2025 AIMS Conference: Full Schedule

Creating a personal schedule helps YOU, US, and YOU! Planning your day ahead of time will:
1) Leaves YOU more time for connecting with fellow Montessorians during the conference
2) Allow US to help determine the best room size for each session
3) Because of #2, increase YOUR chances of safely and comfortably attending every session you planned on (without sitting on the floor)!

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR FINAL TIMES AND ROOM ASSIGNMENTS OF EACH SESSION CLOSER TO THE START OF THE CONFERENCE!

8:15am CST

Check in

Saturday February 22, 2025 8:15am - 8:45am CST

Goodwin Atrium

Saturday February 22, 2025 8:15am - 8:45am CST
Goodwin Atrium

Saturday

8:45am CST

Welcome

Saturday February 22, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am CST

Goodwin Auditorium

Saturday February 22, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am CST
Goodwin Auditorium

Saturday

9:00am CST

Keynote Address: Achieving Equity Integration: How We Consent to the Undoing and Commit to the Rebuilding

Saturday February 22, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Goodwin Auditorium

Speakers

Maati Wafford

Founder & Principal Consultant, Radiant Mind Solutions

Maati Wafford, Founder and Principal Consultant of Radiant Mind Solutions, strengthens schools and elevates practice through education, coaching, and curated communities of care. Maati is a licensed social worker, equity practitioner, and spirit-led credentialed Montessori leader... Read More →

The Myth of the Martyr pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CST
Goodwin Auditorium

Saturday

10:45am CST

Building Strong Parent Relationships

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Goodwin 317

Becoming a teacher often stems from a passion for students rather than a love for working with adults or parents. Engaging with these groups can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you confidently build strong, genuine relationships with your parent community from the start.

Speakers

Caitlin Escobedo

Birth Worker & Parent Coach, Esco Birth & Family, LLC

Caitlin is a birth worker & parent coach for her company, Esco Birth & Family. In the past she was also an infant/toddler teacher and has worked with all age groups. The best part of Caitlin's job is building relationships with parents during the most important time of their parenting... Read More →

Kara Pettyjohn

Toddler Teacher, Rogers Park Montessori School

Kara Pettyjohn, M. Ed., is a lead toddler teacher at Rogers Park Montessori School in Chicago, IL. Recently, she joined the Infant-Toddler teacher education faculty at Seton Montessori Institute.

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 317

Saturday

10:45am CST

Creating an Outdoor Environment for All Learners

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Goodwin 212

Nature is fundamental in the learning process of the elementary child. Montessori encouraged children to be free and play outdoors, even in the rain. These experiences lay the foundation for the work of the second plane child. Free play outdoors encourages resilience, creativity, collaboration, empathy, and a sense of belonging. This workshop will explore how to create and facilitate authentic nature exploration for all learners.

Speakers

Vicki Promenzio

Head of School, Nature Walk Montessori School

Vicki Promenzio is the Founder and Head of School of Nature Walk Montessori School. She focuses on connecting children with their natural surroundings, allowing them to make choices about their use of the land, assess and build their strengths, and create their own systems to interact... Read More →

Briana Kyle

Nature Walk Montessori

Briana Kyle is AMS certified and the Elementary II directress at Nature Walk Montessori. She has been an adolescent wilderness backpacking guide and Montessori environmental educator for 15 years both locally and abroad. Briana is an avid outdoor enthusiast enjoying camping, backpacking... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 212

Saturday

10:45am CST

How to Bring a Coaching Mindset and Methodology to School Leadership

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Kindlon 163

School leaders understand that a thriving staff community is essential for high quality education, yet many experience the difficulty of this among a highly compassionate and educated team of adults. Coaching can help identify the unseen forces that sabotage personal development and can help adults work through these blocks and step into the potential that is inside of them.

Speakers

Margaret Combs

Head of School, Spark Montessori School

Margaret has been a Montessori educator for over 20 years. She is current the Head of School at Spark Montessori and has also served as a guide, school administrator and consultant. She works with MMTTC and CGMS/IMC in support of their teacher training programs and often gives lectures... Read More →

Sara Hruska

Founder, Spark Montessori School

Sara was a Montessori child who founded Spark Montessori in 2019 due to her belief in the power of the Montessori method of education. She has a natural aptitude for leadership and leadership development and has been pursuing her coaching certification through the Institute of Coaching... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 163

Saturday

10:45am CST

If Montessori Philosophy is Based on Simplicity, Why is Managing a Montessori School so Complicated?

