AMI was established in 1929 by Maria Montessori and was guided for more than 50 years by her son and close collaborator, Mario M. Montessori. AMI's objective is to uphold and safeguard the quality of Montessori training and the passing on of Maria Montessori's heritage through her educational philosophy and methodology, including the materials and their presentation.
The North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) links Montessorians with their legacy and their future. Its services include print publications, audio visuals, conferences, and research.
NAMTA documents Montessori in the public schools, helps teachers and administrators become more effective, furthers the advancement of Montessori concepts into mainstream education, and helps parents extend the Montessori environment into their homes. Founded in 1970, NAMTA is an affiliate of Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Amsterdam, Netherlands.