The Center for Guided Montessori Studies

Building a Theater Program: The Hero’s Journey and More
2022-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Are you interested in building a theater program or expanding the scope of your current theater program? Are you interested in developing original screenplays in collaboration with your students and performing them for your school community?
Join Montessori Guide and college professor Adam Darlage as he shares concrete ways to build and develop a strong theater program at the Elementary and Middle School levels. He presents strategies and timetables with respect to the entire process of play production, including: playwriting; procuring costumes, sets, and props; rehearsals; musical choices; technological demands; and community outreach. In addition, he explores proven models to help you build compelling stories that matter, most notably the Hero’s Journey of Joseph Campbell.
Whether you want to perform a short play for a special event in your classroom or write and perform original full-length productions for the gathered school community, this webinar can help you achieve your theater performance goals as an Elementary or Middle School Montessori Guide.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Adam Darlage
Adam loves directing the annual Upper Elementary and Middle School Winter Celebration at DuPage Montessori School. Together he and his students have written and performed over a dozen original plays. In addition, he directs the annual Spring Play (usually a title through Music Theatre International) and collaborates with both Primary and Lower Elementary staff to present a full school production.
Adam has a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and has been teaching at both DuPage Montessori School in Naperville, IL and Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL since the autumn of 2009. He teaches World Religions and World Mythologies at Oakton and serves as the Lead Guide for both the Upper Elementary and Middle School programs at DMS. He received his Elementary I and II certification in 2016 after training with CGMS, and now serves as a Practicum Advisor, Field Consultant, and IG.

Bringing Work of the Hand into our Montessori Secondary Curriculum and Classroom
2022-11-10 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
To meet such essential human tendencies as movement, creativity, and exploration, we must create passageways in our classrooms – passageways for deeper physical, intellectual, and emotional connections. In early and elementary levels, this often happens through work of the hand. Such hand work, however, is sorely lacking in many middle and high school settings, underplayed as frivolous or menial in an era where education is driven by what is quantifiable. Yet to truly embrace a holistic approach to learning, we can’t ignore the vitality of authentic work nor what we can create by the power of our own hand – even in adolescence.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how we can incorporate the hand throughout our secondary curricula and learning activities, our solo sessions, our innovations. Together, we’ll look at the power and potential of the hand to spark the spirit of learning, to cultivate creativity and problem-solving mindsets, to support choice and differentiation, to build skills in practical life, and to empower the individual in preparing for a life that is satisfying and connected to the heart and mind.
Let’s see how the work of the hand can work into the subjects we teach, thread throughout three periods of learning, and find a place in our open work cycles. Let’s get the work of the hand back into our secondary classrooms!
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Jocelyn Bell Swanson
“The best part about being a Montessori secondary-level guide is the joy of helping students in their irresistible quest to discover their potential – a journey from discovery to exploration innovation.” Her specialty is in language arts and history. As a Montessori parent, she watched her local school grow beyond its original primary level to add an elementary program. Eventually, she agreed to become Montessori secondary-certified and open a secondary program there, now thriving in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Her work in the Humanities has centered on the Socratic method of discussion, a key takeaway from her Montessori training, and a philosophy that she finds essential to feeding the curiosity and character of her learners. In addition to working with children and adolescents, now at a farm school she recently founded, she enjoys working with adult learners, serving as the Secondary-level Director for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and an educational consultant and curriculum designer.
In her pre-teaching career, Jocelyn ran her own marketing business, starting out as a writer/editor. Jocelyn has an undergraduate degree in business/communications and a Master’s degree in education. She lives in Williamsburg, Virginia on a farm with her husband and children and a fun variety of animals. All of them fulfill a considerable role in Montessori Erdkinder experiences for children and adolescents in the community.