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Kindlon 125

As educators, we are trained to develop children, not run a business. This presentation explores fundamental business concepts in running a successful Montessori school. We’ll explore how focusing on the right elements allows you to engage more with your students, support your guides, and increase retention, with the key concept of positioning guides as experts as the foundation.

Speakers

Tina Patel

Founder, Montessori ONE Academy

Tina Patel has more than thirty years of experience in the educational field including public, and charter school systems. In 2007, she founded Montessori ONE Academy, Albuquerque’s only AMI-recognized institution. The Montessori campus includes intergenerational programs with a... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 125

Saturday

10:45am CST

Maati Wafford - Continuing The Achieving Equity Integration Conversation

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Goodwin 311

Speakers

Maati Wafford

Founder & Principal Consultant, Radiant Mind Solutions

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 311

Saturday

10:45am CST

Project Based Learning in the Montessori Classroom

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Goodwin 312

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.

Speakers

Joanne Shango

Head of School, The Montessori School Rochester

Joanne Shango, BFA, is an elementary guide, adolescent guide, and primary guide, founder, and Head of School of The Montessori School Rochester in Rochester Hills, MI and Co-founder of The Global Montessori Network. Joanne is a public speaker at national and international conferences... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 312

Saturday

10:45am CST

The Role of Self-Expression in the Third Plane

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Kindlon 124

This presentation will include a theoretical summation of the importance and formative role self-expression has during adolescence, as well as practical examples from the presenter’s experience as an artist and Montessori adolescent guide. The presenter will be accompanied by a panel of current and/or former adolescents to share their reflections on the importance of opportunities for self-expression in their life.

Speakers

Colin Palombi

Trainer in Training, AMI 12-18 course advisor with Train Montessori; Self-Expression specialist with Chicago Montessori, Train Montessori; Chicago Montessori

Colin Palombi is Co-Director of Adolescent Programming at Train Montessori. He was the founding director of Chicago Montessori's adolescent community and has worked with adolescents in and out of Montessori classrooms since 2004.

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 124

Saturday

10:45am CST

Connecting the Prepared Environment to Common Core Content Standards

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST

Goodwin 211

In this presentation, experienced guides will highlight best practices and work to align the Montessori-prepared environment with the Common Core Content Standards to which public Montessori schools are held accountable. Examples will include alignment within the instructional core of ELA, math, and authentic Montessori cultural studies. Participants will see a scope of work from Primary through Upper Elementary, focusing on the importance of the prepared environment.

Speakers

Angela Stricker

Directress, TCAPS Montessori

Angela Stricker, MA, has been a Montessori educator for 26 years. After assisting in primary and lower elementary environments she taught lower elementary for 15 years before at TCAPS Montessori in Traverse City, MI before starting their Adolescent Program in 2020. She also coaches... Read More →

Liz Vogel

Teacher, Traverse City Area Public

I began a Title I assistant for general education, but Montessori is where_x000D_ my heart lies. I began as an IA in upper and lower elementary_x000D_ environments before becoming an upper elementary teacher in 2007. I_x000D_ thoroughly enjoy watching children discover, experience... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin 211

Saturday

10:45am CST

Introducing the Young Child to the Wonders of the Cosmos: Making Science Come Alive!

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST

Birck 218

How do we make science come alive for children in their early years in ways that inspire their wonder, curiosity, and passion to learn more? We have move beyond the simple activities of magnetic/non-magnetic, sink & float, dinosaurs, & planets that are likely on your shelves at this moment to the exciting world of research and experiments! For over 25 years Seton Montessori Institute's faculty have been helping Montessori educators grow in their understanding of basic scientific principles and how to share these concepts with young children in practical ways that can be easily understood!

