“Michael devoted his career to the Montessori method, enriching the lives of countless children and adults through his teaching, mentorship, and leadership. He was a pioneer, having taught at every level from Early Childhood to Middle School, trained numerous Montessori educators, and contributed significantly to the literature with several published Montessori textbooks…His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and inspired.”
-Munir Shivji, executive director of AMS

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Dr. Michael James Dorer passed away at the age of 76.

Michael was born on May 1, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he and his wife Rose, and their three children Jacob, Benjamin, and Margaret lived for more than 30 years.

His career in Montessori began in 1969 when he happened upon a Montessori day care while taking a walk one autumn day in Minneapolis. He later recalled being greeted by a very nice Dutch woman who introduced herself as the teacher and loaned him a book to read—The Montessori Method. Although Michael had no intention of working with children or teaching, the engagement he observed in the children and his fascination with Dr. Montessori’s references to peace led him to apply for a position as an assistant at the school.