InFocus: Cosmic Vision in the Third Plane: Part 1

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 13:19

This two part InFocus program provides coherent, in-depth programming that will elevate and invigorate teachers’ understanding of Cosmic Education for adolescents. Today’s adolescents are emerging from the pandemic with a complex legacy: gaps in social, emotional, and academic learning; uncertain future career pathways; and global environmental crises that are projected to land squarely within their adult lives. However, we also see evidence of young people who are newly resilient, and who may be embracing social interactions hewn by months or years of social isolation. Montessori adolescents and their school-based guides have the opportunity to build on Cosmic Education by seizing the power and promise of what Maria Montessori termed “Cosmic Vision.” Together, we can strengthen our collective impact by sharing knowledge in this area, defining what we mean by Cosmic Vision and bringing a renewed sense of hope and valorization to our Montessori teens.

Dean Blase, EdLD, is the deputy director of Montessori Education at AMS. She is a veteran educator, serving in many capacities: as an AMS secondary credentialed former teacher and principal at Clark Montessori, a former assistant superintendent, and a principal supervisor. She specializes in imagining systems that increase human capacity and joy. At AMS, Dean oversees the day-to-day integration of four areas that are integral to AMS adult learners: teacher education; professional development; equity; and engagement. She also liaises with the AMS Research Committee.
Katie Keller Wood, EdD, is the executive director of CMStep, the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary teacher education program, and she has been joyfully teaching adolescents and adults for more than 20 years. She earned both her bachelor’s and her doctorate from the University of Virginia. Katie is currently on a mission to bring a Montessori perspective of work to everyone, through her 2023 TEDx and her upcoming book, which is due to be published in 2025. Katie has served on the board of directors of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) since 2017, including as vice chair since 2019. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at Xavier University since 2017, as an advisor to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ Montessori EdD planning committee in 2017-2019 and instructor in 2022, and on the membership committee for the Montessori Research Working group through the University of Kansas Center for Montessori Research since 2016. She is a frequent keynote and workshop presenter at Montessori schools and conferences.