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AMS Announcements, Awards & News

Find out what’s happening at the American Montessori Society and in our community.

Announcing the 2025 AMS Living Legacy Charles Terranova

April 26, 2024—The American Montessori Society is honored to recognize Charles Terranova as the 2025 Living Legacy. For over fifty years, Charles has worked to drive meaningful and unprecedented change for Montessori professionals, schools, and teacher training programs, while protecting the integrity of Montessori pedagogy and practice.

Announcing the Winners of the 2024 AMS Research Awards

April 26, 2024—The American Montessori Society offers annual awards for graduate-level work that furthers the understanding of Montessori education. We extend our congratulations to this year’s recipients, and thank them for their contributions to the field.

Submit a Workshop Proposal for the AMS Regional Symposium 2024 - 2025

​Friday, April 19, 2024—Are you passionate about Montessori education and eager to share your insights with fellow educators? Proposals for the AMS Regional Symposium 2024 – 2025 are now open!

Introducing Cohort 7 of the AMS Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program

March 21, 2024—The AMS Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is a professional development initiative that provides a year of structured learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities to Montessori-credentialed teachers who have not yet assumed leadership positions in the Montessori community—but would like to.

World’s Largest Montessori Conference Comes to Orlando—Lisa Ling to Keynote; Chef Alice Waters to be Honored

The American Montessori Society, the world’s leading membership organization with the mission of empowering humanity to build a better world through Montessori, is hosting The Montessori Event at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida and virtually March 7 - 10, 2024.

AMS 2024 Recognition Awards

February 21, 2024—Every year, through a variety of awards, the American Montessori Society honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Montessori Movement. We invite your nominations for this year's awards.

Introducing the Most Recent Graduates of the AMS Instructor Academy

February 2, 2024—The AMS Instructor Academy is a course of study for teacher education program instructors across program levels. Rigorous, advanced, and staffed by leaders in the field, this special version of Instructor Academy provides the training that current teacher education program instructors need to reflect and examine their own role in working with Montessori educators for classroom and administrative roles.

Submit a Workshop Proposal for The Montessori Event 2025

January 19, 2024—The American Montessori Society is now accepting workshop proposals for The Montessori Event, taking place March 7 – 10, 2025 at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver, CO.

AMS 2024 Board Elections Results and Message from the Board

January 8, 2024—In November 2023, members of the American Montessori Society took part in elections for our Board of Directors. The results are now in! We look forward to welcoming the following individuals to our board in March 2024.

Resources on War and Conflict for Montessori Educators

AMS has compiled Montessori-focused and other resources that offer insightful tips on how to have effective, age-appropriate conversations about challenging times and political unrest in today's world.

I AM Montessori

As we embark on another year here at American Montessori Society we are reminded that we are not just part of a membership organization, we are part of something bigger.

American Montessori Society 2024 Recognition Awards

OCTOBER 24, 2023—The American Montessori Society bestows annual awards in recognition of exceptional achievements in areas relevant to AMS and to the Montessori Movement.

AMS 2024 Board Elections Announced

OCTOBER 17, 2023 – Elections for new directors on the AMS Board will be open from November 28, 2023 through December 8, 2023. Upon the opening of the elections, every member will be sent several emails with their unique link to the ballot. Schools and teacher education programs: the emails will be sent to your organization address.

Apply Now for the 2023 Ursula Thrush Peace Seed Grant

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023—Applications for 2023 Peace Seed Grants are open, now through Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET). We look forward to reading your submissions. Apply today.

Introducing the First Regional Action Commission Cohort

July 21, 2023—The AMS Board of Directors approved the first cohort of the Regional Action Commission (RAC). This group of experienced regional volunteers was selected from a pool of applicants from across the country for their expertise and involvement in their state or regional Montessori groups and their commitment to AMS. The RAC was created by the board in 2022 to support local outreach, to bring more services and professional development to Montessori educators across the United States, to help members feel more connected, and to promote AMS membership. After two years of research and vision work, a group is finally in place and ready to begin this important work.

Introducing Cohort 6 of the AMS Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program

July 17, 2023—The AMS Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is a professional development initiative that provides a year of structured learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities to Montessori-credentialed teachers who have not yet assumed leadership positions in the Montessori community—but would like to. Fellows develop the skills and confidence to raise their commitment to Montessori education to the next level. They also earn 60 hours of continuing professional development.

