AIM Advisory Council

At the heart of AIM are our core values, which guide every facet of our organization:

Authenticity: Upholding the integrity of the Montessori philosophy in all our programs and services.
Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in education and professional development.
Community: Building a supportive network of educators, learners, and families.
Innovation: Embracing continuous improvement and creative solutions.
Respect: Honoring the individuality and potential of each person within the Montessori framework.

As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and growth, AIM is proud to form the Advisory Council. This initiative, stemming from our 2024 strategic plan, addresses a crucial need for more robust leadership support. Specifically, we are seeking to enhance our feedback mechanisms, bolster our volunteer force, and deepen our pool of Montessori expertise.

1. Support for the Leadership Team: Our leadership team is seeking to expand its horizons by integrating diverse, informed feedback that can only come from a group of dedicated advisors who understand the intricacies of Montessori education and the challenges of business and community leadership.

2. SMART Goal Alignment: The formation of the Advisory Council aligns with our SMART goal to create a body that not only exemplifies diversity in its composition but also embodies a wealth of expertise in areas critical to AIM's growth. This goal ensures that the council is not just a concept but a functioning entity by April 2024.

3. Recruitment of Diverse Expertise: We are committed to recruiting at least 10 members by April 2024, ensuring a rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity is key to fostering a comprehensive and holistic approach to decision-making.

4. Criteria Development for Membership: AIM has developed clear, transparent criteria for Advisory Council membership. These criteria outline the desired expertise, commitment, and diversity we seek, ensuring the council’s alignment with our strategic objectives.

5. Engagement with Community and Industry Leaders: We are reaching out to potential candidates within the Montessori community, business sector, and among community leaders, inviting them to contribute their knowledge and skills to AIM's mission.

6. Orientation and Training: All selected members will undergo a thorough orientation session to align them with AIM's mission, goals, and organizational structure, ensuring that each member can contribute effectively from the outset.

7. Commitment to Diversity: AIM is dedicated to ensuring that the Advisory Council reflects the various facets of the Montessori community, providing a wide range of insights and experiences to inform our strategic direction.

8. Strategic Objective Alignment: The skills and expertise of Advisory Council members will be directly aligned with AIM's strategic objectives, ensuring that each member's contributions are both impactful and relevant.

Through these efforts, AIM is not only investing in its present but also paving the way for a future that is adaptive, inclusive, and aligned with the best practices in Montessori education and beyond.

Who we are looking for

We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds, including Montessori educators (Teachers, Heads of Schools, School Owners), AIM students and alumni, parents in the Montessori community, and those with expertise in Montessori Education, marketing, fundraising, philanthropy, and strategic planning.

Commitment

Term: 1 year, beginning March 2024, with the possibility of renewal.

Meetings: Monthly 2-hour virtual meetings.

Commitment: A minimum of 4 hours per month outside of weekly meetings. Members choose from a list of contributions, tailoring their commitment for the year.

Orientation and Training

New members receive an orientation covering AIM's mission, ongoing initiatives, and advisory council structure.

Continuous Improvement

Regular feedback sessions and adaptability to enhance the council's effectiveness.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Members sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Recognition and Appreciation

Acknowledgment of contributions through public recognition, website features, and personalized stories.

Access to AIM's professional development courses.

Certificate of Acknowledgment and Gratitude presented at the term conclusion.

A great sense of giving back, fulfillment and a sharing of your gifts & talents.

If you are passionate about Montessori education and ready to contribute your skills and knowledge, we invite you to apply for a position on AIM's Advisory Council. Please complete this application:

Purpose and Scope

Provide strategic guidance for the organization.
Support fundraising efforts through time, expertise, and financial contributions
Contribute to the development and enhancement of certification, professional development courses, and Montessori products
Offer insights and wisdom about the Montessori community.
Provide suggestions and content for the organization's website, courses, products, and outreach.
Promote and discuss the organization within their communities.
Support major gifts campaign development.
Review the strategic plan and goals, providing insight and feedback.

