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* Recheck/refresh this schedule on Saturday morning to see what rooms your desired sessions are in. We continue to change room assignments based on the level of interest in each session.

* Use one seat and move to the middle. Every seat will be used in the auditorium and likely in many breakout sessions as well. Please allow as many to sit as possible by using one seat and moving to the middle of a row of seats so others may sit down without climbing over you.

* Be patient. No matter how hard we try, history tells us that some breakout sessions will end up being standing room only for fill up completely.  Please understand that we are trying our very best to make this a productive and enjoyable learning opportunity for you and as many of your fellow Montessorians as possible. Your patience will help the most people receive the most benefit from this conference.
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Friday, February 24
 

8:15am CST

Friday Pre-Registration and Check-In
Friday February 24, 2023 8:15am - 8:45am CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

8:45am CST

Welcome
Friday February 24, 2023 8:45am - 9:00am CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

9:00am CST

Featured Speaker - Sara Bloomberg: Blossoming Into Belonging - Creating Intentional School Communities for LGBTQIA+ Learners, Families and Educators
Speakers
avatar for Sara Bloomberg, MA

Sara Bloomberg, MA

Early Childhood Educator, Head of Program, St Augustine Public Montessori School
Sara Bloomberg, MA (they/them/theirs), is a Senior Montessori Instructional Coach for Bezos Academy. Sara lives on the unceded land of the Timucuan in what’s now known as St Augustine. Sara is a co-founder of Blossoming Beyond the Binary, a consulting group that helps educational... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

10:15am CST

Featured Speaker - Elizabeth Slade: Being a Resilient Montessori School
How can Montessori schools exhibit resilience in their ability to offer high quality authentic programming, while swimming in the sea of challenges present in today's educational landscape? In this talk, Elizabeth Slade will share her implementable ideas of One School, Honest Talk, and Strong Systems used by school leaders across America in building resilient Montessori schools.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Slade

Elizabeth Slade

Executive Director, Public Montessori in Action International
ELIZABETH G. SLADE is an author and educator with thirty-five years of experience working in Montessori education. She has worked in both independent and public Montessori schools in New England and spent six years at the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector working... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

11:30am CST

Featured Speaker - Patina Park: Working with Native American Families: Understanding History, Resisting Deficit, and Honoring Resilience
Speakers
avatar for Patina Park

Patina Park

Patina Park, JD, is the director of Tribal State Relations Systems Implementation for the State of Minnesota, serving as a senior advisor to Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, commissioners, and key state government staff in tribal-state policy and relations. Ms... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

12:30pm CST

Friday Lunch
Friday February 24, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

1:30pm CST

Policy Update
Friday February 24, 2023 1:30pm - 2:00pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

2:15pm CST

Succession Planning
This presentation will focus on a framework of a proposed pyramid, starting with recruitment and training of teacher assistants to cultivating Montessori teachers to become school leaders. Participants will be supported in developing internal strategies, describing a potential plan from the recruitment of teacher assistants to the role and responsibilities of a governing board planning 10 years out for future school leadership.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sharon Damore

Dr. Sharon Damore

Senior Consultant, Metro Consulting Services
Dr. Sharon Damore has over 35 years of experience working in Elementary and Secondary schools and higher education. Her credentials include Early Childhood (3-6) by AMS, and a doctorate in Education Leadership. Currently, as Senior Consultant, Metro Consulting Services, she leads... Read More →
avatar for Debbie Senoff-Langford

Debbie Senoff-Langford

principal, Jarrow Montessori
HOS, Jarrow Montessori School, Boulder, Colorado;AMS and MPPI Board of Directors,Former Principal, Rogers Park Montessori and AIMS president Chicago:HOS Consultant
avatar for Mary MacIntosh

Mary MacIntosh

Academic Director, Trinity Montessori Education Center,
Mary MacIntosh is an experienced Montessori educator whose service includes classroom teaching, head of school, Montessori teacher education director, and instructor. Her insights on best practices in Montessori pedagogy and instruction create a strong foundation for teacher education... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

