori Endorsement

Thanks to the efforts of United Montessori Schools of Indiana in conjunction with Indiana Department of Education, early education and elementary teachers that have received Montessori training at a MACTE accredited institution will be able to add a Montessori endorsement to their...

AMI/USA Welcomes New Board Members

The AMI/USA Board would like to announce the selection of KaLinda Bass-Barlow and Connie Black to serve on the Board of Directors. KaLinda and Connie were selected from a pool of excellent candidates and bring both a wealth of...

AMI/USA Bookstore Schedule

The AMI/USA Bookstore will be closed February 15-19 while our staff works to make the 2018 Refresher Course a successful and productive event. Please place orders before Wednesday at 12 noon ET or wait until Tuesday, February 20. We...

Refresher Course 2018 Speakers

We are excited to announce the speakers for the 2018 Refresher Course! Learn more about our speakers below. The 2018 Refresher Course & Workshops will take place at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, AZ. Click here to make...

Feb 1, 2018

MPPI News and Updates

October 17, 2014 The establishment of the MPPF has always been a high priority of the Council. It is designed in an effort to both share the work and issues being addressed at the state level, as well as...

Jan 9, 2018

SIMS Receives MACTE Accreditation

AMI primary training at the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies (SIMS) is now accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education! MACTE is recognized by the US Department of Education as the sole accreditor of Montessori teacher training programs. We...

Refresher Course Diversity Forum

The entire AMI community is invited to come together at the 2018 Refresher Course in Phoenix to discuss what actions we can take to welcome the diverse future ahead. This open conversation will take place 5:00-6:00pm on Friday, February...

Update: Building the Pink Tower

Building the Pink Tower Coming Soon to the IMC in Prague As the AMI community knows, schools throughout the country are bound by the common vision of offering a high-quality, Montessori-based education that is designed to allow children to...

Jan 2, 2018

Register for the 2018 Refresher Course

Registration is now open for the 2018 Refresher Course & Workshops. We are excited to offer a full slate of workshops in addition to the main lecture sessions, all related to the 2018 theme: The Complete Classroom: Preparing the Intangible...

New Refresher Course Events

Several special events will take place at this year’s Refresher Course and Workshops! Details on locations will be available in your registration folder when you arrive in Phoenix. Friday Diversity Forum Gather to discuss what actions we, the AMI community, can...

MPPI Receives Implementation Grant

The American Montessori Society and the Association Montessori International/USA are excited to announce that the James Walton Fund of the Walton Family Foundation has awarded a three year implementation grant to the Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI). MPPI is...

Wisconsin Passes Montessori Teaching License Bill

The state of Wisconsin has approved the AMI Diploma as a pathway to a state teaching credential! Under new legislation, AMI Diploma holders who pass the state teaching license exams will be eligible to qualify for a state Montessori teaching license....

Bookstore Holiday Schedule

The AMI/USA Bookstore will be closed for business during the week of Thanksgiving (November 20-24, 2017) and from December 25, 2017 through January 1, 2018. You will still be able to place orders online, but they will not be processed until...

Overflow Hotel for 2018 Refresher Course

Additional sleeping rooms for 2018 Refresher Course participants are available at the Best Western Plus Tempe by the Mall. +free parking and wifi +hot breakfast +free airport shuttle +free shuttle to/from the Arizona Grand Resort. **Guests must reserve shuttle service...

2017 Salary Survey Results

This year, 94 schools responded to the survey questions as compared with 92 schools from 2015. The information gathered represents a cross-section of schools from various geographic regions as well as different types of school communities. As always, in...

Hurricane Recovery Funds Distributed

The Relief Fund established in the name of the four United States AMI affiliates to help schools who were located in the path of the recent hurricanes officially closed Sunday, October 15th. Since that time the fund has received...

Montessori preschool boosts academic results

According to a study published in Frontiers, “children in Montessori preschools show improved academic performance and social understanding, while enjoying their school work more. Strikingly, children from low-income families, who typically don’t perform as well at school, show similar...

AMI Seeks New Board Member

AMI is governed by an international board, nominated by our members. This board plays an important role in the strategic direction of our Association. Next year April, board member Guadalupe Borbolla will be retiring, as she will have completed...

Call for Board Nominations

The AMI/USA Board is seeking nominations for two new board members to replace Debby Riordan, who assumes the position of Executive Director in June, and Jamie Rue, who resigned from the board. Jamie and Debby have each served the...

