You will join a cohort of up to 30 individuals for a 12-week, 12-module program that includes live experiences in “odd weeks” (week 1, week 3, etc.) and self-guided study in “even weeks” (week 2, week 4, etc.) The times of the live classes will be determined in accordance with the availability of the participants.

Module Topics

• Unpacking Our Identities
• Who Am I? Healthy Racial Identity for Students Across All Planes of Development
• Gender Fluidity, Neurodiversity, and Ableism
• Speaking Up: Identity Action Mini-Project
• Power, Privilege, and Oppression in Montessori Environments
• Curriculum Violence: What It Is and How to Stop It
• Creating Prepared Environments for Equity and Justice
• Speaking Up: Interruption Mini-Project
• Advocating for Yourself and Others
• How to Be an Aspiring Ally
• Getting Out of the Way: Working for Equity in Montessori Institutions
• Speaking Up: Allyship and Advocacy Mini-Project

Outcomes

You will develop a solid understanding of ABAR education, engage in transformative discussions, explore the complex nature of anti-bias work, and strive to deepen commitment to liberation and living out the fundamental tenets of Montessori education.

• Learn basic ABAR terminology and language that is both reaffirming and validating
• Discover the deeply rooted connections between ABAR education and Montessori philosophy
• Learn about the goals of ABAR education for both children and adults
• Deepen your knowledge of culturally responsive instruction and its impact on academic learning and the social emotional health of your students
• Increase your understanding about the beliefs, assumptions, and observations that shape our experiences in the classroom
• Develop strategies that enhance bias recognition personally and professionally

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS ABAR Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.

• April 7, 2023 – DEI Scholarship Deadline
• April 14, 2023 – Program Application Deadline
• May 5, 2023 Scholarship Acceptance Notifications – Notification of Program Acceptance, notification of scholarship acceptance
• June 5, 2023 – Program Begins
• September 9, 2023 – Program Ends

Class times are determined on a per cohort basis by what works for the majority of the participants.

Maati Wafford

AMS Director of Equity & Engagement

Maati Wafford, MSW, is AMS director of equity & engagement. Prior to her work at AMS, Maati was the race and equity consultant to the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) and Upper Elementary program chair and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the AMS-accredited Barrie School in Silver Spring, MD. AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Administrator).

The process begins by completing our formal application. Once the application has been submitted, your character reference will receive an email notification to complete their portion of the application process which includes Character Reference Form. All forms must be submitted by Friday, April 14, 2023.

The applicant may wish to manually send these forms by using the links below.

• Anti-Bias, Antiracist Certification Application
• Character Reference Form

Scholarships

The AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible applicants of the AMS ABAR Certificate Program. Each scholarship covers the cost of the ABAR Certificate Program ($1,400). 

Complete this scholarship application by Friday, April 7, 2023.