Professional Affiliations and Recognition
Association Montessori Internationale
Maria Montessori founded AMI in 1929 to protect and further her educational work. AMI operates teacher training centers worldwide and, through its USA affiliate , accredits Montessori schools though a program of internationally recognized standards and regular consultation. Sunstone is an AMI/USA Recognized school, the highest level of accreditation.
AMI teacher training is an intensive full-time one year course in human development, Montessori philosophy and practice, and classroom curriculum. Most training centers offer graduate level credit with an affiliated university, and many trainees concurrently earn a Masters in Education during their training. All of Sunstone’s teachers are AMI trained.
The term ‘Montessori’ is not trademarked or copyrighted, and anyone can use it. AMI training and accreditation is the oldest and most widely recognized standard, as well as the only standard developed by Dr. Montessori herself.
Montessori Northwest
Sunstone Montessori supports Montessori Northwest (MNW), an AMI training center, located in SE Portland, OR, providing AMI Montessori teacher training at the Assistants to Infancy (ages 0 – 3), Primary (ages 3 – 6), and Elementary (ages 6 – 12) levels. MNW also sponsors educational and outreach events, including parent education, and is an excellent source of information about Montessori education and child development.
Oregon Montessori Association
OMA is a professional association of Oregon and SW Washington Montessori schools which supports teachers and schools with professional development as well as sponsoring outreach and educational events.
North American Montessori Teacher’s Association
NAMTA is our national professional organization and offers publications, DVDs, conferences, and continuing education.
Oregon Green School – Premier Level
Sunstone is recognized at the highest level in the Green Schools program. As a Premier level Green School, Sunstone maintains waste reduction activities and efforts established at Green and Merit levels. Congratulations to the schools listed below that have met the criteria and are currently recognized as Premier Oregon Green Schools!