Speakers

Anna Perry

Executive Director, Seton Montessori Institute and Schools

Anna Perry, MEd, is the Executive Director of Seton Montessori Institute and Schools, based in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. She holds a BA in Psychology from Tufts University, and a Masters in Educational Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University. Additionally... Read More →

Aida Rodriguez Quiles

Lead Teacher, Seton Montessori School

Aida Rodriguez Quiles serves as the Early Childhood Team Lead at Seton Montessori School. Born in Puerto Rico, she has lived and worked in the Chicago area for many years. Aida is skilled at material making will answer the practical questions from participants based on her own experiences... Read More →

Introducing the Child to the Cosmos AIMS 2025 pdf

Seton Science Experiments for AIMS 2025 pdf

AIMS Conference Science Handout 2025 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Birck 218

Saturday

10:45am CST

Kickin' it with Cursive

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST

Goodwin 313

In this lively presentation, Montessori educators will be inspired to use their creativity to encourage and promote cursive in primary classrooms. The benefits of cursive writing will be addressed, arming you with tools to defend and celebrate its use in the classroom. Participants will leave with practical and creative ideas to promote cursive writing through use of the Montessori materials.

Speakers

Sarah Fondriest

Consultant, Sarah Fondriest

Sarah has AMI Montessori diplomas at the Assistants to Infancy, Primary and Elementary levels, over 15 years of teaching experience, and spent 13 years as the Head of School of a Montessori school she founded. Sarah is also a consultant for AMI/USA, and the owner of a Montessori consulting... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin 313

Saturday

10:45am CST

Leading with an Equity Lens: 4 Ways to Begin Centering Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in your Montessori Environment

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST

Goodwin 415

As a classroom or school leader, one of the most critical tasks is to think about and craft a prepared environment. How do you begin the BIG work of ensuring that educational equity is woven through the fabric of your environment? In this interactive session, come experience inspirational and practical ways to own this work of transforming your Montessori environment!

Speakers

Nicole Evans

Senior Director of Leadership, Embracing Equity

Dr. Nicole Evans is an accomplished education professional with a remarkable 28-year career dedicated to transforming educational environments. Her diverse experience encompasses roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal of a public Montessori ABAR (Anti-Bias Anti-Racist... Read More →

Carly Riley

Senior Director of Learning, Embracing Equity

Carly Riley (she/they), a former director of a nationally accredited Montessori teacher training program, has dedicated her career to shaping inclusive, antiracist learning environments. With extensive experience as a Public Montessori educator, coach, and consultant, she now brings... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin 415

Saturday

10:45am CST

Let’s Get Quiet! The Power of Silence and Stillness in our Primary Communities

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST

Birck 112

How do we help our classrooms to become havens of quiet and calm in our hectic world? In this session, we will look at Maria Montessori’s thoughts on silence, as well as the psychological and emotional benefits of periods of stillness and silence. We will also practice some ways to cultivate periods of silence and stillness in our classroom communities and to use modeling and non verbal communication with our students and to use “economy of words and movements” in our lessons.

Speakers

Christine Carr

Primary Teacher, Wheaton Montessori

Christine Carr, M.A. is a lead primary teacher at Wheaton Montessori School. She worked in traditional schools as a teacher for 16 years before becoming an AMI certified primary teacher in 2016. She holds a Master’s degree from Aurora University. She has been a lead primary teacher... Read More →

Let's Get Quiet! gslides

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Birck 112

Saturday

10:45am CST

Mindful Art in Montessori Classrooms

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST

Goodwin Auditorium

Social and emotional learning is a cornerstone of Montessori and child development as a whole. Finding ways to incorporate therapeutic art into daily activities can help support this development. Art Therapist and Lead Toddler Teacher, Mykela Nowicki has helped to build a mindful art program at Brickton, helping staff integrate art into their classrooms to support the whole child. Please join us in learning more about art in the Montessori classrooms of all ages and take part in a hands on activity that can be implemented in your own environments. You don't need a degree in art therapy to use art in a purposeful manner!

Speakers

Megan O'Hehir

Early Childhood Director, Brickton Montessori School

Megan O'Hehir is the Early Childhood Director at Brickton Montessori School in Chicago. She has worked in Montessori since 2004 in various roles, serving as Children's House lead teacher from 2012 to 2023 until moving into administration full time. She is a graduate of the Emerging... Read More →

Mykela Nowicki

Teacher, Brickton Montessori School

Mykela Nowicki is a lead teacher in the toddler room at Brickton Montessori School, located in Chicago. She has recently obtained her M.A. in Art Therapy and Couseling. She currently has her ATR-P and is working towards her LCPC for the state of Illinois.