Key Areas of Expertise:

Montessori Education (Teachers, Heads of Schools, School Owners)
Marketing and Promotion (AIM students and alumni, parents in the Montessori community)
Fundraising, Philanthropy, and Development
Web Content Development

Recruitment and Selection Process:

Criteria: Individuals with expertise in Montessori education, marketing, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Nomination/Application Process: AIM will advertise the Council and solicit nominations and applications from various backgrounds. Interested parties can apply on AIM’s website for consideration by AIM’s Board and Leadership team.
Diversity: We will seek diversity in professional backgrounds, experience, and demographics.

Size and Composition:

Term Limits and Renewal

Roles and Responsibilities

Executive Director: Main point of contact, coordinating meetings and providing updates.
Council Chair: Leads meetings, sets agendas, and facilitates discussions.
Council Secretary: Takes meeting notes, coordinates logistics, and supports communication.
Advisory Council Members:
- Provide strategic guidance and insight during monthly meetings.
- Review the strategic plan, providing insight and feedback.
- Commit a minimum of 4 hours monthly outside (see Pledge Contributions)

Pledge Contributions

Explore the list provided as a starting point for ideas, and choose your contributions for the year with the 4 hour / month ask in mind. Note that this list is not exhaustive; it serves as a foundation for council members to tailor their selected contributions.

Speaking engagement on behalf of AIM
Write an article for their school's newsletter about AIM
Make a financial donation
Volunteer as a field rep for schools with AIM students nearby
Connect AIM leadership with other schools and orgs
Review a course, make suggestions, and improve content
Contribute to established courses through articles or lectures
Write blogs for AIM's website
Participate in Montessori Monday livestream
Contribute to the development of the scholarship fund and large gifts donation programs
Others identified and approved by AIM leadership

Meetings

We value your time and commitment, and the following structure aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among our esteemed advisory council members.

Format: 2-hour monthly virtual meetings.
Agenda Creation: Agendas collaboratively created by leadership and the council chair 24 hours before each meeting.
Schedule: Established during the first March meeting for consistency.
Virtual Participation: All participants meet virtually.
Attendance: Preferred at every meeting; recorded meetings sent within 24 hours.
Meeting Summary: Council secretary provides high-level notes and meeting summary within 24 hours.

Orientation and Training for New Members

AIM is committed to ensuring that every new advisory council member feels equipped and empowered to contribute effectively. As part of this commitment, AIM will provide an orientation meeting for all new members. This orientation will cover:

Orientation Session:
- A comprehensive introduction to AIM's mission, values, and objectives.
- An overview of the organization's ongoing initiatives and key projects.
- Insight into the structure and functioning of the advisory council.
Training on Organization's Mission, Goals, and Initiatives:
- In-depth training on AIM's mission, goals, and long-term vision.
- A detailed understanding of ongoing initiatives and strategies.
- Clear guidance on how advisory council members can align their efforts with AIM's organizational objectives.
This orientation meeting is designed to provide you with the knowledge and context necessary to actively contribute to the success of AIM and the broader Montessori community. We believe that a well-informed and engaged advisory council is crucial for achieving our shared goals.

Continuous Improvement and Adaption

At AIM, we embrace a culture of openness, honesty, and self-reflection. We extend these principles to our Advisory Council, recognizing the importance of continuous improvement. To ensure the council remains effective, we commit to the following:

Regular Feedback Sessions:
- Implementation of regular feedback sessions to assess the council's effectiveness.
- Solicitation of input from council members on processes, structure, and overall impact
Adaptability:
- A commitment to being open and adaptable to change based on received feedback and organizational needs.
- Willingness to adjust the structure and processes to enhance the council's effectiveness.
Organizational Values in Action: AIM values the spirit of self-reflection and believes that regular evaluations contribute to the overall growth and success of the organization. As a council, we will actively engage in reflective practices, regularly assessing contributions to AIM, and making necessary changes to optimize our collective impact. We invite Advisory Council members to actively participate in this ongoing process, providing insights, suggestions, and feedback that contribute to the continuous improvement of AIM and the Montessori community. Your commitment to this collaborative and adaptive approach is integral to our shared success.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