Refresher Course CEUs Available

AMI/USA, in conjunction with Loyola University, is pleased to offer Continuing Education Units for this year’s Refresher Course. CEUs are offered in addition to college credit from Eastern Washington University. Please click the letter below to learn more, or email montessori@loyola.edu or montessori@amiusa.org for...

New Executive Director Announced

The Board of Directors of AMI/USA is pleased to announce the appointment of Debra (Debby) Riordan as the new Executive Director of AMI/USA. Debby will assume her position by June 9, 2018, replacing interim Executive Director Alyssa Schwartz. The...

Refresher Course Scholarships!

AMI/USA is thrilled to announce that up to fourteen scholarships are available for teachers and administrators to attend the 2020 The Montessori Experience: Refresher Course and Workshops. The scholarship will allow teachers and administrators to attend who may not otherwise have...

Refresher Course Workshops

We are excited to bring a lineup of engaging workshops to the Refresher Course again this year! Open to both AMI trained professionals and the general public, these workshops offer insight into various topics related to this year’s theme:...

Helping Montessori Schools in Hurricane Areas

Over this past weekend, many of our Montessori schools, members, and families were impacted by Hurricane Irma in Florida, the US Virgin Islands, and along the Southeast coast. This comes just weeks after Hurricane Harvey devastated the SE Texas...

Letter Regarding Recent Events

Dear AMI/USA Community, Just three weeks ago we came together as a global movement to share Pathway to Peace: Montessori Education for Social Change. In the short time since the International Montessori Congress in Prague, we have seen violence and...

Refresher Course 2018 Speakers

We are excited to announce the speakers for the 2018 Refresher Course! Learn more about our speakers below. The 2018 Refresher Course & Workshops will take place at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, AZ. Click here to make a room...

AMI Affiliates in the United States

During the recent International Montessori Congress in Prague, representatives from AMI affiliate organizations in the United States met to discuss their ongoing collaborative work. Click: Letter to Membership to read the complete update. Read More

Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents

Now for sale in the AMI/USA Bookstore! Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents: A Selection of Articles – a must have for schools and their parents. Click here to learn more and purchase. Read More

Refresher Course Hotel Open for Booking

The Arizona Grand Resort is open for booking! Join us for The Complete Classroom: Preparing the Intangible Environment at the 2018 Refresher Course in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, February 16-19. Click here to book your room or call the on-site reservations department at 877.800.4888 to make your reservation with...

Request for Proposals to Research Montessori Impact

The Brady Education Foundation is requesting proposals for funding to conduct research on the impact of Montessori education in under-resourced communities. BEF has committed $3 million over five years to support this important work. Please click here to read the complete...

Missouri Montessori Early Childhood Curriculum Approved

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved the Montessori early childhood curriculum! A crosswalk mapping the Montessori primary and A to I curriculum to Missouri’s early childhood state standards was submitted on behalf of AMI and the...

AMI Training Center Receives Major Grant

The Walton Family Foundation has awarded a grant of $4.8 million to the University of Hartford and Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE) to establish an undergraduate Montessori education program at the University. The new bachelor’s degree program will launch this fall for early...

Refresher Course 2018 Keynote Speaker

AMI/USA is thrilled to announce the 2018 Refresher Course Keynote Address will be delivered by Alice Waters! Over the course of 40 years, Alice Waters has created and passionately supported a culinary philosophy that maintains that food should be...

2017 Refresher Course Recap!

The 2017 Refresher Course and Workshops took place February 17-20 in Austin, Texas. We were delighted to welcome nearly 1,000 teachers, administrators, parents, and assistants, along with the 130 participants of the NAMTA Adolescent Workshop. Participants at this year’s Refresher Course focused on The...

Executive Director Search

Heads Up Educational Consulting and Triangle Associates are leading the search for an executive director for AMI/USA, a membership organization for American Montessori schools and educators dedicated to preserving and expanding authentic Montessori education. Founded in 1970, the association today is...

New Training Courses in Boston, NYC, & Seattle

Montessori schools are growing and expanding in both the Boston Area and New York City, yet AMI teacher training in these populous United States cities has always been minimal. The demand for Montessori teachers in both locations is very...

In Memory of John Snyder

Dear AMI Community: It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that John Snyder passed away peacefully last week, surrounded by his family. This is a profound loss for the Montessori community. In addition to formerly serving on the EAA...

AMI Announces Chief of Staff Position

AMI is pleased to announce a new career opportunity for professionals ready to step up and meet the global challenges that will impact Montessori education and AMI’s growth, based at Headquarters, in Amsterdam. Click on the below link to...