AIMS 2025 Mindful Art MNMO (2) pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin Auditorium

Saturday

12:00pm CST

LUNCH: Exhibit Hall Open

Saturday February 22, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CST

TBA

Saturday February 22, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CST
TBA

Saturday

1:15pm CST

A professional Learning Community for Promoting School Leadership

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Kindlon 124

Preserving and sustaining the Montessori Legacy requires professional leadership dispositions compatible to the school’s vision and values. Guiding schools to achieve its potential requires transformative leadership. The session includes discussion of professional competencies, personal dispositions and collaborative strategies focusing on what the organization does well. Beginning with the strengths that motivates leaders to meet challenges with a ‘can do’ attitude.

Speakers

Mary MacIntosh

Academic Director, Self Employed

Mary is an experienced Montessori educator whose service includes classroom teaching, HOS, Montessori teacher education director, and instructor. Mary has a Master’s degree in Special Education from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and has an AMI Early Childhood credential... Read More →

Dr. Sharon Damore

Senior Consultant, Metro Consulting Services

Metro Consulting Services, Montessori Leadership Searches finds leaders for Montessori schools and organizations.

PSEL Standards pptx

EDLDA Rubric 11 17 20 0 (1) docx

Core values list docx

DuFourWhatIsAProfessionalLearningCommunity pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Kindlon 124

Saturday

1:15pm CST

Creating Accessible Curricula

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Kindlon 125

Rooted in our practice of observation, Montessorians work to adapt their teaching to the needs of each individual student. What does modern research and practice have to offer to optimize this process in our classrooms? We will discuss practical tips for adaptive teaching, data collection, and targeted instruction.

Speakers

Jessica Davis

Assistant Head of School, Bloomington Montessori School

Jess Davis holds degrees in Early Childhood Ed, Elementary Ed, Reading, and Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. She is Elementary I-II credentialed. She taught elementary for many years and now serves as a school leader of a nonprofit nonpublic serving 234 students ages 3-12.

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Kindlon 125

Saturday

1:15pm CST

Digital CItizenship: A Montessori Approach (*Featured Speakers*)

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 317

This seminar, presented by two Montessorians with experience in the Primary, Lower Elementary and Adolescent levels, will help you integrate vital Digital Citizenship lessons seamlessly into your Montessori curriculum -- and get your students involved in the conversations. Learn the Montessori-based rationale behind the basics of Digital Citizenship, as well as how you can help your students develop the modern Practical Life skills they need to thrive in a digital world. From infant-toddlers through adolescents, you can support your students in navigating the online world with critical thinking, confidence, and peace – even if no technology is used in your classroom.

Speakers

Samantha Gleisten

Innovation and Technology Coordinator, Rogers Park Montessori School

I have been a Montessorian for over 16 years. I love working to find innovative ways to engage students and have integrated technology with Montessori philosophy across diverse subjects, with a wide span of age groups. In addition to my work in Montessori teaching, I helped develop... Read More →

Dana Anderson

AIMS Digital Citizenship A Montessori Approach key

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 317

Saturday

1:15pm CST

Empowering Through Equity

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 311

The American Montessori Society released Equity Examined one year ago, challenging Montessori educators to reflect upon our efforts to advance these policies and practices. In this interactive workshop, two leaders from the Montessori Academy of Chicago will share their journey in designing a schoolwide DEI curriculum. A teacher from the Ancona School will share examples from her early childhood classroom.

Speakers

Shawn Viverretta-Diaz

Head of School, Montessori Academy of Chicago

Shawn Viverretta-Diaz has been in education for 31 years. She has been at MAC since 2012. Shawn holds a Master’s degree in education from Dominican University as well as a Primary Diploma from Association Montessori Internationale.

Zakiya Lasley

Associate Head of School, Montessori Academy of Chicago

Zakiya Lasley is an American Montessori Society Credentialed teacher and Administrator for 1st-12th grade students, and has been a part of the Montessori community for 14 years.

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 311

Saturday

1:15pm CST

In Pursuit of Imperfection

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 211

As Montessori teachers and administrators, we strive for perfectly prepared environments in our classrooms and schools. Using survey input from Montessorians around the country, this workshop will delve into the phenomenon of perfectionism and explore the possibility that developing comfort with imperfection is more Montessori-appropriate, and can lead to better outcomes for administrators, classroom guides, and students alike.

