American Montessori Society

American Montessori Society. The American Montessori Society was founded in 1960 by Nancy McCormick Rambusch and Mario Montessori, with the goal of promoting the Montessori method of education in the United States. This approach to education, developed by Maria Montessori, emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on activity, and collaborative play. The society has its headquarters in New York City and serves as a resource for Montessori schools and teachers across North America, including those in Canada and Mexico.

● History

The American Montessori Society has its roots in the work of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori method in the early 20th century. Mario Montessori, Maria's son, played a key role in introducing the method to the United States and worked closely with Nancy McCormick Rambusch to establish the American Montessori Society. The society's early years were marked by collaboration with other organizations, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the International Montessori Council, to promote the Montessori approach. The society has also been influenced by the work of other educators, including Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, and has connections to institutions such as Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley.

● Organization

The American Montessori Society is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from Montessori schools and other organizations, such as the National Education Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The society has a number of committees, including the Accreditation Committee and the Teacher Education Committee, which oversee key aspects of the organization's work. The society also has partnerships with other organizations, such as the National Association of Independent Schools and the Council for American Private Education, to promote the Montessori approach and support Montessori schools. Additionally, the society collaborates with institutions like Yale University and the University of Chicago to advance research and development in Montessori education.

● Accreditation

The American Montessori Society offers accreditation to Montessori schools that meet certain standards, including the use of Montessori materials and the employment of Montessori-trained teachers. The accreditation process involves a self-study, a site visit, and a review of the school's curriculum and instructional methods. The society's accreditation is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and is also recognized by organizations such as the National Association of Schools and the American Montessori International. The society's accreditation standards are informed by the work of educators such as John Dewey and Rudolf Steiner, and are aligned with the principles of the International Baccalaureate and the Advanced Placement program.

● Teacher Education

The American Montessori Society offers teacher education programs, which are designed to prepare individuals to teach in Montessori schools. These programs are offered in partnership with institutions such as Columbia University and the University of Michigan, and are accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Commission for Teacher Education. The society's teacher education programs emphasize the development of pedagogical skills and the use of Montessori materials, and are informed by the work of educators such as Erik Erikson and Howard Gardner. The society also offers professional development opportunities for teachers, including workshops and conferences, which are often held in collaboration with organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

● Membership and Community

The American Montessori Society has a membership of over 1,000 Montessori schools and 15,000 individual members, including teachers, administrators, and parents. The society offers a range of benefits to its members, including access to professional development opportunities, curriculum resources, and advocacy support. The society also has a number of special interest groups, including the Montessori Administrators Group and the Montessori Teachers Group, which provide opportunities for members to connect with one another and share best practices. The society's members are also connected to a broader community of educators, including those involved with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the International Montessori Council, and the World Organization for Early Childhood Education. Additionally, the society collaborates with institutions like Stanford University and the University of Oxford to advance research and development in Montessori education. Category:Education organizations