Science in the Early Childhood Montessori Classroom
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Boost curiosity about the world with the Montessori Science Curriculum. Join me in sparking the child’s sense of wonder through scientific projects and experiments. Learn how to dive deeper into the realms of earth science, astronomy, life science, zoology, botany, physical science and chemistry in your prepared environment.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Shelby Hiken
Shelby’s connection with Montessori began when she was just three-years-old and she’s been dedicated to the philosophy ever since. She has BA from University of Arizona, an M.Ed from LoyolaUniversity in Maryland and an AMI Primary Certification from the WashingtonMontessori Institute. She spent fifteen years as a Montessori Guide in both the private and public sector. Shelby is a founding member of Nurturing Nest Montessori School in Columbia, Maryland, where she held the position of Director of Primary Pedagogy. Currently, Shelby continues her dedication to Montessori’s mission as the Early Childhood Associate Director and Practicum Coordinator at the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. She is also a Senior Education Specialist at Port Discovery, Baltimore Children’s Museum.

7 Types of Rest: The Key to Becoming the Prepared Adult
2023-02-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Have you ever had a full night’s sleep and woke up still feeling exhausted? Do you lie in bed at night unable to shut off your mind? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by sounds and lights? If so, you might be experiencing a rest deficit! So often we confuse rest with sleep, leaving us feeling incomplete even when we are “fully rested.” Discover the 7 different types of rest necessary for each of us to reach our fullest potential and learn how they can be used to help each of us become the Prepared Adult Dr. Montessori so often described.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Heather White
Heather White, Ed.S., M.Ed., NCSP, is a Montessori educational consultant and content creator. She guides classroom educators, administrators, parents, and caregivers to better understand the Montessori Method in an effort to continue utilizing its wonder in their work with children.
Heather is a blog writer for many Montessori organizations including the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Guide & Grow, a Senior Educational Consultant for the Andrews Educational Institute, and a Montessori educator for adult learners through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS). She volunteers as an administrator for the Montessori at Home (0-3 Years) Facebook group and as the Early Childhood Chair for the Florida Association of School Psychologists.
Formerly, she was a Montessori guide (Early Childhood 3-6 and Elementary I 6-9) and assistant (Elementary II 9-12), Lower Elementary Coordinator, and Associate Head of School for Lake Mary Montessori Academy for more than 12 years. She also has worked as a Montessori nanny and in-home educator for toddlers and has experience as a School Psychologist intern.
Heather presents regular workshops on a variety of topics related to Montessori for LeadKid Academy and Guide & Grow and has been featured as a speaker at national and international online conferences including the US Nanny Association Conference and the Childhood Potential Montessori Conference.
Heather is AMS credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I), holds her National Certification of School Psychology (NCSP), and has also obtained a Masters in Education with a Concentration in Montessori Studies in addition to her School Psychology degree. Heather looks forward to putting her years o

Fighting Our Biases on the Daily: Spiritual Preparation for the New Age
2023-03-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Come with us on a journey deeper into your sense of self. We are hard-wired to hold biases. Early humans needed a sense of “other” to ensure their survival. Why do we still hold onto our unconscious belief systems when we no longer need them? We will be going deeper to examine our own biases, accept their existence, and work to move beyond them. We will give you tools for self-examination of your biases, and tools to move through them for the greater good.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Stephanie Lapine
Stephanie brings her unique perspective to the work of Disrupting Implicit Bias. She has dedicated much of her career to dismantling systemic and strategic biases, prejudice and racism in education. Stephanie is currently a Lower Elementary guide, an Instructional Guide for CGMS, and a proud mother of 4. She lives in Pittsburgh with her teenage sons and her assorted array of pets.

Setting and Maintaining Limits in the Montessori Classroom
2023-06-03 18:00 - 20:15 (Asia/Kolkata)
CGMS and Royal Oaks International Montessori School in Nashik, India will sponsor a special webinar to help kick off the start of the Indian school year. Chip DeLorenzo, co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom will present the webinar titled, “Setting and Maintaining Limits in the Montessori Classroom.” This two hour webinar will help teachers learn how to create classroom limits and guidelines for their children and then maintain those limits in a way that promotes cooperation, mutual respect, and leadership.

**Please note the time listed (6pm – 8:15pm) is in Indian Standard Time. This is 8:30am – 10:45am Eastern Time.**
CGMS Alumni/Faculty or Group (3 or more from same school) registration is $55. To register, click HERE.
General registration is $65. To register, click HERE.