Speakers

Larry Schanker

Executive Director/Music Specialist, Brookview Montessori School

Dr Larry Schanker is Executive Director and Music Specialist at Brookview Montessori School in Benton Harbor MI. He came to Montessori through teaching music, which he has been doing for 25 years at Brookview and in various TEPs, and has been Brookview’s ED for the past 10 year... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 211

Saturday

1:15pm CST

More than Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic: Healing Educational Trauma for Positive Psychic Development

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 414

In order to foster positive psychic development, adolescent guides must counter the educational trauma and aversion that adolescents may have toward math and language as a critical part of their work. In this joint session, Kelly Jonelis and Andrew Faulstich will discuss strategies to identify this educational trauma and support students in seeing language and math in a holistic context.

Speakers

Kelly Jonelis

Adolescent Program Director & Mathematics Guide, Wheaton Montessori School

Kelly believes in the power of supporting the development of the whole person through education and inclusion. She is the Co-Founder of Developing Education, which operates three sub-divisions with the vision of empowering educators in their work to support human development: First... Read More →

Andrew Faulstich

Montessori Curriculum and Pedagogy Coordinator, Oneness-Family Montessori High School

Andrew believes in the potential for education to be transformative for all students. He has worked across K-12 and higher education in the U.S. and China. He is the Co-Founder of Developing Education, which operates three sub-divisions: The Enlightened Educator Project, First Intention... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 414

Saturday

1:15pm CST

Our Public Montessori School Journey

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Kindlon 126

Montessori arrived in Indianapolis Public Schools in the 1980s. It started with two classrooms within a traditional school, and it has grown to now be in 4 stand-alone buildings. Join us as we look back at the hills and valleys of the growth journey, including where we are now and our work creating district-supported Montessori curriculum maps and teacher resources.

Speakers

Kathryn Lause

Principal, Indianapolis Public Schools

Kathryn Lause is the principal and lead learner at Rousseau McClellan Montessori School 91, a PreK-5th grade community, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also serves on the United Montessori Schools of Indiana board as their treasurer.

Christine Rembert

Principal, James Russell Lowell 51, A Montessori School

Christine Rembert is the principal and lead learner at James Russell Lowell Montessori School 51, a PreK-5th grade community, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also serves on the advisory board for the Authentic Institute of Montessori (AIM).

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Kindlon 126

Saturday

1:15pm CST

Parentship Palooza: Fun Parent Partnershipping

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 312

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!

Speakers

Hedy Lane

Primary Guide, Near North Montessori School

Hedy Lane, M.Ed in Early Childhood Montessori Education, Lead Guide of a Primary classroom at Near North Montessori School in Chicago Illinois.Hedy is a lifelong Montessorian, having begun her journey at three years old in a primary classroom. She has worked in classrooms and schools... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 312

Saturday

1:15pm CST

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom: Setting and Maintaining Limits (*Featured Speaker*)

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin Auditorium

They don't listen! In this session, participants will be introduced to Positive Discipline principles and tools that they can use to follow through respectfully and effectively with classroom guidelines or limits and help them to establish cooperative and respectful relationships with their students, and build responsibility.

Speakers

Chip DeLorenzo

Presnter, Author, Consultant, Self

Chip DeLorenzo has been a Montessori educator since 1995. Chip is the co-author, with Jane Nelsen, of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom. As a teacher trainer and school consultant, Chip has worked with thousands of Montessori teachers and parents to teach Positive Discipline... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin Auditorium

Saturday

1:15pm CST

The Future of Cosmic Education: Insights from a Nationwide Survey of Montessori Educators

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 415

This presentation delves into a nationwide survey of Montessori educators, highlighting the need to update Cosmic Education materials. Key findings emphasize the inclusion of diverse perspectives, modern historical developments, and interactive tools. Attendees will gain insights into how these changes can enhance the relevance and engagement of Montessori history materials for today’s students.