To ensure transparency, uphold ethical standards, and safeguard sensitive information, AIM has established the following Conflict of Interest and Proprietary Information Policy for our esteemed Advisory Council members:

Conflict of Interest:
- Disclosure: Advisory Council members are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise during their tenure.
Proprietary Information:
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): In acknowledgment of the proprietary and confidential nature of sensitive course information and work developed by AIM, all Advisory Council members will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This NDA is designed to protect the intellectual property, proprietary methodologies, and confidential materials integral to AIM's programs.
Key Points:
- Duration: The non-compete policy and non-disclosure agreement are effective for the duration of the Advisory Council member's tenure.
- Mutual Commitment: These policies are a mutual commitment to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of AIM's initiatives and proprietary information.
Compliance:
- Acknowledgment: By joining AIM's Advisory Council, members acknowledge and agree to comply with the Conflict of Interest, non-compete policy, and non-disclosure agreement. We appreciate your commitment to the success and integrity of AIM, and these policies are designed to ensure a harmonious and trustworthy collaboration.

Recognition and Appreciation

At AIM, we deeply value the commitment and contributions of our Advisory Council members. Recognizing the significant investment of time, energy, and resources that you dedicate to AIM, we are committed to expressing our gratitude and appreciation. Here's how we acknowledge your invaluable contributions:

Personalized Recognition:
- Your contributions will be publicly recognized and appreciated within the AIM community.
- Advisory Council members will be prominently featured on our website, showcasing your expertise and commitment to Montessori education.
- Throughout the year, we will spotlight Advisory Council members, sharing personalized stories that celebrate the unique contributions each of you makes to AIM and the Montessori community.
Access to Professional Development Courses:
- As a token of our appreciation, all Advisory Council members will have exclusive access to AIM's professional development courses for personal use. We believe in fostering continuous growth and learning for our dedicated council members.
Certificate of Acknowledgment and Gratitude:
- At the conclusion of your term, AIM will present a Certificate of Acknowledgment and Gratitude. This certificate recognizes your volunteer hours and substantial contributions to AIM and the broader Montessori community.
A sense of giving back, fulfillment and a sharing of your gifts & talents.

We believe that your involvement goes beyond meetings and actions; it represents a commitment to the growth and success of AIM. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. If you have any specific preferences or considerations regarding recognition, please feel free to share them with the Executive Director. Your dedication is the cornerstone of AIM's continued success, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements throughout your advisory council journey.

If you are passionate about Montessori education and ready to contribute your skills and knowledge, we invite you to apply for a position on AIM's Advisory Council. Please complete this application:

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AIM Advisory Council

Who are we?

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Values

What is the Purpose of the Advisory Council?

What is Your Role as an Advisory Council Member?

01

Providing strategic guidance for the organization.

02

Supporting fundraising efforts through your time, expertise, and financial support.

03

Contributing to the development and improvement of our certification courses, professional development courses and Montessori products.

04

Offering insights and wisdom about the Montessori community.

05

Providing suggestions, ideas, and content for our website, social media, and other platforms.

06

Promoting and discussing AIM within your communities.

07

Reviewing our strategic plans and goals, and providing valuable feedback.

What Can You Expect?

Who we are looking for

Commitment

Orientation and Training

Continuous Improvement

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Recognition and Appreciation

Join Us In Shaping the Future!

Advisory Council Framework

Purpose and Scope

Key Areas of Expertise:

Recruitment and Selection Process:

Size and Composition:

Term Limits and Renewal

Roles and Responsibilities

Pledge Contributions

Meetings

Orientation and Training for New Members

Continuous Improvement and Adaption

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Recognition and Appreciation

Join Us In Shaping the Future!

MONTESSORI TRAINING

RESOURCES

CONTACT

CONNECT

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