About Chip DeLorenzo Chip DeLorenzo has been a Montessori educator since 1995. He is the former Head of School of the Damariscotta Montessori School, where he spent 20 years as a teacher and administrator. 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 in teaching the principles and practices of Positive Discipline through various workshops and lectures. He holds Early Childhood, Lower and Upper Elementary AMS certifications, and has worked extensively with Montessori Adolescent students. Chip is the father of five Montessori children, and he and his wife, Kathy, live in Jefferson, Maine.

The Second Plane Three Period Lesson: A Montessori Principal and Its Application in the Elementary Environment
2023-07-18 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Find out more about how the role of the adult in the Montessori environment is different from that of a conventional teacher, and why this matters if one wants to help children develop beyond low level skills and rote memorization. The second plane three period lesson applies the three stage structure of the classic Montessori Language Lesson to the second plane context, in order to clearly limit the work of the adult and protect and expand the work of the child.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Sharon Caldwell
Sharon Caldwell is the lead consultant at Real Learning, with nearly 40 years of experience in education generally, over half of which are in Montessori and Democratic School contexts. She founded and headed a Montessori School and worked as a consultant and course instructor for the Montessori Foundation. She supported schools internationally and co-taught on their ground-breaking online programme Building a World-Class Montessori School. She holds an LMC Certificate (3-6), an AMI/NAMTA Adolescent Orientation Certificate and an AMI International Diploma for 6 – 12.

What Does Meaningful Work Look Like in a Montessori Elementary Classroom?
2023-07-20 19:00 (America/New_York)
“In Montessori Education, we often speak of the importance of, “Meaningful Work.” But what does this mean and look like in the classroom? Does it just mean that children are all quietly working on their assignments and materials, or does it have to do with absorption and concentration in the work? Does it extend into the social, emotional, and spiritual work? What about play, exploration, and collaboration? Join me for this in-depth discussion of what “Meaningful Work” looks like in a Montessori classroom, how to observe it, and nurture it in your classroom environment.”
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Greg Hicks
Greg first came to Montessori education while teaching 4th grade in a public school. He was looking for a different type of education for his son and was fortunate to connect with the director of a local Montessori schoolhouse. This ignited a passionate study, career, and love of Montessori education. Greg has now been a guide in an Upper Elementary classroom for 12 years. He’s worked in both the public charter sector and is currently in a private Montessori school in Tampa, Florida. Greg received his Montessori training from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and is now an instructor there. Greg has been a part of the Center for Guided Montessori Studies for 9 years and is an instructional guide, field consultant and residency instructor. Along with education, Greg’s passions include meditation, music, reading, and nature.

Reclaiming Self-Regulation in the Montessori Classroom - How to prepare the environment and the adults to develop and support self-regulation in students
2023-07-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
One of the greatest setbacks Montessori teachers have experienced in the last three years is the loss of self-regulation in their students. Erratic attendance, school closures, time off from school, staff turnover, loss of social skills, and many other factors have contributed to a decrease in the ability of students to self-regulate. In this workshop, participants will uncover the causes of this developmental setback, and how to help rebuild self-regulation in their students and classroom communities.
In this workshop, participants will work together to uncover some of the driving factors behind the reduced self-regulation in students in the post-COVID Montessori Classroom. We will review the importance of observation of the social-emotional environment to identify the needs of the students and identify specific tools that teachers can employ to begin rebuilding self-regulation within their students. Tools include teacher/adult communication models, direct teaching needed social-emotional skills, developing consistent adult responses to behavior, and creating a predictable environment where students “anticipate what’s coming next” in adults, the routine, and the environment, in order to develop self-regulation and independence.
Participants will learn to: 1. Create a social/emotional environment that will increase self-regulation, reduce misbehavior, and foster normalization; 2. Develop clear and consistent practices amongst the adults in their classrooms to meet behavioral challenges respectfully and effectively.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.
_____
About Chip DeLorenzo
Chip DeLorenzo has been a Montessori educator since 1995. He is the former Head of School of the Damariscotta Montessori School, where he spent 20 years as a teacher and administrator. 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 in teaching the principles and practices of Positive Discipline through various workshops and lectures. He holds Early Childhood, Lower and Upper Elementary AMS certifications, and has worked extensively with Montessori Adolescent students. Chip is the father of five Montessori children, and he and his wife, Kathy, live in Jefferson, Maine.