3:15pm CST

Featured Speaker - Julia Volkman: Stress, Resilience and Learning
Speakers
avatar for Julia Volkman

Julia Volkman

President, Maitri Learning
Julia Volkman has been teaching children and mentoring teachers in private and public schools since 1997. She is a Faculty Member of the Brain Health Initiative, guest lecturer for Harvard University’s Neuroscience of Learning course, a Montessori mentor, and the founder and president... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 3:15pm - 3:45pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

3:45pm CST

Moving the Mission Forward
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sharon Damore

Dr. Sharon Damore

Senior Consultant, Metro Consulting Services
Dr. Sharon Damore has over 35 years of experience working in Elementary and Secondary schools and higher education. Her credentials include Early Childhood (3-6) by AMS, and a doctorate in Education Leadership. Currently, as Senior Consultant, Metro Consulting Services, she leads... Read More →
avatar for Debbie Senoff-Langford

Debbie Senoff-Langford

principal, Jarrow Montessori
HOS, Jarrow Montessori School, Boulder, Colorado;AMS and MPPI Board of Directors,Former Principal, Rogers Park Montessori and AIMS president Chicago:HOS Consultant
avatar for Mary MacIntosh

Mary MacIntosh

Academic Director, Trinity Montessori Education Center,
Mary MacIntosh is an experienced Montessori educator whose service includes classroom teaching, head of school, Montessori teacher education director, and instructor. Her insights on best practices in Montessori pedagogy and instruction create a strong foundation for teacher education... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Slade

Elizabeth Slade

Executive Director, Public Montessori in Action International
ELIZABETH G. SLADE is an author and educator with thirty-five years of experience working in Montessori education. She has worked in both independent and public Montessori schools in New England and spent six years at the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector working... Read More →
avatar for Julia Volkman

Julia Volkman

President, Maitri Learning
Julia Volkman has been teaching children and mentoring teachers in private and public schools since 1997. She is a Faculty Member of the Brain Health Initiative, guest lecturer for Harvard University’s Neuroscience of Learning course, a Montessori mentor, and the founder and president... Read More →
avatar for Patina Park

Patina Park

Patina Park, JD, is the director of Tribal State Relations Systems Implementation for the State of Minnesota, serving as a senior advisor to Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, commissioners, and key state government staff in tribal-state policy and relations. Ms... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 3:45pm - 5:00pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday

5:00pm CST

Friday Networking
Friday February 24, 2023 5:00pm - 6:30pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Friday
 
Saturday, February 25
 

9:00am CST

Welcome
Speakers
avatar for Denise Monnier

Denise Monnier

Executive Director, Association of Illinois Montessori Schools
Denise Monnier is a Montessori parent, advocate, and advocacy coach, striving for public policy that supports universal access to Montessori education. More than 15 years of teaching in and leading Montessori schools made her deeply aware of the need for equity in and access to high... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 9:00am - 9:30am CST
Goodwin Auditorum
  Saturday

9:30am CST

Featured Speaker - Patina Park: Working with Native American Families: Understanding History, Resisting Deficit, and Honoring Resilience
Indigenous peoples are both part of our history and our current world in North American and across the globe. Considering their place historically, culturally and in contemporary society is essential to evolving our Montessori practices.
Speakers
avatar for Patina Park

Patina Park

Patina Park, JD, is the director of Tribal State Relations Systems Implementation for the State of Minnesota, serving as a senior advisor to Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, commissioners, and key state government staff in tribal-state policy and relations. Ms... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Goodwin Auditorum
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Care of Self, Beyond Practical Life and the Spiritual Preparation of the Adult
We all know that food preparation and the dressing frames build a child’s independence, but do we apply the Care of Self principles to our own spiritual development, and how do we use this to propel our classroom environment toward peace? Come learn how Care of Self is more than just self-care, and how it’s intrinsically tied to student development.
Speakers
avatar for Victoria Livingston

