The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is the oldest international Montessori organization in the world and is recognized as the most reliable authority on authentic Montessori theory and practice. It was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori to safeguard the integrity of her work and to maintain the standards of training for those wishing to apply or to teach her methods.
During its long history, AMI has fostered the growth and development of Montessori education practices and standards through active work with member schools, teachers and educators, and has provided a practical means for passing on the Montessori philosophy and pedagogy from teacher to teacher through the generations.
AMI’s activities include: Directing AMI training courses in affiliated teacher training institutions, coordinating a Training of Trainers program, guiding the manufacturers recognized by AMI in the production of approved Montessori materials, overseeing the publication of Dr. Montessori’s books, organizing international congresses and study conferences, as well as conducting research and gathering information regarding children and Montessori practice from all corners of the world to enable consistency and universality of the Montessori´s methodology implementation.
The AMI is a member of UNESCO and assists international and national humanitarian and government authorities in addressing social and educational problem situations where positive change can be effected through the education of children.