Preparing the Physical and Emotional Environment at the Toddler Level: The Importance of Trust
2023-08-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
You can prepare a perfect environment. You can equip it with beautiful materials. You can understand child development inside and out. And you can develop your knowledge of Montessori philosophy to a T.
BUT . . . . You will never be successful without establishing TRUST. You will not be able to guide the child. You may even be an obstacle to the development of the child. You will not be able to manage your classroom. You will be unsuccessful in your attempts to partner with the parents.
This webinar will cover some important tools for developing trust with parents and students.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Susan Kennedy:
After working in the financial industry for 10 years, I experienced the paradigm shift of becoming a mother. Which led me to Montessori, which resulted in a change of careers to one that is truly my bliss. I have been working with toddlers and their parents for almost 30 years now. I am currently a toddler guide at Mountaintop Montessori School in Charlottesville, Virginia, and have been an Instructional Guide with CGMS since 2019 (ah, the pre-pandemic days!) I am the mother of two adult daughters, Wesley and Jamie, and the grandmother of 2-year-old Inara and 8 mo. old Milo.

It's Not About the Shelves! The Journey of a Well-Prepared Montessori Environment
2023-08-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
My early days in Montessori were spent making sure that the room arrangement and shelves were set up perfectly…at least in my mind! But after a few years of challenging beginnings, and chances to observe those activities that truly engaged my students, I changed my mindset about the beginning of the year. This workshop will offer you ideas to consider, a few simple materials, and guidance for the kind of strong start that lasts the whole year through.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Claudia Mann
Claudia Mann, MEd has been enchanted with Montessori education since 1976. Certified Elementary I, II and Secondary I, Ms. Mann guided children and adults in classrooms and schools for more than 25 years before founding the Chaffee County Montessori School, always encouraging them to be passionate learners while sustaining Cosmic Education as the heart of the Montessori vision. Ms. Mann currently coaches teachers and school leaders both onsite and online through www.claudiamann.org and www.fossilicious.com.

Preparing the Physical and Emotional Environment
2023-08-16 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Preparing an environment is often thought of as deciding which works to put out on the shelf, and although this is an important part of preparedness, it is just one piece in a process of creating readiness around the child, the educator, the parents, and the classroom. Our webinar will focus on preparing for a new school year, whether you are a parent or an educator, or both! We will go over several tools to help parents and students with this transition, which educators can pass directly over to the parents of their own students – covering tips for getting a child ready to start school in the weeks before class beings, the creation of quick videos that can help before and at the beginning of the year, using daily photos in the classroom (the how and the why), discussion topics to present to parents on after-school-restraint collapse and other behaviors at home, how to teach children to communicate about their day, how to share parenting advice easily, and what a child can expect to experience through their senses in the first weeks. We will cover what lessons are wonderful to present in the first days of school (when, how, and why), gentle management of triggering behaviors, materials to have on the shelf on the first days, and how to set limits (safety rules, procedural expectations, and boundaries through grade and courtesy). We will go over how to prepare yourself, as a human being, for the task of caring for children, from mindfulness to healthy habits, as well as understanding the child’s perspective on this incredibly exciting and sometimes nervous time in their lives. These are incredibly helpful and important aspects of preparing the environment! I cannot wait to share this time with you and place successful tools into your hands that you can turn around and implement tomorrow in your own homes and classrooms.
General registration, $45. Register HERE.
CGMS Alumni and Faculty, $35. Register HERE.