Victoria Livingston

Early Childhood Coordinator, Chiaravalle Montessori
Victoria Livingston, MEd, is the Early Childhood and Summer Coordinator at Chiaravalle Montessori School in Evanston, IL. She is AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood), AMI-certified (Administration). AMS granted her an Outstanding Master’s Thesis award for her research on intrinsic... Read More →

Livingston Presentation Handouts pdf
Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 161
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Enhancing Your Math Curriculum Toolkit
We will review and refresh the main subtopics of the math curriculum (1-10, teens, tens, decimals, memorization, abstraction), and will discuss using the process, sequence, and three period lesson to best support the sequence of the lessons for deeper connection and understanding.
Speakers
avatar for Reena Morgan

Reena Morgan

Hive Educational Consulting and Parent Coaching
Reena is an educator, leader, relationship builder, child advocate, wife, and mother of 3 Montessori children! Reena is AMS & AMI Primary Trained. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from the Erikson Institute, and has 20 years of experience teaching and leading... Read More →

(HIVE) Exploring the 3 6 Math Materials pdf
Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 134
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Intentional Oral Language Development Lessons
Oral language development is an essential precursor to children being able to learn to write and read, but are we intentionally teaching it in our classrooms? In this workshop, hear some ideas of how to engage your students in learning in these pre-literacy activities and share some that you use in your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Kymberly Smith

Kymberly Smith

Teacher, Racine Unified School District
I received my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa in 2010, after which I taught traditional school for 5 years. I went back to school to receive my Early Childhood Montessori training from Seton Montessori Institute. I taught for two years at Nature's Classroom... Read More →

Intentional Oral Language Development (2) pdf
Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 211
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Moral Progress through Competition
This presentation will consider the importance of competition, its impact on children, and the role of the adult. Competition is aligned with the social development happening with elementary children and it can be their focus. We must teach them to compete with grace and courtesy. When we improve how children compete then we will improve our future.
Speakers
avatar for David Chorney

David Chorney

Lead Teacher Lower Elementary, Lupine Montessori
David Chorney, Elementary Teacher 6-9, at Lupine Montessori School in Lockport Illinois. He also coaches an after school Running Club for ages 4-12. David Chorney is a former NCAA All American Football Player and coach at Augstana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He has played internationally... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 213
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Relax, Follow the Child, How to be present with children outdoors
This workshop will look at how to trust children in an outdoor environment. We will explore current research on the importance of free-play, risk-taking, and how these ideas are integral to Montessori Philosophy. This is possible through simplifying, letting go of notions on how to teach, and embracing the child-led experience.
Speakers
JB

Janne B Guerin

Primary Lead Teacher, Hope Montessori Academy
I was born in Norway and grew up in the northern part of Denmark. After Gymnasium graduation I moved to the US. I got both my Undergraduate and Master's degree in Fine Arts from SUNY Purchase NY. My Montessori journey started as a French speaking Assistant. I got my Montessori Certification... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Salley

Amanda Salley

Directress, Hope Montessori Academy Lake Saint Louis
Amanda’s background is in Art and Art History. She has been in a 3-6 Montessori environment as an Assistant Teacher, Artist-in-Residence, and currently as a Lead Teacher and Summer Camp Director. She is passionate about getting children into nature and letting them experience it... Read More →

Relax, Follow the Child presentation pdf pdf
Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 164
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Sportsmanship is SEL
The Montessori philosophy is well known for developing social and emotional learning skills. What about co-curricular classes? For physical education, I have some good news. Sportsmanship is SEL! However, sportsmanship is hard to teach correctly because the concept is tough to define. Many students know "how" to be a good sport but don't know "what it is." We will define sportsmanship throughout the student's time in school and match it to the social-emotional sensitive periods of development.
Speakers
avatar for Nicolas Lepine

Nicolas Lepine

Athletic Director / PE instructor, Rogers Park Montessori School
Nicolas Lepine is the athletic director, physical education instructor, and sports coach for Rogers Park Montessori School in Chicago, IL. Before working as an AD and PE teacher, he was in the Montessori upper elementary classroom for over a decade. He has a B.S. in exercise physiology... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Kindlon 162
  Saturday

10:45am CST

The Importance of Glass Protection and Privacy
Our goal is to educate schools on the importance of glass protection and privacy issues
Speakers
SM

Scott McCutcheon

Owner, Emerald Coast Glass Products Inc.
"My company works with schools to help secure their glass from potential outside threats. In the last 5 years, we have conducted over 150 school assessments."

