Awards & Scholarships
Paying tribute to members of our community is integral to the AMS mission.
Every year, through a variety of awards, the American Montessori Society honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Montessori Movement. We also offer grants and scholarships that provide support for endeavors pertinent to Montessori.
Awards
Living Legacy Award
The American Montessori Society Living Legacy Award is an annual tribute to an individual whose dedication and leadership has made a lasting impact on the AMS community. Your donation in honor of the Living Legacy supports a cherished AMS practice: the awarding of scholarships to aspiring Montessori educators at AMS-affiliated teacher education programs.
Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambsuch Trailblazer Award
AMS recognizes individuals who have made significant advances in raising the profile of Montessori education through this annual award. It is named in honor of education visionary Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch, whose vigorous efforts were vital to the founding of AMS and the growth of the Montessori Movement.
Dr. Maria Montessori Ambassador Award
This award honors individuals who, through their work in a variety of arenas such as the arts, sports, government, and higher education, are fostering a landscape in which Montessori education cannot only thrive, but flourish.
Douglas M. Gravel Benefactor Award
AMS acknowledges those whose generosity has contributed to the sustainability and growth of the organization through an annual award named in honor of the late Douglas M. Gravel, one of AMS’s most consistent and generous benefactors. Doug, along with his wife, Maria Gravel, provided strong and unwavering support to the American Montessori Society from its earliest days.
Montessori Innovator Award
This annual award honors up-and-coming individuals for their original and inventive contributions to the practice and experience of Montessori education. Read about the current recipient of the Montessori Innovator Award. Recipients demonstrate mastery of the delicate task of introducing new ideas/approaches while remaining ever true to the philosophy and practice as articulated by Dr. Montessori.
AMS Community Service Award
AMS Community Service awards honor outstanding volunteers and recognize the impact they have made to AMS.
Dissertation & Thesis Awards
AMS bestows up to 4 awards per year in recognition of graduate-level research that furthers the understanding of Montessori education. Learn more about our dissertation and thesis awards on our Resources for Montessori Research webpage.
Recognition Award Recipients
We dedicate a place to Montessori educators who have inspired, mentored, innovated, served, and supported the Montessori Movement. We are proud to honor and recognize the ways in which they move Montessori forward.
Scholarships
AMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship Program
The AMS DEI Scholarship Program supports our commitment to expanding access to AMS professional development and ensuring that the learning opportunities we create are inclusive in serving all people, especially marginalized or under-resourced populations. Current DEI scholarships support applicants to the AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy.
In 2018, the AMS Board of Directors voted to make inclusion and equity a strategic priority.
Teacher Education Scholarships
AMS awards teacher education scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers in support of their professional growth. Those eligible to apply are individuals who have been accepted, are in the process of being accepted, or are already enrolled in an AMS-affiliated teacher education program. You’ll find more details on our Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships webpage.
