CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY

PRINCIPLE I - Commitment to the Student

In fulfillment of the obligation to the children, the educator:

1. Shall encourage independent action in the pursuit of learning
2. Shall protect the opportunity to provide for participation in educational programs without regard to race, sex, color, creed, or national origin
3. Shall protect the health and safety of students
4. Shall honor professional commitments, maintain obligations, and contracts while never soliciting nor involving students or their parents in schemes for commercial gain.
5. Shall keep in confidence information that has been secured in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.

PRINCIPLE II - Commitment to the Public

The Montessori educator shares in the responsibility for the development of policy relating to the extension of educational opportunity for all and for interpreting educational programs and policies to the public.
In fulfilling these goals, the educator:

1. Shall support the American Montessori Society and not misrepresent its policies in public discussion. Whenever speaking or writing about policies, the educator should take the precaution to distinguish private views from the official position of the Society.
2. Shall not interfere with nor exploit the rights and responsibilities of colleagues within the teaching profession.

PRINCIPLE III - Commitment to the Profession

The Montessori educator makes efforts to raise professional standards and conditions to attract persons worthy of trust to careers in Montessori education.

In fulfilling these goals, the educator:

1. Shall extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the Montessori education profession
2. Shall represent his or her own professional qualification with clarity and true intent
3. Shall apply for, accept, offer, recommend, and assign professional positions and responsibilities on the basis of professional preparation and legal qualifications.
4. Shall use honest and effective methods of administering duties, use of time and conducting business.

As American Montessori Society members, we pledge to conduct ourselves professionally and personally, in ways that will reflect our respect for each other and for the children we serve.  We will do whatever is within our talents and capacity to protect the right of each child to have the freedom and opportunity to develop his full potential.  AMS requires that all member schools and teacher education programs agree to comply with the AMS Code of Ethics.  AMS relies solely on self-compliance of this Code.
 
Adopted by the AMS Board of Directors October 1969.  Expanded June 1975. Updated 2008.