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 414
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Through the Eyes of a Child, The Vision and Learning Link
Do you often have bright students who struggle with reading, learning, comprehension, or even the ability to pay attention? These children excel when listening but struggle when reading or writing is involved. They may be having difficulty working their eyes as a team to properly track and focus in order to process visual information. Learn the signs and symptoms and how to help.
Speakers
avatar for Alicia Wong

Alicia Wong

West Suburban Vision Therapy
DA

David A. Maze

Optometrist, West Suburban Vision. Therapy
Dr. David Maze earned a Bachelor’s degree Cum Laude from Benedictine University. He received an OD degree from Illinois College of Optometry in 2003. He completed a Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation residency program at the State University of New York State Optometric Center in... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Goodwin 312
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Engaging in Mathematics through History and Storytelling (ends 12:15pm)
Mathematics is not just about calculations, but it is also the story of humanity and its quest to understand and adapt to the world around us. Through studying math history, we can engage students in mathematics in a different way and appeal to a wide variety of learners.
Speakers
MW

Michael Waski

Director, The Math Institute
Michael Waski has taught elementary and adolescents for over 20 years in both traditional and Montessori settings. He is currently the director of the Math Institute which helps Montessori adolescent teachers with materials and best practices.

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Kindlon 125
  Saturday

10:45am CST

One Stitch At A Time - The Importance of Sewing (ends 12:15pm)
Sewing is an essential skill that develops eye hand coordination as well as ensuring that the hand and the brain are working together. It reinforces coordination, concentration, independence and order. The children sew from simple techniques to complex techniques where you combine stitches, buttons, and other embellishments. Sewing is purposeful and meaningful work for all ages. You use many executive functioning skills like: planning, solving problems, critical thinking, organizing, and creating. Join me for this engaging workshop to reinforce the beauty and importance of sewing in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Rosemary Quaranta

Rosemary Quaranta

Head of School, Xavier Montessori Lab School
Rosemary Quaranta, MEd is a graduate of Edgecliff College, The Washington Montessori Institute, and Cleveland State University where she received her master’s degree in education with a specialization in Montessori. Rosemary holds AMI credentials (Early Childhood, Elementary I-II... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin 321
  Saturday

10:45am CST

Supporting the Development of Discipline in Montessori (ends 12:15pm)
The Montessori approach to the development of discipline is fully unique. True discipline comes from within the child, connecting the child to the world and creating a path towards peace education. This is supported through the guiding principle of respect and utilizes multifaceted experiences in the classroom from purposeful work to the concept of natural consequences to come to realization.
Speakers
avatar for Margaret Combs

Margaret Combs

Head of School, Spark Montessori School
Margaret has over 20 years of experience in Montessori education. She holds her EC credential from MMTTC and serves as Spark Montessori School’s Head of School. She also serves as a trainer and consultant for MMTTC and the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.

Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin 317
  Saturday

10:45am CST

The Bead Cabinet, All Three Years (ends 12:15pm)
No more turning your bead cabinet around or worrying about little hands disturbing the chains!

The Bead Cabinet for threes and fours? Yes! This beautiful material can be used in a variety of ways, from sensorial exploration to advanced operations, encompassing every age. In fact, it is a perfect parallel to the natural mathematical mind of the very young child.