About Natalie Jean Carver-McNeil, M.Ed.
Natalie has been teaching for sixteen years and is a certified Montessori educator. Currently, she is a children’s house lead teacher at Walden Green Montessori. Natalie has her Masters Degree in Elementary Education along with additional degrees in Early Childhood Education, Language Arts, Political Science, and Literature. Having attended the Center for Guided Montessori Studies, she earned a Montessori Teaching Certificate through the International Montessori Council. She has assisted in Montessori teacher trainings through CGMS under the tutelage of Kitty Bravo. Natalie is a moderator for Montessori at Home, the largest online Montessori community in the world. She recently started creating her own content online as the Gentle Montessorian in order to share her knowledge with her local community and beyond. She is developing a gentle educating book club for parents in her community that will begin this summer. Natalie is a mother of two children, Elizabeth (age 6) and Giles (age 3). She believes that the Montessori approach is a lifelong journey and a wholistic way of living.

Webinar: Gentle Educating
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Maria was first and foremost, a scientist. She realized how respecting the dignity of children brought them forward into independence. Our modeling of behavior had the power to inspire harmony. Pairing Maria’s work with modern research on neuroscience, human development, and social-emotional learning, we can more deeply understand the how’s and the why’s behind what works best for our students and tools to implement it in our environments through mindfulness and “Grace and Courtesy”. During our time together I will share processes for tapping even deeper into your own potential for calm, how to prepare for and prevent some of the challenges that come from big behaviors in your classrooms, and how to increase mental stamina within children.

Presenter Bio:
Natalie has her Masters Degree in Education (certified to teach birth through 8th grade), along with additional degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education, Language Arts, European and American Literature, and Political Science. She has been teaching for 17 years and is currently a Children’s House Lead Teacher at Walden Green Montessori, a public Montessori school in Spring Lake, Michigan. She has attended two Montessori teacher training programs and holds her 3-6 certificate from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies via the International Montessori Council. She has assisted in teacher trainings during residencies as well as presenting in a number of events for CGMS. She has recently been a guest speaker for LeadKid Academy at their International Montessori Conference. She is passionate about gentle/positive/conscious parenting and educating. She is the creator of the “Gentle Montessorian” and has started to share her content on instagram via @Gentle_Montessorian. Natalie is the mother of two human wildlings and four feline fur babies.
To register for this event please visit:
General Admissions:
CGMS Alumni & Faculty:
Pricing: $45 for general registration, $35 for CGMS Alumni and Faculty.

General: https://forms.guidedstudies.com/mseldin/form/GentleEducatingSP2024General/formperma/DJO-axGm4ShVm9mA5IR9Vo9gdWmTHhwffIjhvsy0gqE

CGMS: https://forms.guidedstudies.com/mseldin/form/GentleEducatingSP2024CGMS/formperma/2syBxyLv_1CoYijJo2ZimGiUOKUrBMBYn28kM5k9iL0

Guidance and Support to Honor “The Child”: Working with Families of ADHD and Autistic Children
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
In this discussion, we will cover how to best be a responsive educator through the following:

building trusting relationships with families;
navigating difficult conversations;
how to best support the child by looking at the adult, the environment/school, and the child;
utilizing resources we will share during the webinar;
and how to guide and support the child and families, regardless of where the child might end up after this process.

Presenter Bio: Tristan Kladzyk has been a Montessorian since first attending Rainbow Montessori School in Sunnyvale, CA in 1987. She is certified in both Early Childhood (Caspari Montessori Institute, 2007) and Infant-Toddler (CGMS, 2020). She worked at Mariposa Montessori School in Austin, TX from 2009 to 2022, where she met and co-taught with Seslie Recker in the Toddler Community. Tristan also has 15 year-old twins who attended Mariposa Montessori from the Infant Program through Upper Elementary. She is currently an Instructional Guide, Practicum Advisor, and Field Consultant for both the IT and EC levels for CGMS.

Seslie Recker is a passionate educator and recent graduate of the CGMS Infant-Toddler program. Her journey in the field began in 2018 when she was hired as a support guide in the Children’s House and Toddler Community at a Montessori School in Austin, Texas.
Currently residing on the South Island of New Zealand with her partner and two children, Seslie finds joy and inspiration in the daily exploration of the world around her. Her time in the classroom has not only equipped her with valuable skills in guiding and nurturing young learners but has also instilled in her a deep appreciation and respect for each child’s unique developmental journey.

Admission Price- $45 for general registration, $35 for CGMS Alumni and Faculty.

