The International Montessori Institute (IMI) works in partnership with education professionals in all sectors from early years settings through to Higher Education providers, in order to further a unique, child-centred approach to education.

Through a partnership between the Carnegie School of Education, Leeds Beckett University and the Montessori Group, IMI was established on August 31st, 2020 on what would have been Dr Montessori’s 150th birthday.  The Institute supports the development of accredited Montessori programmes and actively researches the impact of the Montessori Method.

The International Montessori Institute

Degree programmes

IMI hosts a number of higher education degrees:

BA Montessori Education (distance learning) (full time)

MA Montessori Education (distance learning) (full time and part time)

PhD/EdD (full time and part time programmes)

Research

We work with international partners to undertake research to advance our knowledge and understanding of Montessori education and the improve professional practice in order to enhance the educational experience of children. Our research themes are very much rooted in the work of Dr Montessori. Through our research we seek to inform education policy change nationally and internationally in order to advance outcomes for children.

Knowledge Exchange

IMI hosts a range of knowledge exchange and outreach projects across the year. An annual conference, research-based webinars and a series of working papers enable researchers to share their findings. Small scale research projects, events and communications are supporting the development of a community of researchers and educators interested in advancing Montessori education.

Dr Nathan Archer

Director of the International Montessori Institute

Nathan Archer is Director of the International Montessori Institute in the Carnegie School of Education. Prior to joining Leeds Beckett University in March 2022, he worked as a research fellow for University of Leeds and Nuffield Foundation.

Nathan has worked as a tutor and supervisor on the MA in Education and MA in Early Childhood at the School of Education of the University of Sheffield, where he also completed his PhD in November 2020. In addition to his teaching experience in Higher Education, he is also a Qualified Montessori Teacher and worked for seven years in a Montessori nursery and Primary school for children from birth to twelve.

Nathan has worked for a number of national early years charities and undertaken research on early childhood policy for several third sector organisations. He is the author of peer-reviewed research papers, invited book chapters and reports on early childhood education.

Research Interests

Nathan’s research interests include Early Childhood Workforce Policy, Professional Identities, Social Justice in Early Childhood Education, Advocacy and Activism in Early Childhood Education. He is currently undertaking research for the Institute exploring the experiences of Montessori educators and parents choosing Montessori education for their children in disadvantaged areas of England.