AMS Teacher Education Director Academy

The AMS Teacher Education Director Academy has been developed in response to a desire to transform and uplift Montessori teacher education. It is a course of study that supports and strengthens the skills and knowledge base for aspiring Montessori teacher education program (TEP) directors as well as experienced Montessori program directors to create strong programs both academically and in terms of sustainability and long-term success.

This academy provides knowledge and guidance for excellence and innovation in Montessori teacher education. It supports AMS directors and future directors in designing and delivering an adult learner-centered program from its first steps of determining the program vision and planning and building the curriculum, to the moment of adult learner graduation and beyond.

The Teacher Education Director Academy also guides directors through the steps of optimal self-studies whose readiness will move them through the approval process seamlessly.

Prepare to grow the next generation of teacher educators with a vibrant cohort of your peers.

APPLY TODAY

Exclusive to AMS Members | Price: $675

Benefits of the Academy

• Create a Montessori TEP and courses centered around the needs of adult learners and their ongoing transformation.
• Implement innovative, outcomes-based approaches to enhance your TEP’s sustainability.
• Incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into all aspects of your TEP.
• Develop strategies to design or restructure your TEP to meet or exceed AMS Affiliation Standards.
• Construct high-quality self-studies founded on AMS Handbook guidelines (which are inclusive of DEIB principles).

No other program is solely dedicated to building skills for current and future TEP directors.

Key Takeaways

• A heightened focus on Montessori TEP transformation
• Optimization of self-study submissions
• Excellence and innovation in teacher education
• Strengthening of adult learner-centered program design and delivery
• Expediting self-study reviews

Academy Overview

The AMS Teacher Education Director Academy is designed for both current and future teacher education program directors. This comprehensive 5-month program is grounded in adult learner theory and the AMS affiliation handbook, allowing for both innovation in TEPs and adherence to high-quality standards.  Participants will actively participate in live sessions, purposeful assignments, and meaningful discussions using resources within Canvas. Upon completion, graduates receive the official AMS Teacher Education Director Academy Certificate attesting to their mastery of the class.

Cost

AMS Members: $675

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for this class, you must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a US-accredited college or university, or its equivalent from another country 
• Hold a Montessori AMS credential, AMI diploma, or a credential from a MACTE-accredited program
• Have three years of experience as Montessori lead teacher post-credential issue date at the level of your credential
• Be an AMS member in good standing
• Have experience teaching and/or presenting to adults

Experience in the following is preferred:

• Educational administration
• Curriculum development

Director Academy Cohort 3

Timeline

Application deadline: January 5, 2026, 11:59 PM (ET) or until cohort is full

• Applications are approved on a rolling basis.
• Applicants are encouraged to register as soon as possible upon acceptance to secure a spot.

Class begins: Jan 19, 2026 

Class ends: May 10, 2026

*The AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible applicants. Learn more.

Class Schedule

• Unit 1: January 19 – February 1, 2026 
  • Live Session:  January 20, 2026 7:00 PM (ET)
• Unit 2: February 2 – 15, 2026 
  • Live Session:  February 3, 2026   7:00 PM (ET)
• Unit 3: February 16 – March 1, 2026 
  • Live Session:  February 17, 2026 7:00 PM (ET)
• Unit 4: March 2 - 22, 2026 
  • Live Session:  March 3, 2026   7:00 PM (ET)
• Unit 5: March 23- April 5, 2026 
  • Live Session: March 24, 2026 7:00 PM (ET)
• Unit 6: April 6 – 26, 2026 
  • Live Session: April 7, 2026, 7:00 PM (ET)
• Unit 7: April 27 - May 10, 2026 
  • Live Session: April 28, 7:00 PM (ET)

About the Facilitator

Mary Schneider

With over four decades of dedication to Montessori education, Mary Schneider brings a legacy of leadership, innovation, and passion to her role as Director Academy Facilitator. Since beginning her Montessori journey in 1980, Mary has worn many hats—Early Childhood and Elementary I classroom guide, teacher educator, and organizational leader. Mary holds AMS credentials and has made a lasting impact through her work as an instructor, field consultant, practicum supervisor, administrative coordinator, executive director, and now director emeritus at the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest. She played a pivotal role in shaping future Montessori leaders, serving as a facilitator for two AMS Instructor Academy cohorts and contributing her insight to the AMS Curriculum Committee. Her commitment to excellence in teacher education extended through her leadership as Vice Chair of the AMS Teacher Education Committee (2002–2011), and later as a TEAC member and Teacher Educator Section representative on the AMS Board (2012–2017). Mary also co-founded Woodinville Montessori School near Seattle, where she served as Head of School until 2019, building a thriving, authentic Montessori community. Her decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to Montessori principles make her a trusted mentor and visionary in the field.

Prepare yourself to grow the next generation of teacher educators with a vibrant cohort of your peers.

APPLY TODAY

Exclusive to AMS Members | Price: $675