MPPI Receives Major Grant

AMI/USA and the American Montessori Society recently secured funding to move ahead vigorously on new initiatives of the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, thanks to a generous grant from the Walton Family Foundation. The MPPI is a collaboration of AMS and AMI/USA, with a...

Refresher Course 2018: Phoenix

Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to announce that the 2018 Refresher Course and Workshops will be held in Phoenix, Arizona! The Refresher Course will take place Presidents’ Day weekend, February 16-19, 2018. Phoenix is home to a vibrant...

AMI Training Centers to Receive MACTE Accreditation

AMI/USA is pleased to announce that two additional Training Centers have been approved for full MACTE accreditation. Congratulations to the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis on its accomplishment at the Early Childhood level, and to The Montessori Institute of Denver for accreditation...

MPPI Holds 2nd State Advocacy Retreat

The Montessori Public Policy Initiative, a joint collaboration of AMI/USA and the American Montessori Society, conducted its second State Advocacy Retreat in Washington DC this past month. Seventy-five Montessorians from 27 states and 8 national organizations, including the National...

2017 Workshop Presenters

Announcing the Workshop Presenters for the 2017 Refresher Course & Workshops! We are pleased to announce the workshops presenters for The Calculating Mind: Cultivating Discovery, Persistence, Problem Solving, which will take place in Austin, Texas from February 17-20, 2017. To book a hotel...

Exciting New Events at the Refresher Course

We are excited to be offering some new activities at the 2017 Refresher Course & Workshops that will offer participants unique opportunities for networking, getting involved in advocacy efforts, and taking care of mental and physical health during this busy and productive...

Register for the 2017 Montessori Congress

Online registration open! Register now for the early bird fee and save. Click on the banner below for more information. Read More

2017 Refresher Course Speakers

Announcing the Speakers for the 2017 Refresher Course & Workshops! We are pleased to announce the speakers for The Calculating Mind: Cultivating Discovery, Persistence, Problem Solving, which will take place in Austin, Texas from February 17-20, 2017. To book a hotel...

Update: AMI Bold Goal Initiative

AMI’s Bold Goal Initiative, Update Dear AMI Community, As you all prepare for the intensity of the final weeks and days of the school year, we are pleased to report that the work groups for AMI’s Bold Goal Initiative...

IMC Call for Abstracts

The theme of the 28th International Montessori Congress, which will take place in Prague from July 27-30, 2017, is “Pathway to Peace: Montessori Education for Social Change.” The International Montessori Congress is looking for teachers, educators, trainers, school leaders,...

New AMI/USA Consultants

AMI/USA is delighted to announce that two AMI trainers have completed the process for becoming Consultants! Guadalupe Borbolla, a primary trainer, and Jamie Rue, an elementary trainer, will join the pool of AMI consultants starting in the 2016-17 school...

Second Annual MPPI Retreat

The Montessori Public Policy Initiative is thrilled to announce that it has received a grant from Trust for Learning to hold its second annual MPPI State Advocacy Retreat. The first Retreat was held last October in Washington DC and was attended...

New Board Members

AMI/USA is pleased to announce its two new members of the Board of Directors. Zack Nauth and Durkin Ledgard will take their seats on the Board this July, at the Board meeting in San Francisco. At that time, AMI/USA...

Save the Date for the 2017 Refresher Course!

AMI/USA is thrilled to announce the setting of next year’s Refresher Course and Workshops. Join us President’s Day weekend 2017 (February 17-20) in Austin, Texas! Austin, Texas’ state capital, is also the world’s live music capital. It is a...

2016 Refresher Course Recap!

The 2016 Refresher Course and Workshops took place Presidents’ Day weekend last month in warm and sunny Long Beach, California. We were delighted to welcome 989 teachers, administrators, parents, and assistants, along with the 125 participants of the NAMTA...

2016-2017 Inclusive Education Course

The Montessori Institute of San Diego will be offering an AMI Inclusive Education Course for ages birth through 12 years in summer 2016! This supplemental course for AMI diploma holders was created to empower Montessori teachers with unique strategies...

Refresher Course Transportation Deadline February 5th

Please click here to submit your travel information to 360 Destination Group to reserve transportation to and from the airport for the Refresher Course. The link is very straightforward and provides complete airport instructions for ensuring that your trip goes smoothly. Please...

Announcing the 2016 Advocacy Workshop

On Friday, February 12, please join us in Long Beach for the 2016 Advocacy Workshop. Presented by the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, the Advocacy Workshop is an opportunity to learn about the MPPI’s work and to practice your own...

Parents’ Workshop in Long Beach!

