The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education, an innovative, child-centered approach to learning. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. A not-for-profit membership organization based in New York City, with more than 14,000 members world-wide, AMS is the hub of all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, accreditation, credentialing, and affiliation services, research, and professional development events and offerings.

The Director of Teacher Education Affiliation & Program Services leads the Teacher Education Services staff team in setting and achieving high standards for proactive customer service and information management in teacher education program affiliation.  This includes managing all aspects of the AMS affiliation process for teacher education programs (TEPs), and coordinating the timely flow of information and resources within the department and across AMS as needed. The Director of Teacher Education Affiliation & Program Services to ensure that the policies and practices guiding TEP affiliation and program services effectively respond to current and emerging needs of TEP affiliates and adult learners, and contribute to building the AMS membership.

1. Guide and oversee the delivery of quality services to AMS-affiliated TEPs and adult learner in a manner consistent with the strategies, policies and procedures set jointly by the Senior Director of Teacher Education, the TES and TEAC.

• a.      Partner with the Registrar to strengthen and continually improve the processes by which adult learner registrations, teacher credential recommendations and related reports are submitted and processed; coach the Teacher Education Services staff in strategies and practices to build positive customer experiences at every level.
• b.      Work closely with database team and other AMS staff to ensure quality data is available.

2.  Grow the number of AMS-affiliated teacher education programs (TEPs) by guiding applicants through their successful affiliation process; provide consultation to prospective and current TEP applicants and oversee the timely processing of applications at each phase in the process up to and including coordination of a final determination by the Senior Director of Teacher Education and Teacher Education Action Committee (TEAC).

• Ensure the effective and efficient processing of affiliation with an eye toward excellent customer support; partner with AMS leadership, staff and MACTE staff.
  
• Ensure that all materials and communications regarding the affiliation process accurately reflect up-to-date policies and best practices; facilitate communication and the appropriate exchange of information with and among all parties to the TEP-affiliation process, (i.e., TEPs, TEAC, Teacher Education Section [TES], Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education [MACTE], AMS Board, staff and volunteers).
• Monitor and analyze trends in the affiliation process and the needs of TEPs in order to shape and inform TEAC’s deliberations about how AMS can continue to create value for TEPs and the field of teacher education more broadly; generate reports and recommendations.
  

Partner with the Senior Director of Teacher Education and AMS staff in setting the direction and priorities for the Teacher Education department, and managing TES programs and staff accordingly; contribute to AMS’ strategic and annual planning and budgeting processes.

• Provide information and insights about trends in Teacher Education Services and stakeholders to inform group discussions at multiple levels, (i.e., departmental, TEAC, TES, AMS-wide, etc.); prepare written and oral reports and oversee documentation of meeting agreements.
• Work with TES and TEAC leadership to coordinate teacher education forums and meetings, (e.g., Annual TEC Meeting, bi-annual TEAC meetings)
• Supports the needs of TEAC.
• Build and model collaborative working relationships with AMS staff and volunteers; participate in cross-functional work groups.
• Formulate strategies for the effective archiving of records that is efficient and facilitates ease of access; partner in developing policies and procedures for data retention and other administrative matters.
  
  4.  Partner with the Senior Director of Teacher Education, leaders in teacher education, and AMS staff to create value for prospective and current AMS-affiliated teacher education programs, their adult learners, and AMS constituents more broadly based upon an analysis of trends and emerging needs and interests. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Providing opportunities for continuing professional development for teacher educators and administrators at conferences and workshops; facilitating information sharing about best practices in Montessori teacher education from curriculum development and delivery to successful business models;
• Overseeing a robust teacher education scholarship program;
• Ensuring that those sections of the AMS website, (e.g., TEP Director Resources) and published materials dedicated to teacher education services are complete and up-to-date.
• Support the work of the conference team through handling of special projects, working on-site at conferences and other tasks as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree and Montessori Teacher Education Experience or credential strongly preferred, other affiliation experience will also be considered a plus. The ideal person for this position is discreet and personable with highly effective oral, written and technological communication skills.  The position requires a person who is a self-starter with strong organizational skills, independent worker, excellent time management, an ability to multi-task, patience, and a sense of humor.  Strong computer skills are required.  Occasional weekend availability is required.

Please attach a cover letter and a resume. No calls, please.

Equal employment opportunities and diversity among its employees are fundamental principles at the American Montessori Society.