Introducing Cohort 1 of the AMS TEP Instructor Academy

July 10, 2023—The AMS Teacher Education Program Instructor Academy is a course of study for teacher education program instructors across program levels. Rigorous, advanced, and staffed by leaders in the field, this special version of Instructor Academy provides the training that current teacher education program instructors need to reflect and examine their own role in working with Montessori educators for classroom and administrative roles.

Call for Research Poster Proposals

June 9, 2023: Now through Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM (ET), we invite you to submit a proposal for a Research Poster session that will take place online and in person during The Montessori Event, March 7 – 10, 2024.

Introducing Cohort 1 of the AMS Instructor Academy

May 1, 2023—The AMS Instructor Academy is a course of study for future teacher education program instructors across program level. Rigorous, advanced, and staffed by leaders in the field, Instructor Academy provides the training that teacher education program instructors need to prepare generations of Montessori educators for classroom and administrative roles.

Apply for the AMS Regional Action Commission

May 1, 2023—We are now accepting applications for individual members to serve a 3-year term on the newly formed Regional Action Commission. The application window has now closed.

Announcing the AMS 2024 Living Legacy: Gay Ward

For over 2 decades, Dr. Gay C. Ward has been advocating for the American Montessori Society, advancing research and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Learn more about her legacy.

American Montessori Society Brings Annual Conference to Orlando in 2024

APRIL 12, 2023—The Montessori Event, the largest professional conference for Montessori educators in the world, is being held March 7 – 10, 2024 in Orlando, FL at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

2023 AMS Recognition Awards

February 27, 2023—AMS recognition awards honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and the Montessori Movement. We offer our congratulations to the 2023 recipients, and profound thanks for all that they have so selflessly accomplished in pursuit of our shared mission to build a better world through Montessori.

Introducing The Inaugural Cohort of the AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank

FEBRUARY 27, 2023—The AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank bridges research-based concepts and creative, innovative ideas. The inaugural cohort of this year-long program begins this month, February 2023, and will offer a deeply immersive and transformative experience for Montessori leaders who are committed to driving meaningful change for the Montessori community while protecting the integrity of Montessori pedagogy and practice.

AMS Supports Türkiye and Syria

FEBRUARY 17, 2023—Early in the morning on Monday, February 6, 2023, one 7.8 magnitude and another 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Türkiye (Turkey) and northwest Syria. It was one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in a century.

Submit a Workshop Proposal for The Montessori Event 2024

January 26, 2023—The American Montessori Society is now accepting workshop proposals for The Montessori Event, taking place March 7 – March 10, 2024 at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The submission deadline for proposals is Monday, April 10, 2023, 11:59 PM (ET).

November Update from the AMS Board of Directors

November 21, 2022—The AMS Board of Directors recently met for our annual fall board meeting. Learn more about the Board’s work to come.

AMS Launches New Regional Action Commission

October 3, 2022—The American Montessori Society is excited to announce the creation of a board-approved commission designed to support local outreach throughout the United States. The newly-formed Regional Action Commission is the outcome of over a year of planning and conversation with a regional commission work group and other key stakeholders.

2022 AMS Recognition Awards

September 28, 2022—Every year, through a variety of awards, the American Montessori Society honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Montessori Movement. We invite your nominations for this year's awards.

Announcing New Innovation Initiatives at the American Montessori Society

The American Montessori Society is proud to announce the formation of a brand new giving fund: the Dr. Marlene Barron Innovation Fund. This fund will support the new AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank and Labposium program and events, as well as other new initiatives designed to move Montessori education forward in new and exciting ways.

All AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Programs to Require ABAR Training by June 2023

AMS Board Unanimously Votes to Require 12 Hours of Anti-bias, Antiracist Training in All AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Programs

AMS Statement on Robb Elementary School Shooting

MAY 25 2022—The American Montessori Society grieves with the community in Uvalde, TX. Our hearts are with Robb Elementary School and all victims and survivors of gun violence.

Election Results: AMS Board of Directors

MAY 6, 2022—Earlier this spring, members of the American Montessori Society took part in elections for our Board of Directors. The results are now in! We look forward to welcoming the following individuals to our board in July 2022.