Gen: https://forms.guidedstudies.com/mseldin/form/GuidanceandSupporttoHonorTheChildSP2024General/formperma/eHcL-SGJuTAaDmIsEdjZyn_ZPrEw48bi3s6dm1lij2A
CGMS: https://forms.guidedstudies.com/mseldin/form/GuidanceandSupporttoHonorTheChildSP2024CGMS/formperma/eRSZFAoQZlgCI6wYttXrsu4GlIMbsPS9zjcVx08aROw

The Neuroscience of Learning in Montessori with Julia Volkman - Webinar
2024-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Is the Montessori approach aligned with the teachings of neuroscience? How can we use the teachings of neuroscience and Montessori to make learning inherently enjoyable and accessible for all our students? This interactive, lively session will connect educational practice with the science behind plasticity, dynamic development of skill, stress, emotions, and more. This information is applicable to lifelong brain health as well as learning.

Presenter Bio:
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, an educational researcher, a teacher mentor, and the founder and president of the educational project Maitri Learning. Ms. Volkman earned her AMI 3 to 6+ diploma from the Montreal Montessori Training Centre and her Masters from Harvard. Her graduate research on the Montessori movable alphabet won her Harvard Dean’s prize for outstanding research. Her work focuses on transforming education into a transdisciplinary, scientific pedagogy grounded in mind, brain, and education.

Admission Price- $45 for general registration, $35 for CGMS Alumni and Faculty.

Gen: https://share.hsforms.com/1XfBr9qJATFCwyg7kwuHj-Qqjtlw
CGMS: https://share.hsforms.com/1PZYiXoUTQRGOEWQeJFZfrQqjtlw

The Delicate Dance of a Montessori Teaching Team: Choreographing an Engaging and Empowering Partnership Webinar
2024-07-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Cohesive and resilient classroom teaching teams exhibit certain partnership behaviors that serve as the underpinnings of their success. Foundational to everything is trust, respect, and meaningful participation. Team members feel heard and appreciated. There are ample opportunities for professional growth and making contributions to children’s lives and learning. It is the role of the Montessori Guide to create a prepared environment of learning and support for their teaching partners. How this can be accomplished on a daily basis, through guided observation, guided practice, and supportive feedback will be the focus of this workshop. Join Jonathan Wolff for an in-depth review of the “10 Characteristics of Effective Montessori Teaching Teams.”

Presenter Bio: Jonathan Wolff is a Montessori school consultant, leadership coach, teacher educator, and author, who brings to his work 40 years of experience in Montessori education as a classroom teacher and school administrator. He is the author of numerous educational publications, including The Self-Awakened Child – Character Education Program. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Temple University and a certification as a Primary guide from the Association Montessori Internationale. He studied with Mother Isabelle Eugenie, an early student of Maria Montessori.

Event Information:

Join us for an exciting and innovative webinar experience! Different from our previous sessions, this webinar includes a unique format designed to enhance your learning and engagement.

Prior to the live event, all registrants will receive a pre-recorded video covering the core content of the topic, complete with thought-provoking questions and prompts.
On the day of the live session, we’ll meet for a more intimate one-hour discussion and Q&A session, rather than the usual 1.5 hours. This allows us to delve deeper into your questions and insights.
You can choose to watch the pre-recorded video only or join the live follow-up discussion.

Please note that registration is required for all participants to ensure you receive the pre-recorded content. We look forward to your participation and having an insightful, engaging discussion!

Register Below:

Click For General Registration: $45 per person

Click For CGMS Alumni and Faculty: $35 per person :

Register your teaching team (2 attendees) for our July webinar and receive a discounted rate.

Teaching Team Discount (2 attendees):

Click For General Team Registration: $75 total
Click For CGMS Alumni and Faculty Team Registration: $55 total

Montessori Masterclass: Preparing for a Stellar New School Year Webinar
2024-08-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Getting ready for a new school year is a LOT of work, but I’m here to make it more efficient for you! In this session, I’ll start by showing you how to prepare your environment, complete with a list of what you can begin the year with on the shelves in your Early Childhood classroom. Next, I’ll provide a detailed list of lessons for the first few weeks. Together, we’ll also establish a rock-solid behavior system that fosters cooperation, empathy, and trust from day one. Finally, I’ll offer tips on how to prepare yourself and create a plan to sustain your energy throughout the year; after all, spiritual preparation is the core of all that we do as Montessorians. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical tools and gain valuable insights that will help you feel confident and ready for the year ahead!

