2024 Section Chairs
Chair of the Teachers Section and Chair of the Heads Section
2024 Section Chairs
Chair of the Teacher Educators Section and Chair of the Regional Action Commission.
Chair of the Teacher Educators Section
The purpose of the AMS Teacher Educators Section (TES) is to provide a forum for teacher educators to connect and collaborate. The shared participation in professional development advances Montessori philosophy knowledge and applies adult education research to Montessori teacher education preparation.
The Teacher Educators Chair must be a current director of an AMS-affiliated teacher education program in good standing with AMS and they must hold a recognized Montessori credential. They must be able to attend and participate in all TEAC activities, including a three-day in person meeting each year (in conjunction with The Montessori Event) and virtual meetings as scheduled. The Teacher Educators Chair must also serve on workgroups and committees and participate in affiliation reviews and on-sites as required. The term of office for the Section Chair is 3 years.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for all AMS Board directors, nominees for chair of the Teacher Education Section must be:
- A good communicator, listener, and organizer.
- A thoughtful reader who reflects on teaching and teacher educating practices and keeps abreast of educational trends.
- Able to moderate and lead discussions with teacher educators in an online community.
- Able and willing to contribute the time and effort needed to fulfill the obligations of the position. This includes preparation for and travel to board, committee, commission, task force, and work group gatherings and having the support of their employer.
Responsibilities
- Serves as the official TES and TEAC representative to the AMS Board.
- Communicate with AMS-member teacher educators through such vehicles as AMS Connect, community emails, and Montessori Life.
- Moderate and lead discussions with the teacher educators in both our online and in person communities.
- Represent the interest of teacher educators as a member of the AMS Board of Directors.
There is 1 individual running for the position of Chair of the Teacher Educators Section. Upon election, the chair may serve a 3-year term and is eligible to run for a second term.
Robyn Breiman
Co-Director and Program and Practicum Coordinator, Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative, Lexington, MA
On slate as: Chair of the Teacher Educators Section
“I’d welcome the opportunity to serve the Montessori community as a member of the AMS Board of Directors. As Representative of the Teacher Educator Section, I will advocate for AMS’s commitment to high-fidelity Montessori practice in all arenas. I believe I can make meaningful contributions in two specific areas: 1) strengthening the internship/practicum experience by aligning TEP and practicum site expectations, and 2) bolstering Montessori school leadership. Schools have an opportunity to benefit from the innovations and transformational energy that new teachers bring from their Montessori training. Fostering and accessing those experiences can be enriching for all and could enhance the school’s community building efforts. I believe Montessori school leaders who understand and are committed to the principles of Montessori pedagogy are crucial to providing the context for best Montessori practices for children, parents and teachers, especially new teachers. I believe TEPs can be great resources for that work.”
Voting for the Chair of the Teacher Educators Section
Organizational members: Every AMS-affiliated teacher education program has 1 vote (to either Approve or Not Approve) the Board-Nominated Slate on behalf of the entire organization, including satellites and/or additional levels/locations.
Chair of the Regional Action Commission
The purpose of the Regional Action Commission is to have an established group of leaders who support regional U.S. Montessori groups through:
- Creating stronger brand recognition for AMS
- Increasing AMS school and individual membership
- Boosting current member engagement
- Advancing the national availability of quality Montessori education
- Promoting collaboration and sharing among Montessori schools and TEP’s within the same region
- Better understanding what regional school, TEP leaders, and organizations are thinking and needing and share with AMS board of directors
There is 1 individual running for the position of Chair of the Regional Action Commission. Upon election, the chair may serve a 2-year term and is eligible to run for a second term.
Saloni Mathur
Founder/Director, Vistor Montessori School, Basking Ridge, NJ
On slate as: Chair of the Regional Action Commission
“Dr. Montessori was a pioneer. She led us on a path of enormous potential by understanding human tendencies and valuing the human to human bond. Strengthening these bonds and harnessing the power of community has been my passion and talent throughout life. This is my cosmic task. I am Saloni Mathur, Chairperson of the AMS Regional Action Commission. My mission to enhance every effort that empowers children coincides with the RAC’s mission to extend AMS resources to many more advocates, serving many more children. We will
give AMS members a deeper sense of belonging and closeness to a responsive professional organization. As the RAC representative serving on the AMS Board, I will help achieve this goal in the Montessori way by creating opportunities for all who seek them, engaging AMS members with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our AMS and the Montessori Movement will flourish by harnessing talent, everywhere it lives!”
Voting for the Chair of the Regional Action Commission
Individual members will receive an email with a unique link to access the ballot. Member schools and AMS-affiliated teacher education programs will also receive an email with a link. It will go to their organization email address.
Individual members: Every current individual member has 1 vote.
Schools: All member schools receive 1 vote for every 100 students enrolled or portion thereof. Satellites of member schools do not vote directly. Votes allocated to satellites are added to the main site vote and the main site school casts all votes.
Teacher education programs: Every AMS-affiliated teacher education program has 1 vote per AMS-affiliated level for the following levels: Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and Administrator.