Non-Discrimination Policy

Montessori Teacher Institute does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Grievances and Problem Solving
​Procedures

If a grievance exists against another IGS member, every effort should be made to solve the problem between the two parties. If resolution cannot be reached, the following steps should be followed:

• Program Directors will assist other faculty in resolving grievances between students and/or faculty, or if necessary, Mary Helen Cline, IGS CEO will assist.
• IGS students and personnel should provide a written copy of the grievance to the IGS business office at:

                                              IGS Business Office
                                              12 A Montessori Way, Camden, SC 29020.

• Other parties relevant to the issue will be provided a copy of the grievance and given an opportunity for rebuttal. Rebuttals will be given to relevant parties. All effort will be made to resolve issues between members. Resolution of grievances at the level of least involvement by others is preferable; however, if resolution is not obtained within IGS boundaries, MEPI members may seek guidance and resolution through the steps below:

MEPI members should provide a written copy of the grievance to the MEPI Business Office at:
                                             
                                              MEPI Business Office
                                              PO Box 6 
                                              Smithville, IN 47458 

In addition all pertinent facts should be presented to the President of the MEPI Board of Directors and any party involved in the dispute. The opposing parties should, in turn, present a rebuttal to the same individuals. The President will present both sides of the grievance to the Board of Directors. A copy of any Board discussions will be sent to all involved parties. Under no circumstance will a Board member of the MEPI Board act on or censure a member, training center, or school without the benefit of hearing both sides of the grievance. 

If resolution cannot be achieved within this framework provided by MEPI, parties may contact the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education or ​the Georgia Nonpublic Post Secondary Commission:
                         
                                             South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
                                             1122 Lady St., Ste. 220 
                                             Columbia, SC 29201
 
                                             Georgia Nonpublic Post Secondary Commission
                                             2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 203
                                             Tucker, GA 30084-530529
                                              https://gnpec.georgia.gov/

Forms for the appropriate procedures to lodge a grievance must be requested from the agency or agencies contacted.

Additionally, MACTE reviews complaints that relate to an institution’s compliance with accreditation standards. MACTE is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of Montessori teacher education programs, but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the MACTE policy and procedure for submission of complaints is obtained by calling 1-434-202-7793 or contacting the MACTE Office at:

                                            MACTE
                                            420 Park Street
                                            Charlottesville, VA, 22902
                                            

Note: These procedures meet MEPI standards and procedures and MACTE essential standards.