Presenter Bio: Natalie has her Masters Degree in Education (certified to teach birth through 8th grade), along with additional degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education, Language Arts, European and American Literature, and Political Science. She has been teaching for 17 years and is currently a Children’s House Lead Teacher at Walden Green Montessori, a public Montessori school in Spring Lake, Michigan. She has attended two Montessori teacher training programs and holds her 3-6 certificate from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies via the International Montessori Council. She has assisted in teacher trainings during residencies as well as presenting in a number of events for CGMS. She has recently been a guest speaker for LeadKid Academy at their International Montessori Conference. She is passionate about gentle/positive/conscious parenting and educating. She is the creator of the “Gentle Montessorian” and has started to share her content on instagram via @Gentle_Montessorian. Natalie is the mother of two human wildlings and four feline fur babies.

Register Below:

Click For General Registration: $45 per person

Click For CGMS Alumni and Faculty: $35 per person :

FREE WEBINAR: The Power of Montessori Coaching: The Key to Supporting and Empowering Classroom Guides
2024-08-22 13:00 - 14:15 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
For Montessori educators, who strive to cultivate holistic development in their students, coaching has emerged as an invaluable tool for professional growth and excellence.Together, we will examine the definition and essence of coaching as a tool for Montessori guides, emphasizing its alignment with Montessori philosophy through personalized support and reflective practice, and discussing its unique benefits.

We will conclude by introducing an enriching opportunity for you to offer this type of individually-tailored support to your classroom guides, providing them the resources and assistance they need along their transformative journey to fulfill the role of the prepared adult.

Save Your Spot & Click the link to Register:
https://share.hsforms.com/1gCgpAOJ4RJSPM_R8s8Vjdgqjtlw

About Heather White

Heather White has worked in the world of Montessori for more than fifteen years. She began her
career as a Montessori early childhood guide and continued her path to work in the elementary I
and elementary II classrooms, and later as an Associate Head of School. Heather now works in
several capacities with adult learners working to receive their Montessori certification from The
Center for Guided Montessori Studies and creates digital content for several Montessori
organizations including the American Montessori Society, MirusToys and Guide & Grow.
Heather holds an Ed.S. degree in School Psychology from the University of Central Florida, an
M.Ed. with a concentration in Montessori Studies from Plymouth State University, and she’s a
Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Heather is AMS credentialed at the 3-6 and 6-9 age
groups and also has experience with children ages 0-3 and 9-12.
Heather lives with her husband, Noah, and her dog, Ellie, in quaint and quiet Eustis, Florida. In
her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and playing escape games and going to Disney
with her husband. She also volunteers as an administrator for the largest Montessori at Home 0-
3 Facebook group and is the treasurer of Florida Montessori Partnerships.

About Sharon Caldwell

Sharon Caldwell, BA (Hons), PGCSE, is a Montessori consultant and coach, content creator and online instructor. She holds an AMI diploma for 6 – 12 and has completed the AMI/NAMTA Adolescent Orientation program. In addition she holds a London Montessori Centre 3 – 6 certification. She has experience working with children ages 3 – 15 in Montessori environments, and students from Grades 8 to 12 in a conventional school. With close to 40 years experience in education, including being an instructional guide for the Montessori Foundation Leadership institute, she now supports Montessori guides and administrators online and in person. Sharon is currently Director of Coaching for CGMS.