Speakers

Devin Veselenak

Lead Guide, Montessori School of Waukesha

Devin Veselenak is a Montessori educator with 16 years of experience, currently teaching at the Montessori School of Waukesha. His recent research focuses on modernizing Montessori history materials, and he collaborates with the AMS Think Tank on DEIB initiatives to ensure diverse... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 415

Saturday

1:15pm CST

The Gifts and Opportunities in Conflict and Emotional Triggering

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Goodwin 321

Emotional triggering is a very normal human occurrence. It can be a catalyst for conflict for teachers and a catalyst for their social emotional growth and deeper self-awareness. Educators at any level can be emotionally triggered by students, colleagues, or students’ parents. _x000D_
_x000D_
_x000D_
Emotional triggering happens when a person feels a strong and intense emotion or sensation in reaction to the words or behavior of colleagues, students, or students’ parents. Emotional triggering can arise and distract and take away precious time and focus from the school day. Triggering can be an unconscious or conscious event. If you don’t know how to deal with the triggering, you might argue, react, scold, criticize, gossip, avoid, space out, shut down, or leave._x000D_
_x000D_
Being emotionally triggered can be a great opportunity to grow socially and emotionally if you have the awareness and tools to deal with the triggering in healthy ways. It is an opportunity to develop a closer relationship with yourself and maybe with the person with whom you were triggered._x000D_
_x000D_
In this training, we will explore the gifts and opportunities in being triggered and how to deal with it in healthy ways that will support you in growing socially and emotionally and strengthening your mental health. The training will be scientifically grounded in information about the brain and nervous system function related to triggering.

Speakers

Tom McSheehy

Teacher / Social Worker / Author, Self-Employed - Teaching Heart Institute

Tom McSheehy MSW, LSW is a social worker, teacher, and author. Tom taught elementary school for 21 years and has been a social worker and family therapist for 29 years. He has 39 years of experience working with parents, teachers, children, teenagers, and families. Tom's passions... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin 321

Saturday

2:30pm CST

BREAK: Exhibit Hall Open

Saturday February 22, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Goodwin Atrium

Saturday February 22, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Goodwin Atrium

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Awe-Inspired Classrooms: Igniting Wonder to Transform Montessori Learning (*Featured Speaker*)

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Birck 218

This workshop explores the powerful role of awe and wonder in the Montessori classroom, grounded in recent findings from the science of learning and emotion. Awe has the unique ability to expand one’s perspective, ignite curiosity, and foster a deep sense of interconnection—key elements in cultivating a vibrant, transformative learning environment. Montessori educators will discover how to harness awe through intentional classroom practices that promote reflective awareness and emotional engagement. Participants will leave with practical tools to integrate awe into daily activities, creating a rich atmosphere where students’ intrinsic motivation and lifelong learning can flourish. By understanding the science behind awe, educators will deepen their ability to facilitate moments of wonder that not only enhance cognitive learning but also nurture social-emotional development, spiritual growth, and a sense of global responsibility in their students. Together, we will explore ways to create awe-filled experiences that inspire both teachers and students to engage more fully with the world around them, supporting Montessori’s cosmic vision of interconnectedness.

Speakers

Tammy Oesting

Cofounder, ClassrooMechanics

Tammy Oesting spent the last 26 years delivering professional development workshops, consulting schools, and educating new Montessori teachers. Her passions include issues of social justice, educating support staff, life sciences, neuroscience, and exploring the magnificence of the... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Birck 218

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Developmental Growth for the Montessori Adult

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 212

How can leaders support meaningful adult development by adapting teacher evaluation practices? How can we move towards collaborative, self-reflective growth? _x000D_
_x000D_
This presentation will focus on a pilot study of public Montessori teachers’ experiences with teacher evaluation and professional growth. Findings will connect to adult development theories, Montessori appraisal tools, and strategies to facilitate professional growth in public and private settings.

Speakers

Christine Medina

Technology Associate, Cobalt Extensions

Testing

Caroline Robbins

Assistant Principal / Public Montessori School Administrator, Milwaukee Public Schools

Caroline Robbins is a Montessori administrator in Milwaukee Public Schools, and a doctoral student in Montessori Studies at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She has also worked as a bilingual guide, admissions director, and family liaison in both public and private Montessori... Read More →

Dr. Sharon Damore

Senior Consultant, Metro Consulting Services

Metro Consulting Services, Montessori Leadership Searches finds leaders for Montessori schools and organizations.

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 212

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Hello Summer!

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Kindlon 161

Environmentally themed ideas to captivate the Toddler and Primary aged child during summer school using both the inside and outside environments. These ideas will enrich new or already established summer programs. Themed curriculum includes: books, art projects, yoga, meditation and Montessori materials.