Announcing the AMS 2023 Living Legacy: Susie and David Shelton Dodge

MAY 4, 2022—Susie and David Shelton-Dodge have been on the forefront of the Montessori Movement since the 1970s, supporting countless students, teacher educators, and other community members with generosity, grace, and grit.

In Memoriam: Bretta Weiss Wolff

On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Bretta Weiss Wolff, former national director of the American Montessori Society (1978 – 1992) and the 12th AMS Living Legacy (2004), passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

Submit a Workshop Proposal for The Montessori Event 2023

April 12, 2022—The American Montessori Society is now accepting workshop proposals for The Montessori Event, taking place March 16 – March 19, 2023 at the Marriott Copley Place/Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA. The submission deadline for proposals is Monday, June 20, 11:59 PM (ET).

American Montessori Society Condemns Russian Acts of War Against Ukraine

MARCH 9, 2022—The American Montessori Society stands with the people of Ukraine—both those in Eastern Europe and those of Ukrainian descent around the world. We join countless organizations in the United States and overseas calling for peace.

Introducing Cohort 5 of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program

MARCH 2, 2022 – The AMS Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is a professional development initiative that provides a year of structured learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Meet the fellows of cohort 5.

American Montessori Society 2022 Recognition Awards

JANUARY 24, 2022—AMS recognition awards honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and the Montessori Movement. We offer our congratulations to the 2022 recipients, and profound thanks for all that they have so selflessly accomplished in pursuit of our shared mission to build a better world through Montessori.

Support the AMS Annual Fund

September 24, 2021—Make An Impact. Your American Montessori Society is leading the charge in advancing Montessori education worldwide for the betterment of all people and providing the resources to make it happen.

Congratulations to the Recipients of AMS 2021 Peace Seed Grants

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021—The AMS Peace & Social Justice Committee awards annual Peace Seed Grants to help fund projects that promote peace and social justice education. The grants are presented in memory of educator Ursula Thrush, whose dedication to the concept of peace and social justice through children inspired many to advance this education in their classrooms and communities.

Critical Race Theory: Talking Through the Confusion

AUGUST 19, 2021—We joined AMS, AMI/USA, and MPPI as we learned from Dr. Valaida (Val) L. Wise, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, and Wendy Shenk-Evans, executive director of MPPI, who provided insight from an academic and policy perspective on Critical Race Theory and the implications of the current dialogue for the Montessori community.

Recognizing Juneteenth at the American Montessori Society

June 14, 2021—The American Montessori Society office will be closed on Friday, June 18, in recognition of Juneteenth (June 19). This intentional time will support staff members in their continual education, reflection, and self-development in matters related to race, social justice, and respect for all cultures. Together, we can build a more just, fair, and equitable world.

Announcing the Recipients of AMS 2021 Research Awards

MAY 25, 2021—Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s research awards: Solange Denervaud (dissertation) and Ian Daniel Becker (thesis).

Announcing the AMS 2022 Living Legacy: Juliet King, EdD

APRIL 7, 2021—Juliet has spent over 5 decades working as a teacher, teacher’s union steward, school administrator, and community leader in South Florida. Throughout this illustrious career, her leadership has garnered respect and united teachers from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds to work toward the common goal of benefiting all students.

AMS Statement on the Shootings in Atlanta

MARCH 19, 2021—The American Montessori Society mourns the tragic and senseless loss of 8 people in shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday. Although the motivation for the crime is unknown, this vicious act of violence, regardless of motivation, is abhorrent. Brutality, regardless of cause, has no place in our society and in our world.

American Montessori Society 2021 Recognition Awards

JANUARY 15, 2021—AMS recognition awards honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and the Montessori Movement. We offer our congratulations to the 2021 recipients, and profound thanks for all that they have so selflessly accomplished in pursuit of our shared mission to build a better world through Montessori.

Welcoming Our New Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Staff: Bryan Jackson and Maati Wafford

OCTOBER 26, 2020—Two years ago, the American Montessori Society Board of Directors voted to make inclusion and equity a strategic priority of our organization. With this in mind, we were thrilled to recently receive a major grant to support our efforts in this area.