1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 1:07:30

Touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste all inform infants' knowledge of the world. How we speak to infants and toddlers also informs them, and serves to model communication for them. In this presentation, we will explore infant development, and learn to ask critical questions of ourselves, such as, "How do my mood, facial expressions, tone of voice, and touch affect what I am communicating?
Tara has a BA from FDU, an MS from Bank Street College of Education. She is a founding faculty member of the Montessori Infant Toddler Training Program at Westside Montessori Teacher Education Program, teaching Child Development, Leadership and Personal Growth in both NYC and China. Tara authored Montessori at Home as well as other articles for parents and educators. Tara has been in the field for over 40 years most recently as Head of School at Morningside Montessori School. Credentialed (Infant-Toddler, Early Childhood)
Karen has spent 40 years in the early childhood field, owning her own school in Rhode Island for many years. Karen is the Twos Coordinator at West Side Montessori School, NYC.  She is also the Practicum Coordinator and Instructor for West Side Montessori Schools Infant and Toddler Teacher Education Program. Karen is one of founding faculty members of the Infant Toddler Westside Montessori Teacher Education Program and has taught in NYC, as well as in China. Karen has given many workshops and presentations throughout her career.

1.5 CPDs, Run Time:  45:30

In this session, we will present different co-teaching models for the elementary level; discuss the benefits and challenges of co-teaching for students, teachers, and families; and explore how each model can be implemented in the classroom.
Sushannah Hahn completed her Master of Education in Montessori Education at Xavier University in 2003. Her academic journey began at Transylvania University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science. Since 2000, she has taught students 3-12 years old, in public and private schools in the Cincinnati Region.  She has also continued to serve as adjunct faculty and Teaching Professor in the Montessori Education program at Xavier University.
Rachel Pendleton is a Lab School Instructor for Upper Elementary at the Xavier University Montessori Lab School in Cincinnati, OH. She holds a MD in Montessori Education from Xavier University as well as a Professional Teaching License in the state of Ohio. She instructs undergraduate and graduate courses, such as the Mathematics portion of the Elementary II Summer Intensive Program. AMS-Credentialed (Elementary II)

1.5 CPDs, Run Time:  1:09

Have you ever wondered how young children learn to express themselves? Through this hands-on workshop, we will explore how art, culture, and the Montessori prepared environment intersect to create opportunities for children to more deeply explore artistic experiences.
Beth Norman, MEd, is an experienced Montessori leader serving the needs of children, families, adult learners, and educators with integrity, compassion, creativity, leadership, and advocacy. Currently Beth is the Head of School at the Montessori School of Long Grove, a faculty member of Seton Montessori Institute, an AMS Instructor Academy facilitator, and Vice-President of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS). AMS-Credentialed (Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, Administrator)
Catherine A. Mason, MEd, is a U.S. and International (Shenzhen, China) Infant-Toddler Instructor and Education Consultant specifically catering to Montessori education. For over a decade, she has worked with infants through adolescents guiding Music, English Language and Dance in Montessori communities. She creates curriculum and hosts professional development for current and future Montessori educators. Catherine is a Positive Discipline educator. AMS-Credentialed (Infant & Toddler).

1.5 CPDs, Run Time:  1:01:25

This presentation takes a humorous look at Classroom Management by guides, given the rise in Gentle Parenting at home. Gentle Parenting focuses on responding to a child's complex feelings with emotional intelligence. We'll discuss how Montessori educators can maintain a balance between freedom and discipline while remaining aligned with Gentle Parenting's collaborative, child-led methodology.
Martha Teien is the founding director and owner of Mountain Montessori in Avon, CO, which opened in 2004. She remains a lead guide. Martha holds a Master of Education in Montessori from St. Catherine University in 2010 and is presently enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Montessori Doctoral Program. Martha completed the AMS Instructor Academy in 2023. She serves on the board of Montessori Public Policy Initiative and is the AMS Rocky Mountain Regional Commissioner. MEPI-Credentialed (Early Childhood)

1.5 CPDs, Run Time:  33:03

This hands-on workshop for guides at every level features intentionally-designed experiences to engage you in writing, art creation, and gentle movement. You will be introduced to restorative practices, and have the opportunity to choose a work that calls to you. The session is for guides who crave deeper transformative work.
Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston has been in the field of education for over 20 years and has been in the Montessori movement in every capacity. She started her Montessori journey in the 70’s as a primary student and returned as an adult to teach in charter schools as a Lower Elementary guide and served for seven years as a Montessori charter school administrator. She earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from UCSD/CSUSM. AMS -Credentialed (Elementary I)
Uniit Carruyo (she/her) M.S. Ed, is an artist and educator. She is a Montessori 0-3 teacher trainer, and professional development facilitator. Ms. Carruyo’s publications include Team Teaching in Early Childhood Settings: Leadership Tools for Reflective Practice, TRANSFORM: Compassionate Communication for Montessorians, and Clarice. Ms. Carruyo lives in the FLX with her honeybees and works in her treehouse art studio. Find her at FLAMiNGiMAGiNATiON.COM

