About Us

Mission

To prepare thoughtful Montessori educators who honor every child and advance authentic Montessori education for generations to come.

Our History

Montessori Institute – New England (MI-NE) traces its roots to 1996, when the National Center for Montessori Education–New England (NCME-NE) was founded by Susan Egan, founding Head of Harborlight Montessori School. Susan envisioned a teacher education program that honored both the principles of Montessori and the realities of adult learners’ lives. At a time when most teacher education programs followed intensive summer schedules, she designed a calendar that reflected the rhythm of the academic school year while preserving the summer months as a time for educators to teach, travel, spend meaningful time with family, pursue professional opportunities, or simply restore themselves before returning to their studies renewed. This commitment to respecting the whole adult learner remains a defining characteristic of MI-NE today. From its beginning, the program was built on a simple but enduring belief: well-prepared adults create extraordinary learning experiences for children.

Over the years, NCME-NE became known for preparing thoughtful, reflective Montessori educators through rigorous academic study, meaningful practicum experiences, and close mentorship from experienced faculty.

As Montessori education continued to evolve, so did the program. Following the merger of the National Center for Montessori Education with American Montessori Society, our teacher education program adopted a new identity: Montessori Institute – New England (MI-NE). While the name changed, the mission remained steadfast—to prepare adults who understand not only the Montessori Method, but the developmental needs of children and the profound responsibility of guiding their growth.

MI-NE is an American Montessori Society (AMS)–affiliated and MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) accredited teacher education program dedicated to preparing Montessori educators for classrooms serving children from birth through age six.

While our methods continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s educators, our purpose remains unchanged. We believe that preparing the adult is the most meaningful investment we can make in the future of children. Every course, practicum experience, observation, and conversation is designed to cultivate educators who are knowledgeable, compassionate, reflective, and committed to lifelong learning.

As MI-NE looks toward the future, we continue to honor the legacy established in 1996 while embracing innovation, expanding access, and building a vibrant learning community for the next generation of Montessori educators.

Land Acknowledgment

MI-NE would like to respectfully acknowledge the Naumkeag (Nah-um-kee-ahg) people, for this campus sits upon their ancestral land. The Naumkeag people were part of the Massachusett Alliance and their descendants are now included in the many tribal nations across the Northeast

We recognize our obligations to this land and to the Indigenous people who stewarded it throughout the generations. As we work toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, we acknowledge our need to decolonize our systems by including Indigenous peoples and perspectives in our learning spaces.