2025 AIMS Conference

This workshop will begin with an introduction to the history of project-based learning (PBL) and its natural connections to Montessori. Participants will dive deep into their current knowledge of Montessori’s Cosmic Curriculum and explore a comparison of the two, discovering how the two concepts naturally overlap. They will see video montage footage of PBL/Cosmic Ed projects by students in elementary and secondary Montessori schools, witnessing the process, outcomes, and student testimonies. They will collaborate in small groups to design and complete mini projects. The mini projects will be presented to the workshop so participants will experience the social, emotional, and academic challenges students experience during their deep-dive projects. The many connections between PBL and Cosmic Education will be explored. Participants will walk away with specific tools to integrate both self-guided and group-centered projects. With the tools provided, they will see that an organic student-guided curriculum is not only possible, but can actually enhance student outcomes. Participants will leave with the conviction that an authentic Montessori classroom is a work based, hands-on, applied learning community rich with opportunities for all students, aiding in our goal to promote more equitable, diverse, and inclusive environments.

Let’s discuss simple but meaningful ideas to include parents in their children’s classroom life without compromising their children’s space at school. All while having fun and building strong relationships with them too!

Alex Peterson, known on social media as @MissNearingsMontessori, will highlight the unique values of Montessori education—emphasizing child-centered learning, independence, and community involvement. Alex will share personal anecdotes and success stories from her own classroom, showing how digital platforms can amplify these messages. She will emphasize the power of storytelling, encouraging educators to showcase everyday moments in the classroom—like students engaging in hands-on activities or collaborating in groups. She plans to demonstrate how to create engaging short videos that highlight these experiences, using popular TikTok trends to capture attention. The talk covers effective content creation tips, such as using natural lighting, incorporating upbeat music, and keeping videos under two minutes to maintain viewer interest.  The talk plans to leave attendees inspired and equipped with ideas to better market their schools and share the impactful work they do.