Today we’d like to introduce you to Athirai Baskaran.
Hi Athirai, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Montessori journey spans more than three decades, beginning in the classroom as an educator and later as a school director and owner. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of what children, teachers, and school communities need to thrive.
In 2010, I stepped into leadership at the Dallas Montessori Teacher Education Program (DMTEP), building on the legacy of our founders, Dina and James Paulik, who established the program nearly fifty years earlier. Their vision was to bring high-quality Montessori training to Texas, and I’ve felt both humbled and motivated to carry that mission forward.
Since then, I’ve worked to expand DMTEP into a comprehensive training center offering Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary I–II levels, with hybrid and blended formats that make Montessori training accessible to a wider audience. My own path as an educator and leader shaped how I built the program—always keeping in mind the practical needs of schools while nurturing the spiritual and philosophical preparation of the adult learner.
This journey has been one of collaboration and growth, supported by dedicated faculty, field consultants, alumni, and partner schools. Together, we’ve guided hundreds of adult learners who are now transforming classrooms across Texas and beyond. As DMTEP enters its 51st year, I feel proud of our past and energized for the future—committed to ensuring Montessori education continues to flourish in today’s diverse communities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any meaningful journey, it hasn’t always been perfectly smooth. Running schools for over three decades and leading a teacher education program comes with its share of learning curves—whether adapting to new accreditation standards, integrating technology for hybrid learning, or finding ways to balance the needs of schools, teachers, and adult learners.
But I see these not so much as struggles, but as opportunities that shaped me and the program. Each challenge pushed us to grow stronger, more creative, and more responsive to the changing needs of education. I’ve been blessed with a supportive team of faculty, consultants, and alumni who walk alongside me, and above all, the steady wisdom of my co-director, Dina Paulik, whose vision and partnership continue to inspire me.
In truth, the road has been filled with growth, resilience, and collaboration. And those moments that might have felt like obstacles at the time have actually been stepping stones that helped us build the DMTEP we are so proud of today—now stepping confidently into its 51st year of preparing Montessori educators
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dallas Montessori Teacher Education Programs (DMTEP) has been a cornerstone of Montessori education for more than half a century, and today we proudly step into our 51st year of preparing educators who carry this transformative philosophy into classrooms across the globe. Founded in 1975 by James and Dina Paulik, DMTEP has grown into one of the most respected AMS-accredited, MACTE-accredited training centers in the country.
We prepare Montessori teachers for both private and public schools, understanding the unique demands and opportunities of each environment. Dallas Montessori played a pivotal role in introducing Montessori into public schools, including Dallas ISD, and our graduates continue to shape classrooms across both sectors with excellence and integrity.
Since 2010, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Director of DMTEP. I’ve worked to expand the program’s reach to include Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary I–II levels. I’ve also guided the transition into modern hybrid and blended formats so that Montessori training remains both accessible and deeply authentic. This work has been about more than updating structures—it has been about carrying forward a legacy while equipping today’s educators for the realities of both private and public schools, including programs like those in Dallas ISD where DMTEP helped pioneer Montessori education.
What makes DMTEP distinctive is the way we balance legacy with innovation. For over 50 years, we’ve upheld the highest standards of Montessori teacher training while embracing new models of learning and support that reflect the needs of today’s adult learners. I am fortunate to share this leadership with Dina Paulik, one of our founders and now co-director, whose wisdom and vision continue to inspire our path forward. Together with our dedicated faculty, consultants, and alumni network, we honor the foundation of DMTEP while shaping its future—ensuring Montessori education remains vibrant and transformative for generations to come.
What I want our readers to know is this: DMTEP is globally recognized for the quality and authenticity of its training. Over the decades, our program has helped thousands of educators build meaningful and lasting careers in Montessori education. Our alumni are a testament to this impact. Many of our graduates now hold leadership positions across the Montessori world and beyond—serving as AMS Board presidents and members, leading public schools as principals, directing and owning Montessori schools, guiding as administrators and teachers, and contributing as business owners, mentors, and trainers. Their achievements reflect not only the strength of their individual journeys but also the enduring impact of a program that has stood strong for over 50 years. Our longevity is a testament to both our mission and our community: DMTEP graduates don’t just teach—they lead, innovate, and continue to shape the future of education
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is shaping a legacy of impact through education with integrity. Teachers prepared with authenticity and purpose don’t just educate—they transform lives and communities.
Every teacher we prepare has a multiplying effect, reaching hundreds or even thousands of young people throughout their career. That ripple effect extends into schools, communities, and public systems like Dallas ISD, where DMTEP helped pioneer Montessori education.
At this stage, what matters most is ensuring our 51-year legacy remains forward-looking: preparing educators not only for classrooms, but for leadership. Seeing our graduates become school founders, principals, AMS leaders, and mentors confirms that Montessori education is not just a philosophy, but a movement—one that continues to transform education worldwide.
Pricing:
- Infant/Toddler Course (0–3 years): $6,718 tuition (payment plans available)
- Early Childhood Course (2½–6 years): $6,718 tuition (payment plans available)
- Elementary I Course (6–9 years): $6,718 tuition (payment plans available)
- Additional Costs: Books, materials, and practicum fees vary by level and are detailed upon enrollment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dallasmontessori.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasAMSMontessori/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athirai-baskaran-83004b21/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dallasmontessoriteachered9225
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