Upcoming Requirements for Accredited Schools & Schools on the AMS Pathway

May 13, 2019.

In keeping with AMS’s commitment to define and advocate for quality Montessori schools, in 2011 and 2016 AMS Board of Directors voted on several matters related to qualifications for AMS teachers and heads of school that will go into effect in 2020. We have shared this information with our school members on an ongoing basis.

To be consistent with subsequent changes to the AMS membership structure and initiatives, including the AMS Pathway of Continuous School Improvement, we have since updated the information.

Effective July 1, 2020, AMS-accredited schools and those on the AMS Pathway of Continuous School Improvement at Step 7 or beyond must meet the following criteria:

Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood Teachers: 

All Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood lead teachers hired on or after July 1, 2020 must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. All existing employed Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood lead teachers may remain continuously employed at their current school in their current position in perpetuity. 

Secondary Teachers:

Lead teaching faculty in the core subjects of math, English, history or humanities, sciences, and additional world language(s), who work with students ages 12 – 18 will be required to have the appropriate Montessori credential, i.e., Secondary I or I – II. The credential must be issued by a teacher education program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). 

Heads of Schools: 

Heads of schools must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher). In addition, the head of school must either:

• Hold a Montessori credential and score a requisite number of points for professional development and related work experience as detailed on the Head of School Requirements Verification Form. The Montessori credential can be from any Montessori teacher education program, regardless of whether or not it is AMS-affiliated, with the exception of programs with 100% online delivery. It can be either an administrator credential or a teacher credential.
• Score a requisite number of points (higher than above) for professional development and related work experience, as detailed in the AMS Head of School Portfolio Variance Form.

The board’s vote in favor of these requirements is a signal of AMS’s commitment to upholding rigorous standards of quality in its member schools. By setting high expectations for qualifications of school heads and teaching staff, AMS assures that our member schools are led by highly qualified who are well-versed in and guided by Montessori philosophy and practice.