Albert Max Joosten (21 November 1914–26 February 1980) was one of Maria Montessori’s earliest students and an ardent believer in her methods. As a pupil he attended both the pre-primary and the primary Montessori Schools. He accompanied his mother who visited Dr. Maria Montessori, to get acquainted with new pedagogical and psychological developments. Upon returning to Holland, Mrs. Joosten would include these methods in the Montessori courses she conducted. Although still a child, he was allowed to participate in the conversations and work during these summer sessions.
In his early twenties having completed his schooling, he quit further studies at the university and asked for permission to help in the organization of Dr. Maria’s international work, which she willingly allowed.
In 1936 when Dr. Montessori took up residence in Holland and started a training centre in Laren, he formed a part of the teaching staff, continuing at the same time to be closely connected with the work of AMI (Association Montessori Internationale). He managed the affairs of AMI from 1939 to 1947 when Dr Maria Montessori and Mario Montessori Sr went to India. in 1947, when Dr. Montessori gained popularity in India and needed help, Mr Joosten joined her in this work.
In April 1949 when Montessori went to Pakistan on the invitation of the new government with Mr.Mario Montessori and Mr. Joosten, he assisted her in the month long course she conducted in Karachi.
Later, in the same year, when Dr. Montessori had to leave India, she asked Mr. Joosten to stay back in India as her personal representative. He was asked to continue the Montessori training courses and S. R. Swamy joined him in this endeavour. Their association lasted until the passing away of Mr. Joosten.
In 1949, Mr.Joosten became the Director of the Indian Montessori Training Courses. In 1957, he was appointed Director of Training of the Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In 1973 he assumed Directorship of the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota, USA. He also travelled to several parts of the world as an AMI examiner. When the AMI Sponsoring Committee and the AMI International Pedagogical Committee were instituted, he was chosen as a member of both. In latter capacity he was nominated to the Governing Board.
The years between 1947 and 1973, he continued conducting courses in the different cities and towns. From 1973 Mr. Joosten commuted between India and the United States. He also worked in several European countries. Despite his hectic work schedules, Mr. Joosten found time for music as he was an accomplished pianist. His natural gift for languages enabled him to speak Spanish, Italian, Dutch, English, German, French, and Hindi.
Mr. Joosten has also authored books, articles and study notes on the Montessori method and some of them are used even today. Some of his works have been compiled into three books– namely, Gateways to Montessori-Theory, Gateways to Montessori-Practical, and Towards a Healthy Humanity.
Mr A.M. Joosten passed away on 26 February 1980 in Hyderabad after a short illness just after his return from Europe.