Speakers

Annie Breitenstein

Infant-Toddler Directress, Keystone Montessori School

Annie Breitenstein has been the Infant-Toddler Lead Director at Keystone Montessori School for 18 years. I run the morning toddler class and one day a week Parent Infant class. I have led after school programs and enrichment programs such as, gardening club, basketball coach, school... Read More →

Ramona Villarreal

Keystone Montessori School

Mona Villarreal has been a Montessori Directress for 16 years and Yoga instructor for 20 years. She has worked in the British School system at a Montessori School in Spain and has the privilege of observing Montessori schools throughout the world. She began here career at Keystone... Read More →

Hello Summer Mudras & Mantras pdf

Hello Summer Environment pdf

Hello Summer Seasons pdf

Hello Summer Nature & Health pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 161

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Line is for MOVEMENT, Silence is for EVERYTHING!

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 321

The Movement Line can be revolutionized if we as teachers use our daily observations to inform the design of movement sequences. As a movement response, the line should be a direct answer to the developmental needs of the children. This workshop will involve examples of intentionally designed movement sequences and tools to inspire and support the educator. We will close with Silence techniques and ways to respond to behavior and classroom management challenges during line and silence. Silence inspires peace and hope for the future!

Speakers

Melissa Mulvaney

Lead Teacher, Seton Montessori School

Melissa Mulvaney has taught in the Early Childhood program at Seton Montessori School since 2012. She earned her Early Childhood Montessori Credential from Seton Montessori Institute and holds a BFA from Millikin University and an M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Xavier. University... Read More →

Line is for Movement Observation of Group movement pdf

Line is for Movement Observation of Individual pdf

Movement Line Ideas! pdf

Rocking Horse song pdf

Line videos YouTube Links pdf

Meditation and Brain Benefit Article pages

The Eloquent Sounds of Silence pdf

Line Resources Page pdf

Line is for MOVEMENT Silence is for EVERYTHING Mulvaney Power Point [Autosaved] pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 321

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Montessori Marketing in the Digital Age: Leveraging Social Media to Showcase Your School's Unique Approach (*Featured Speaker*)

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 312

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.

Speakers

Alexandra Peterson

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 312

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom: Reclaiming Independence (*Featured Speaker*)

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin Auditorium

In the last few years, Montessori educators all over the world have reported decreased levels of independence in their students. There is a myriad of opinions as to what has caused to this phenomenon. Most of these causes are beyond our immediate control. However, while we can’t control what happens outside of our classrooms and schools, we do have influence over what happens within our environments. Dr. Montessori encouraged us to create environments where there is freedom within limits, and children are encouraged to learn through their own experiences and mistakes. Join us, as we discover how to use our influence through time-tested principles and tools to help rebuild independence in our students through daily interactions in the environment.

Speakers

Chip DeLorenzo

Presnter, Author, Consultant, Self

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin Auditorium

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Positive Parent Partnerships

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Kindlon 164

Building and maintaining positive relationships with parents is one of the most important jobs teachers have and sometimes one of the most challenging. This session will give you tips and tricks for everyday communications as well as strategies for more difficult conversations. Join us in our interactive session. Feel free to bring your current classroom conundrums.

Speakers

Heather Wilcek

Lower Elementary Lead/Elementary Coordinator, Brickton Montessori School

Heather Wilcek has had the pleasure to work with Lower Elementary students for the past 25+ years as a classroom teacher. She loves to see their "A-HA!" moments and help them build strong foundations with their reading and math skills. Their curiosity and imaginations are never ending... Read More →

Erica Lane

Head of School, Brickton Montessori School

Erica Lane is the Head of School at Brickton Montessori School. She has been in Montessori education for almost 30 years, with 21 years leading elementary classrooms. Erica's educational expertise includes curriculum development, support of diverse learners, coaching, and SEL work... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 164

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Reawakening Your School Culture with Wonder

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Kindlon 163

Amidst compounded challenges, it can be easy to lose sight of what drew us to our work in Montessori. In this session, we will explore how to harness the power of wonder to lead, inspire others, and reconnect with joy. We'll share tips for developing faculty retreats, year-long themes, reflective tools, and affirmations to enliven and deepen your entire school community.

