AMS Scholarship for Montessori Teacher Training

Each year, the American Montessori Society extends a helping hand to prospective Montessori educators through its esteemed scholarship program. Aimed at nurturing the professional growth of aspiring Montessori teachers, these scholarships serve as pillars of support, enabling individuals to embark on the transformative journey of Montessori teacher training.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for AMS scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Acceptance Status

Applicants must be accepted, in the process of acceptance, or currently enrolled in an AMS-affiliated teacher education program (TEP). This ensures that AMS considers individuals actively pursuing Montessori teacher training for financial assistance.

Credential Levels

Eligible credential levels include Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary (I, I – II, II), and Secondary (I, I – II). This broad spectrum of credential levels accommodates aspiring Montessori educators teaching at all levels of Montessori education.

Exclusion Clause

Scholarships are unavailable for individuals enrolled in an AMS Administrator or MIE course. This exclusion helps streamline scholarship allocation to those directly involved in Montessori teacher training.

Application Period for 2024 – 2025

The application period for the 2024 – 2025 academic year spans from February 1, 2024, to April 19, 2024. Be sure to submit your scholarship application before the window closes at 11:59 pm (ET) on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Application Process

Preparing to apply for the AMS TE Scholarship involves a straightforward step-by-step process. All applications must be submitted through the online application form.

Here’s how you can ensure your application is submitted successfully:

1. Review Guidelines: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the AMS TE Scholarship Guidelines for Online Submission.
2. Gather Your Documents: Collect essential materials such as applicant information, personal statement, TEP acceptance verification, financial statement, 2023 income tax form, and three letters of recommendation.
3. Online Submission: Access the online application form and accurately fill in all necessary details.
4. Sample Application: Utilize the sample application form provided for guidance during preparation.
5. One-Time Submission: Remember, once you start the online form, you can’t save it, so make sure to have all materials ready.
6. Contact Information: If you encounter any difficulties accessing the online form, contact the TE Office at [email protected] for assistance.

Selection Criteria

The AMS TE Scholarship recipients are carefully chosen by a dedicated committee led by a representative of the Teacher Educators Section of the AMS Board of Directors. Applicants undergo thorough evaluation based on several key criteria:

1. Financial Need: Submitting a financial statement is a crucial factor in the selection process. Applicants must provide a clear depiction of their financial situation to be considered for the scholarship.
2. Personal Statement: A compelling personal statement is essential for conveying the applicant’s passion for Montessori education and commitment to professional growth. This statement offers insight into the applicant’s motivations, aspirations, and suitability for the scholarship.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Three original letters of recommendation play a significant role in assessing the applicant’s qualifications and character. These letters provide valuable perspectives from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s abilities, achievements, and potential as a Montessori educator.
4. Verification of Acceptance: Official verification of acceptance into an AMS-affiliated teacher education program is required to ensure that scholarship recipients actively pursue Montessori teacher training.

By carefully considering these criteria, the selection committee aims to identify deserving individuals who possess the qualities and dedication necessary to thrive in Montessori education.

Scholarship Funds

AMS scholarships for Montessori teacher training are made possible through the generous contributions of various funds dedicated to supporting the professional development of aspiring Montessori educators. These funds include:

The AMS Teacher Education Scholarship Fund

This fund is fueled by donations raised in honor of the current Living Legacy. Contributions from individuals and organizations passionate about Montessori education enable AMS to award scholarships to deserving candidates pursuing teacher training programs.

The Zell Family Scholarship Fund

Established in 1995 by Dr. Pamela Zell Rigg, this fund commemorates the memory of her late mother, Agnes Kister, and her late brother, John Kister Zell. Dr. Rigg initiated the fund with an initial endowment of $20,000, which has since grown to $100,000 through continued support. AMS administers this fund, drawing from it to provide scholarships annually to deserving individuals who demonstrate a commitment to Montessori education.

The Joanne P. Hammes Scholarship Fund

In 2013 an anonymous donor established the Joanne P. Hammes Scholarship Fund to honor Ms. Hammes’s lifelong dedication to Montessori education. AMS oversees this fund, utilizing it to offer scholarships to aspiring Montessori educators who exemplify the values and principles upheld by Ms. Hammes throughout her career.

These funds represent a collective effort to invest in the future of Montessori education by providing financial assistance to individuals embarking on their journey to become certified Montessori teachers. Through these scholarships, AMS aims to empower passionate educators and ensure the continued growth and vitality of the Montessori community.

Montessorita Can Assist with AMS Scholarships for Montessori Teacher Training

Aspiring Montessori educators, now is the time to take the leap and pursue your dreams of becoming a certified Montessori teacher through the AMS scholarship program. At Montessorita’s Montessori Teacher Academy, we have witnessed several students receive varying scholarships over the years, and we are committed to supporting you in the application process. By applying for AMS scholarships, you gain financial assistance and join a community dedicated to the principles and values of Montessori education. Take advantage of this opportunity to kickstart your journey toward a fulfilling career in Montessori teaching.