Join me to explore three years' of presentations, variations and extensions which engage the child and make the Bead Cabinet come alive. The session is for students, and new as well as experienced educators. I hope you will bring your ideas and expertise to share.
Speakers
avatar for Joan Schuler

Joan Schuler

Adjunct Faculty, Seton Montessori Institute
Joan Schuler has been an educator, consultant, lecturer and teach-trainer over the past 30+ years. She has consulted and lectured locally, throughout the midwest and overseas, including presentations for AIMS and national AMS conferences. Her topics have ranged from Language, Math... Read More →

Handout for The Bead Cabinet, All Three Years docx
Saturday February 25, 2023 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Goodwin 415
  Saturday

12:00pm CST

Saturday Lunch
Saturday February 25, 2023 12:00pm - 1:15pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Saturday

1:15pm CST

Featured Speaker - Julia Volkman: The Four Planes of Neurodevelopment
What is this world (Plane 1)? Why is the world the way it is (Plane 2)? Who am I and what do I believe (Plane 3)?  What is my place in the world (Plane 4)? These are the key questions Dr. Montessori believed that children are biologically driven to answer at different ages. But, are Montessori's planes of development supported by current research? We'll take a look at key research studies and how they relate to Montessori's original theory. Get ready to be refreshed, inspired, and armed with helpful information!
Speakers
avatar for Julia Volkman

Julia Volkman

President, Maitri Learning
Julia Volkman has been teaching children and mentoring teachers in private and public schools since 1997. She is a Faculty Member of the Brain Health Initiative, guest lecturer for Harvard University’s Neuroscience of Learning course, a Montessori mentor, and the founder and president... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Goodwin Auditorum
  Saturday

2:30pm CST

Saturday Break
Saturday February 25, 2023 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Goodwin Hall Atrium
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

A to I "DIY" – Material concepts to enrich your environment
A "DIY" guide of creating and incorporating Montessori materials and activities at the infant toddler level within your practical life, language and sensorial areas to enhance your environment and renew children's interests.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Booth

Suzanne Booth

Lead Toddler Guide and Infant Toddler program director, Alta Vista Montessori School
Suzanne Booth serves as the infant toddler program coordinator as well as the lead toddler guide at Alta Vista Montessori School in Libertyville, IL. She received her AMI diploma in 2007 through The Montessori Institute of Denver under renowned A-I trainer, Judi Orion. Suzanne holds... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 161
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Authenticity in Teaching? Is it Really Okay to Be Me?
In this workshop, we will explore the nature of authenticity, the barriers and challenges to true authenticity in teaching, the costs to ourselves and the children we work with of being inauthentic, and finally, we will consider some of the keys to living and teaching more authentically.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Sanden

Lisa Sanden

Faculty, Coach, Trainer, Consultant, Foundation for the Realization of Human Potential
Lisa has been in Montessori since 1991 when she began as an assistant at Countryside Montessori. She has been a consultant and speaker for more than 15 years. In her dissertation she studied the emotional labor of teachers and the importance of teachers having a friendlier attitude... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 162
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Behavior Through Different Lenses
All Montessorians are taught to observe. Maybe we see the child the same way every time. We can also look through a different lens and understand the behavior at every angle. With this new information we can better understand the child as they see their environment. We will dig deeper into the different developmental domains, strategies for the classrooms and navgiating Early Intervention. 
Speakers
avatar for Adrianna Balmaseda

Adrianna Balmaseda

American Montessori Academy
Adrianna Balmaseda M.S. DT is an administrator for ages 0-6 years old at American Montessori Academy in Chicago, IL.

Behavior Through a Different Lens pptx
Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 135
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Building Resilience in the Elementary Classroom
The quality of resilience has increasingly garnered the attention of psychologists and educators. Given both the expected and unexpected social and emotional consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers now find themselves grappling with the problem of student resilience perhaps more than ever before. How can we help our students persevere through circumstances they find academically difficult, socially challenging, or anxiety-inducing?
Speakers
avatar for Indrani Wilson

