The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929 by Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her life’s work, and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death. AMI is the recognised international authority on Montessori education. During its long history AMI has fostered the growth and development of Montessori programmes and teacher training, and worked to support the development and education of children and young adults in a vast variety of settings throughout the world. AMI is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (since 1985) and an NGO in operational relations with UNESCO (since 1962).

Mission

The mission of the Association Montessori Internationale is to uphold, propagate and further the pedagogical principles and practice formulated by Dr Maria Montessori for the full development of the human being.

AMI achieves this mission through its:

Legacy

AMI has a unique role as custodian of the history of the Montessori movement, maintaining the integrity of Maria Montessori’s legacy. In this role AMI is responsible for articulating Montessori philosophy and practice clearly in order to meet the needs of children and influence educational paradigms in a rapidly changing world.

Capacity

AMI seeks to increase its capacity around the world by increasing access to AMI training, supporting the professional development of Montessori teachers, providing a comprehensive support system for Montessori schools and programmes, tools for the implementation of research and growing our human, financial and technological resources.

Outreach

AMI strives to promote the rights of the child throughout the world, irrespective of race, religion, political and social beliefs, in cooperation with other bodies and organisations that further the development of education, human rights, and peace. The vision is to support educational initiatives through mentorship, resources, and/or funding, focussing on sustainability, expansion, and replication of successful projects. When Montessori principles are applied in the wider context of society, their possibilities are vast and all encompassing.