Our Story

Welcome to Maitri Learning!

Fair-wage, Eco-happy, Right-livelihood, Woman-owned

Our Roots

We were founded somewhat accidentally by a teacher who was trying to buy the perfect materials for her classroom and couldn't find them anywhere. Now, the materials she created (based specifically on the precise directions received in her AMI training and the teachings of neuroscience) are used by teachers, parents, and teacher educators around the world. We named ourselves after the Buddhist word maitri which means having a compassionate, kind heart. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to help children (and the adults who care for them) reach their full potential. We make teaching and learning materials for literacy, math, art, and science including cards, books, aprons/mats, and the perfect little cloth pouches to hold everything. Our blog, videos, and teacher manuals are a trusted resource for teachers and parents. And, we are a woman-owned, fair wage, eco-happy small business.

We believe effective instruction must be rooted in neuroscience, responsive to each learner, and designed for lasting success. Our research-backed materials align with how children’s brains naturally develop—through choice, repetition, and self-directed, interest-driven learning. Tested and refined by educators, every Maitri Learning resource is appealing, precise, durable, and distraction-free.

We don’t just follow trends—we follow what neuroscience says works best for children. By honoring student agency and fostering hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, we help educators move beyond scripted programs to create classrooms where students learn how to learn, fostering curiosity and deep engagement. As a teacher-founded, woman-owned, eco-happy small business, Maitri Learning is committed to producing high-quality, ethically made resources that align with science of reading best practices and human development—empowering educators, engaging students, and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Eco-Happy

Maitri is a green, eco-friendly, fair-wage, right-livelihood, woman-owned business. All of our products are CPSIA compliant. Read our Sustainability page for lots of fun green details.

Fair Wage

We pay all of our employees a living wage. Our prices reflect these fair labor costs along with the costs of environmentally-sound fabric and paper, toxin-free laminate, and inks made without ozone-depleting substances. 

Laminate Information & Research

Our lamination method is supported by data from a clinical study of lamination formats. We print our cards on heavy weight, environmentally sound papers (not card stock which can peel away from the laminate). We use a 5 mil laminate that extends just to the edge of the cards (not beyond) and we round the corners (to eliminate the tactile distraction of "pokey" corners and to add to their longevity).