Indrani Wilson

Lead Teacher, DuPage Montessori School
avatar for Adam Darlage

Adam Darlage

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 Community College in Des Plaines, Il., where I teach courses in World Religions and World Mythologies. Mentoring students... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 321
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Cultivating Independence in the Elementary Classroom
How do we support the elementary learner in developing independence? It is easy to get caught in the trap of using work plans, assigned seats, and directed follow-up work to ensure that our students are "meeting goals", but how does that serve the child? Find out how to create independent, curious, and self-motivated learners!
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Fennig

Nicole Fennig

Upper Elementary Directress, Montessori School of Waukesha
Nicole Fennig is an upper elementary guide at Montessori School of Waukesha in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She has worked in both private and public Montessori upper elementary programs since she began teaching in 2012. Nicole is also an educator instructor for Global Montessori Educators... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 414
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Developing gritty children in an "easy and fast" society
Attendants will gain insights into the value of allowing children to do hard things! We will look at the most up to date research exploring the success of children who were encouraged to utilize their passion, determination, and optimism to persevere. When we give children an opportunity to work hard, they gain a confidence that will be with them for life.
Speakers
MS

Mary Sue Reutebuch

Head of School, Montessori Private Academy
Mary Sue Reuteubuch is the Head of School at Montessori Private Academy (age 2 through grade 6) in Rockford, IL. She has served as a Montessori leader for over 30 years. She holds a BS from Ohio University in Communication Education and a MA in Pastoral Theology from St. Meinrad Seminary... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 211
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Disrupting Segregation, An Arts-based Montessori Partnership
Inspired by artist Tonika Johnson's Folded Map Project, Montessori Academy of Chicago and The Montessori School of Englewood developed a meaningful partnership to explore Chicago's history of segregation. This collaborative project incorporated visual art, video, google meetups, and field trips to engage students at both schools to use art as activism in order to disrupt segregation and prevent prejudice.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Spikner

Jennifer Spikner

Head of School, Montessori Academy of Chicago
Jennifer Spikner is the Head of School at Montessori Academy of Chicago, an AMS accredited school in Chicago's West Loop. Jennifer’s work focuses on authentic Montessori practice, diversity, equity and inclusion and social justice education. She is a Montessori teacher trainer and... Read More →
avatar for Uneq'ka McNeal

Uneq'ka McNeal

The Montessori School of Englewood
Uneq'ka McNeal teaches Art, Music, African American Studies, and Social Emotional Learning at the Montessori School of Englewood. As an educator, vocalist, visual artist and artist-activist, she uses music, art, and psychology to educate and inspire students from kindergarten through... Read More →
avatar for Bridget Breidenbach

Bridget Breidenbach

Artistic Director, The Montessori Academy of Chicago
Bridget has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago with an Emphasis in Art Education, Art Therapy,  and Community Programming. Bridget Breidenbach, is the Artistic Director at the Montessori Academy of Chicago. She designs curriculum and teaches art for grades... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin Hall of Leaders
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Enhancing Your Language Curriculum Toolkit
During this workshop, we will refresh and review the 3 main areas of the Language curriculum (Oral, Written, Reading) and I will share tips, tools, and ideas for deepening and expanding on lessons and materials to enrich and strengthen the Montessori Language curriculum!
Speakers
avatar for Reena Morgan

Reena Morgan

Hive Educational Consulting and Parent Coaching
Reena is an educator, leader, relationship builder, child advocate, wife, and mother of 3 Montessori children! Reena is AMS & AMI Primary Trained. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from the Erikson Institute, and has 20 years of experience teaching and leading... Read More →

(HIVE) Language Curriculum 2023 pdf
Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 125
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

How Do I Navigate the Journey of Gaining Strategies and Support for my Struggling Students?
Our expert panel, comprised of an Early Childhood Lead Teacher, an Elementary Lead Teacher, and a Learning Specialist will share their many experiences regarding helping struggling students. They will outline the process from noticing 'red flags', to observing and gathering documentation, to having delicate conversations with families. They will provide practical examples and advice to help navigate the journey of gaining strategies to set students up for success. They will define terms such as accommodations, modifications, Service Plans, 504 plans, and IEPs.///This is A PANEL with 3 participants. Megan, Heather and Christin .
Speakers
MO