AMI/USA is currently accepting registrations for the Parents’ Workshop, a part of the annual Refresher Course & Workshops! This one-day workshop offers an opportunity for parents to learn from an experienced Montessorian about how they can support their children...

2016 AMI/USA Refresher Course Brochure

The 2016 AMI/USA Refresher Course brochure is finally here! Download a copy of the PDF to learn more about course descriptions and workshops for the upcoming Refresher Course in Long Beach, February 12-15, 2016. Hard copies of the brochure...

New AMI Training Courses in the United States

Great Work, an organization that promotes and supports Montessori education near Denver, Colorado, is proud to be a permanent host of AMI primary training. Its first academic course, to be offered annually, will begin in the fall of 2016....

Montessori Northwest Now MACTE Accredited at Elementary Level

Montessori Northwest is now fully accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education at the Elementary Level! MACTE, a Department of Education accrediting body, has granted full accreditation to the Elementary training program at Montessori Northwest. MNW is the...

2015 Salary Survey Results

This year, 92 schools responded to the survey questions as compared with 87 schools from 2013. The information gathered represents a cross-section of schools from various geographic regions as well as different types of school communities. As always, in...

MPPI Holds First Ever State Advocacy Retreat

The Montessori Public Policy Initiative, a joint collaboration of AMI/USA and the American Montessori Society, brought together 80 Montessorians from 26 states for the first ever MPPI State Advocacy Retreat this October 25-27 in Washington, DC. The Retreat participants...

Online Registration for 2016 Refresher Course Now Open!

Register Online for the 2016 AMI/USA Refresher Course! We are excited to announce that online registration for the 2016 AMI/USA Refresher Course in Los Angeles February 12-15, 2016 is now open! Follow the link below to register. Printed brochures...

Seeking Board Nominations

As we are in the process of welcoming our two new board members to the AMI/USA Board of Directors, we are again reaching out to our valued community for recommendations of candidates to fill two upcoming vacancies to the...

MPPI Website Launch

The Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI) is pleased to announces the launch of its NEW WEBSITE! Please visit http://www.montessoripublicpolicy.org to learn more about the MPPI, Montessori advocacy and how you can get involved! For questions about the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, please...

New Address

AMI/USA has moved to its permanent offices in Alexandria, Virginia. The new address is: 206 N. Washington St., Ste. 330 Alexandria, VA 22314 Please update your address books to include our new address. We look forward to hearing from...

2016 Refresher Course Presenters

The 2016 Refresher Course and Workshops are approaching quickly! Beyond the Pink Tower encourages us to think about our practice holistically, and not just through the materials we present. Assistants to Infancy Karey M. Lontz, M.A., Trainer for Assistants to Infancy,...

MACTE Accreditation for AMI Training Centers

The Montessori Institute of San Diego and Montessori Northwest have received MACTE accreditation! The Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education has granted full accreditation to the Montessori Institute of San Diego at the primary and elementary levels; Montessori Northwest has held primary accreditation since 1997, and...

Remembering Pearl Vanderwall

Pearl Vanderwall, founder of the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis and a student of Dr. Maria Montessori in Sri Lanka, passed away earlier this month. A lifelong Montessorian, Ms. Vanderwall taught at several schools in the United States, including...

MACTE Accredited Training Approved for Wisconsin State Teacher Licensure

The Wisconsin Montessori Association, WMA, has successfully secured an alternative Montessori teacher-licensing track. WMA sponsored this legislation by hiring a lobbyist, Sarah Archibald, former legislative aide to Senator Luther Olsen. Sarah, along with Phil Dosmann, former WMA Board Treasurer and...

Montessori Schools of Connecticut Conference

Montessori Schools of Connecticut, an association of AMI and AMS independent and public schools, announces its annual professional development conference for Friday, October 30, 2015 at the University of Hartford located on 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford CT. Sandra...

Montessori Guide A to I Launch

It is with great excitement that I announce the Assistants to Infancy section on MontessoriGuide.org! A good deal of work and dedication have gone into preparing each clip and article to inform viewers; to help deepen the practice of adults working in these...

New Board Members

AMI/USA is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Board members. Debby Riordan and Mary Levy will join the Board this summer. Mary Levy and Debby Riordan will replace Pat Forte and Harris Gordon, as their terms expire...

Refresher Course Design Contest

AMI/USA invites you to use your creative expression to help design the artwork for our next Refresher Course. Submit your InDesign and PDF files to montessori@amiusa.org by July 1 for a chance to win free registration to the 2016 Refresher Course...