Speakers

Jennifer Nolan

Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives/ Admin Course Coordinator, Seton Montessori Institute and Schools

Jennifer Nolan is Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Administrator Course Coordinator and faculty member for Seton Montessori Institute. An experienced Head of School and Early Childhood educator, Jennifer is an active school consultant specializing in educational leadership... Read More →

Rosemary Quaranta

Student Advisor, Seton Montessori Institute and Schools

Rosemary Quaranta is a senior consultant and student advisor for Seton’s Early Childhood credential course. She has over 40 years of experience as a credentialed AMI 3 – 12 teacher and Head of School. She is passionate about Montessori education, instruction of students, curriculum... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 163

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Running a Parent-Infant Class and other Ways to Connect with Families

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 414

It's one thing to live the caring practice with children in your care but how can we bring the families on board with this work? _x000D_
It's not about just learning the practice, it's about feeling it. _x000D_
Join me as I share ways I bring families together in my weekly Parent-Infant Classes. What are the how's, when's, and what's of these classes and what are other ways we can share respectful care with others.

Speakers

Elizabeth Pabello

Program Toddler Director, Intercultural Montessori Language School

Growing up in the Chicago area, I began working with children at the age of 11. From teaching and coaching children in various programs to Nursing to Montessori to Staff and Adult Development. I continue to work with children of all ages, however most of my time is spent on staff... Read More →

Shannon Carr

RIE® Associate Child Development Specialist/Consultant/Trainer & Owner of RISE, RISE Child LLC

RIE® Associate, Shannon Carr has spent the last 25+ years connecting with families, children and many professionals advocating for all to find their voice, use their voice and discover to what it looks like to work side by side with one another. As a child development professional... Read More →

Parent Infant Guidance Classes Handout pdf

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 414

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Small Steps, Big Impact: Supporting Students Needs with SEL and Positive Behavior Supports.

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 317

In our post-pandemic world filled with anxiety, devices, lack of exploration, and missed developmental opportunities students big and small have been impacted. Now more than ever they need support to develop their social-emotional, self-regulation, concentration, and cooperative skills. In this session, explore tools and strategies for supporting students’ current needs through regulating elements of the Montessori environment, positive behavior supports and strategies, and social-emotional learning and _x000D_
development.

Speakers

Meghan Greeley, LCSW/MS

Director of Student Wellness and Support Services. School Social Worker, SEL Director, Montessori Academy of Chicago

As the Director of Student Wellness and Support Services, Meghan Greeley, LCSW/MS, oversees the Achievement Resource Center, student support and therapy services at Montessori Academy of Chicago. Meghan directs the SEL and Wellness programming with RULER Yale Center for Emotional... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 317

Saturday

3:00pm CST

The Prepared Teacher

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 313

This session is inspired by a session we offered for a parent enrichment night on what a "Prepared Parent" looked like. This session will begin by speaking on the ideal Montessori Teacher, using a word cloud to help us open discussion. This part will follow with teaching styles, recognizing the kind of teacher you are. This will lead into teacher guilt and discussion on what that looks like and how it can feel like. Tools will be offered as well as a small discussion to come up with more strategies to support each teacher in the classroom. We will end this session with an activity- creating vision boards.

Speakers

Nancy De Leon

Toddler Lead Teacher, Kiran Devani

Nancy De Leon 0-3 accredited AMS teacher, currently a lead teacher in a toddler classroom at University Village Montessori School in Chicago IL. Wearing multiple hats, one being supervising teacher to two teachers in training through MMTTC. Support with Curriculum content and parent... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 313

Saturday

3:00pm CST

Uses and Abuses of Generative AI in Upper Elementary and Middle School Classrooms

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST

Goodwin 311

This session explores the positive and negative consequences and outcomes, both intended and unintended, that generative AI has brought to the field of education. I plan to work backward from my experience at the college level to imagine what appropriate use of AI might look like versus inappropriate use within Upper Elementary and Middle School classrooms.

Speakers

Adam Darlage

Head Upper Elementary and Middle School Teacher, DuPage Montessori School

I have been the Head Upper Elementary and Middle School Teacher at DuPage Montessori School since 2009. I also enjoy working as a college instructor at Oakton College in Des Plaines, Il., where I teach courses in World Religions and World Mythologies.

Saturday February 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 311

Saturday

4:30pm CST

Networking Event Sponsored by Metro Consulting

Saturday February 22, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST

Saturday