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 49:42

Montessori has lessons in Practical Life designed to prepare students to use a knife, spread butter, cut cheese, bananas, and pickles, but what if we actually allowed children to use all those skills to cook in the classroom? In this 60-minute session, learn how you can regularly incorporate cooking into your classroom for student enrichment.
Ali is a lead teacher at Columbus Montessori Education Center (CMEC) in Columbus, Ohio. She has been in the education field since 2010 teaching at a number of different types of schools.  Ali Graduated with Honors from the University of Arizona Global Campus in 2022 with a BA in Early Childhood Education. AMS-Credentialed (Early Childhood)

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 57:39

In this workshop you will learn innovative techniques and strategies for integrating art and writing into the cosmic education curriculum to foster self-expression, critical thinking, and a love for learning that will ignite the artistic and literary potential of every child.
Ellen Brady serves as a Lower Elementary teacher at Woodside Montessori Academy in Millis, Massachusetts. She sought out Montessori early in her career, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Emmanuel. She taught several years in a traditional setting before becoming an entrepreneur. After COVID, Ellen decided to return to her passion for Montessori Education. AMS-Credentialed (Elementary I)
Kathleen Gasbarro, MEd, is the Head of School at Woodside Montessori Academy in Millis, MA. She has served children in Early Childhood and Lower Elementary. She currently works with children as a reading interventionist. Kathleen is an instructor and field consultant for Seacoast Center for Montessori Education having taught around the US, China, and Ghana where she helped open a Montessori school. She is an avid beekeeper and helps guide the Erdkinder beekeeping program at her school. AMS-Credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I)

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 58:37

This workshop lays out classroom practices that support a growth mindset and create a safe space for academic risk-taking and error. These practices include crafting and enforcing an effective class compact, instituting seating practices that help manage cliques and ‘work gangs’, and leading community-building activities.
With over 20 years of experience guiding Lower and Upper Elementary students, Jessica Simpson has also been a Montessori child, parent, and administrator. She holds a Masters of Montessori Education from Loyola of Maryland and is a certified Montessori Coach. Jessica is currently the Elementary Guide and a Teacher Mentor at The Miami Montessori School in Troy, OH, Coach and Interim TEP Director at Columbus Montessori Education Center, and the owner/operator of HiFi Montessori, providing coaching, consulting, and materials.  AMI-Credentialed (Elementary)

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 1:05:26

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the science of reading and its seamless integration within the Montessori framework. Topics will include evidence-based strategies for language assessment, and fostering literacy-rich environments that nurture a love for reading.
Lisanne Pinciotti is Program Director at West Side Montessori School - Teacher Education Program in New York City. She earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, an MEd in Early Childhood Education from Rutgers University. She finds joy learning alongside aspiring Montessori educators, volunteering for Montessori advocacy efforts, and expanding her network of colleagues through this fulfilling work. AMS-Credentialed (Early Childhood, Administrator)
Sinead Meehan is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at Ball State University and an ELI Instructor at West Side Montessori School's Teacher Education Program. She holds a PhD in Education with a concentration in STEM from Drexel University, a MA in Education from St. Catherine University, and a BS in Early Grades Education from West Chester University. In addition, she holds a certificate in Instructional Design for E-Learning, is AMS-Credentialed (Elementary I) and PA-State Certified (PK-9), and has recently completed the Lexia LETRS training. Her research interests include STEM education, K-12 engineering, teacher preparation, and professional development.

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 51:02

In this interactive workshop, you'll learn works that you can add to your environment to support the developmental movement patterns of all your students and meet their sensory, proprioceptive, physical, mental and/or emotional needs. Examine independent, small and large group activities specifically created for hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, spatial awareness, and more.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls Faculty, Cindy Goldade holds a MEd in Montessori and a BS in preschool through grade six. Cindy taught 3-6 year-olds at her school in Ham Lake, Minnesota for ten years before homeschooling her own children. She teaches locally and around the world as a Master Trainer for MN ACHIEVE, International Faculty for Brain Gym®, tutor for homeschool cooperatives, and more. AMI-credentialed (Primary)