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, serving as a Children's House lead teacher from 2012 to 2023 until moving into administration full-time this year. She is also currently a member of the... Read More →
avatar for Heather Wilcek

Heather Wilcek

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher, 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 neverending... Read More →
CA

Christin Anzalotti

Learning Specialist, Brickton Montessori School
CHRISTIN ANZALOTTI, MEd, LBS1 has a master’s degree in moderate disabilities with a B.A. in both elementary education and psychology. She has 25 years teaching children with diverse learning needs, including talented and gifted support; remedial support, and teaching executive function... Read More →

AIMS Conference Slide Show Feb. 2023 pdf
Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 164
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Milestones of Growing Up in the Digital Age
"Social/Emotional Milestones for Screenwise Kids" First email account. First gaming avatar. First social media account. First smartphone. There are many milestones involved in growing up in the digital age. This talk for professionals (counselors, educators and school leaders) informs audiences about the latest research on the ways child and adolescent development intersect with tech milestones and helps them to appropriately support young people as they encounter and master these social and digital skills."
Speakers
avatar for Devorah Heitner, Ed.D

Devorah Heitner, Ed.D

Professional Speaker, Author of Screenwise, Growing Up in Public
Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her book on navigating Privacy and Reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public  will be out in 2023 with Penguin Random House. Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwest... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 317
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

Onboarding Assistant Teachers Successfully
This presentation is geared towards classroom teachers who will be directly supervising assistant teachers and administrators and who are welcoming assistant teachers to a teaching team. We will discuss how to set clear expectations for assistant teachers, how to train assistants new to Montessori philosophy, and how to give effective feedback.
Speakers
avatar for Kirstin Nordhaus

Kirstin Nordhaus

Education Director, Chiaravalle Montessori School
Kirstin Nordhaus is the Education Director at Chiaravalle Montessori School in Evanston, IL. Previously she taught in an Upper Elementary classroom. She also works as a Cultural Teacher Trainer and Consultant at Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center.

Blank User Manual for Teams pdf
New Staff Work Plan pdf
Associate Teacher Responsibilities pdf
Fundamental Needs of the Montessori Assistant Checklist pdf
Onboarding Assistant Teachers Successfully (1) pptx
Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Kindlon 134
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

The Adolescent Magnum Opus
"The Adolescent Magnum Opus is a 6-month long independent research project. Large projects can be very challenging for students, but when paired with intrinsic motivation, a structured timeline, and supporting lessons, the project becomes far less daunting. Katelyn will talk you through her process of guiding her students through the process of researching, organizing, and presenting an in-depth research project based on their individual interests."
Speakers
KB

Katelyn Bratz

Adolescent Directress, Nature's Classroom Montessori School
Katelyn Bratz is the Adolescent Teacher at Nature's Classroom Institute and Montessori School. Katelyn has completed the AMI/NAMTA Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies. She has also acquired her Secondary I-II Credential from CMSTEP and a Master’s in Montessori Education... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 213
  Saturday

3:00pm CST

The Power of Music in the Montessori Classroom
Learn the tricks to teach the notes with using hands only.Get the didactic material how to teach the Rhythms and many-many melodies with ease using "Hand signs".learn the easy way to make your Winter and Spring Celebrations in the REAL Production.Dscover a STAR in each child,remember Children "sing" before they talk and they "dance'before they walk...Learn the songs for toddlers which will help them to start talking,learn different rhythms and more.
Speakers
MS

Margarita Shvets

Director, Rhythm of Learning
Margarita's education background started in Russia as an elementary teacher for 1-3 grades in grade public school and a music teacher in a music school. When she moved to the USA, she first worked as an assistant teacher in the primary level in Montessori school, and simultaneously... Read More →

Saturday February 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CST
Goodwin 312
  Saturday

4:30pm CST

Saturday Networking: Montessori Happy Hour for Teachers
Saturday February 25, 2023 4:30pm - 6:00pm CST
Goodwin Hall Atrium
  Saturday
 
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