New Additions to the Bookstore

AMI/USA has added five Spanish publications to the bookstore. Click on the images for more information. Read More

Nepal Earthquake Relief

Donate to Relief Efforts in Nepal Dr. Montessori wrote, “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” On Saturday,...

Register for the 2015 Public Montessori Unconference

Montessori for Social Justice, an independent group of Montessorians dedicated to public Montessori education, will be hosting its second Public Montessori Unconference in Salt Lake City this June. The gathering, held June 26-27, will be an opportunity for those...

Visit the New MPPI Website

The Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI), a joint initiative of AMI/USA and AMS, is pleased to launch its new website, hosted by AMI/USA. Read about recent advances in Montessori advocacy, find out more about your home state advocacy group, and sign up to join the...

New MPPI State Liaison!

The Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI) is delighted to announce that Anna Lovejoy will be taking the position of State Liaison. Anna is a Montessori parent in Washington, DC, and an independent early childhood policy consultant. Her areas of...

Successful Refresher Course Completed!

A record 1047 AMI teachers, administrators, parents, and assistants gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, Presidents’ Day weekend for the 2015 Refresher Course and Workshops. With the addition of the 143 attendees at the NAMTA Adolescent Workshop, this made for an...

Common Core Mappings Now Available for Download

Mappings of representative AMI curricula in math and geometry and language to the Common Core State Standards are now available for download from the AMI/USA website. Previously distributed only to AMI members who joined through AMI/USA, the mappings are now available to the Montessori community...

Support AMI Teacher Training!

In 1960, Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson was commissioned to initiate teacher training in the United States on behalf of AMI. She conducted training courses in this country for nearly 40 years. The MES Fund, Inc., was established in her name...

Refresher Course Registration Closed

Advanced registration has closed for the 2015 Refresher Course and Workshops. We are so excited to see you all in Atlanta on February 13-16! On-site registration will be available for the weekend’s events, including Friday’s Keynote Address with Dr....

Refresher Course Brochure Available!

We are happy to present the official brochure for the 2015 Refresher Course and Workshops! Click here for a complete overview of the weekend’s events and click here to register! The Early Bird deadline is January 5. For hotel information, please click...

Announcing the 2015 Refresher Course Speakers

Featured Speakers Assistants to Infancy Judi Orion, Director of Training at The Montessori Institute, will speak on Indirect Preparations for Exploration. Primary Trainer at Montessori Northwest, Sarah Werner Andrews, will lead the Primary Level attendees in considering Exploration and Self-Construction. Elementary Greg...

Save the Date: 2015 Refresher Course

Join us in Atlanta, Georgia, February 13-16, for the 2015 Refresher Course and Workshops! This year’s theme, Exploration: Re-Examining the Adult’s Role in the Child’s Discovery, is designed to encourage attendees to reflect on how the adult provides the spark and the...

CCSS Mapping Complete

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS MAPPING COMPLETE The CCSS Mapping Project has successfully completed its project, building comprehensive maps of the Montessori elementary curriculum. These maps directly complement the Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics and Geometry. The...

AMI/USA Move

Dear Colleagues & AMI Members, Today marks the final day of business at the Rochester, NY office. Beginning on Monday, August 4th, the new office, headed by executive director Bonnie Beste, will be open to handle all AMI/USA activities....

Montessori Guide Assistant to Infancy Level Coming Soon

Keep an eye out for a new addition to AMI/USA’s professional development website, MontessoriGuide.org! The creative team has been filming, and they are working to prepare the assistant to infancy section for its debut. New videos and a fresh set...

New Booklet! Negotiating the Minefield: Obstacles that Endanger Cosmic Education

In her latest booklet Negotiating The Minefield: Obstacles That Endanger Cosmic Education, Phyllis Pottish-Lewis writes in her introduction: Done right, Montessori education is a truly wondrous thing for all concerned: the child, the teacher, the family, and society. But because its...

New Leadership at AMI

AMI celebrated the accomplishments of out-going president, André Roberfroid and welcomed new president, Philip O’Brien at the Annual General Meeting in April. Close to two hundred AMI members enjoyed a wonderful AGM/Montessori Weekend in Amsterdam. Many people enjoyed getting...

AMI/USA Announcement

September 11, 2013 Dear Friends: We are both glad and sad to announce that after 30 years of service to AMI/USA, including the last quarter century (yes, quarter century) as Executive Director, Ms. Virginia McHugh Goodwin will be retiring...

Are you a Montessori Alum?

Help us tell the world about Montessori education. The We Are Montessori Project aims to celebrate Montessori alumni and bring more awareness to the benefits of Montessori education. We are collecting information to visually showcase successful alumni and the...