Progressing Toward Normalization from Day 1: The Inner and Outer Work of Classroom Leadership
2024-09-05 19:00 - 2024-09-19 20:15 (America/New_York)
Guiding children smoothly and steadily toward “normalization” is a task that has multiple dimensions and requires a variety of instructional skills. Foundational to successful classroom leadership is the inner work of the guide – what Dr. Montessori termed our “spiritual preparation.” Equally important is how children experience our relationships and communications, not only with them, but also with our teaching partners and with their parents. Then we have classroom design and environment-care factors, which either promote concentration, engagement, and independence – or may not. What about the “garden” of Grace and Courtesy? Do we plant seeds of social agreements and ground rules of respect in the
first few weeks of school only to permit the weeds of impulsive behavior to sprout repeatedly throughout the year? Do you find yourself spending a lot of time reminding children to put their work away and use kind words? Or do you continue to present daily these essential community behaviors, in the form of roleplaying, storytelling, team-building games, and discussions for the whole school year, right into June? Join Jonathan Wolff in this CGMS three-session Video-Plus-Live-Discussion Course, for an in-depth look at the essential elements of successful classroom leadership.
Event Information:
Join us for an exciting and innovative webinar experience! Different from our previous sessions, this webinar will be in a new three-part format! Here’s how it works:
When you register for this webinar, you will have registered for the entire 3 part series. You can then decide which, if any, live sessions you will attend and which, if any, pre-recorded sessions you will watch based on your own interest and needs.
This webinar will cover the overall topic of Classroom Leadership and Management. Each webinar will dive deeper into this through related or more specific topics.

Prior to each live event session, all registrants will receive a pre-recorded video covering the core content of the topic, complete with thought-provoking questions and prompts prior to the live session.
On the day of the live session, we’ll meet for a more intimate one-hour and 15 minute discussion and Q&A session. This allows us to delve deeper into your questions and insights. To protect your privacy and create a safe learning space, we will not be recording the live sessions. To participate in these sessions, you must attend them live.
You can choose to watch the pre-recorded video only or join the live follow-up discussion.

The live sessions will occur on the following dates:
Thursday, September 5th 7-8:15 pm ET
Thursday, September 12 7-8:15 pm ET
Thursday, September 19 7-8:15 pm ET

How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the last live event on September 19th and will receive all pre-recorded core content, but will not have access to the live Q&A discussions since these sessions will not be recorded.
The rates below include registration for the entire three-part webinar series.

Individual Registration

Click For General Registration: $135 per person

Click For CGMS Alumni and Faculty: $105 per person :

Register your teaching team (2 attendees) at a discounted rate.
The rates below include registration for the entire three-part webinar series.

Teaching Team Discount (2 attendees):

Click For General Team Registration: $255 total
Click For CGMS Alumni and Faculty Team Registration: $195 total

About Jonathan Wolff
Jonathan Wolff is a Montessori school consultant, leadership coach, teacher educator, and author, who brings to his work 40 years of experience in Montessori education as a classroom teacher and school administrator.He is the author of numerous educational publications, including The Self-Awakened Child – Character Education Program. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Temple University and a certification as a Primary guide from the Association Montessori Internationale. He studied with Mother Isabelle Eugenie, an early student of Maria Montessori.

Webinar : Mandala Mastery: Crafting Goals with Metal Insets with Monica Johnson
2024-10-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Join CGMS and Monica Johnson for an exciting webinar on Mandala Mastery: Crafting Goals with Metal Insets!
This workshop will guide Montessori teachers in using the metal insets to create mandalas, incorporating mindfulness practices to set personal and professional goals. Participants will engage in creating mandalas as a form of meditation, reflection, and goal setting for the new school year.

This session aims to help participants understand the benefits of mindfulness and goal setting, learn how to use metal insets to create mandalas, and develop personal and professional goals through a guided mindfulness practice. Additionally, participants will create a visual representation of these goals using mandalas.

Materials Needed:

Metal insets (circle shape)
Metal inset frames (circle shape)
Colored pencils
Metal inset paper
Calm, quiet space for the activity

Register Below!
Admission Price- $45 for general registration, $35 for CGMS Alumni and Faculty.

General: Click To Register for General AdmissionsCGMS: Click to Register for CGMS Alumni & Faculty Admissions

About Monica Johnson
Monica is an Instructional Guide, Field Consultant, and Practicum Advisor at The Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Her Montessori career began in 1998 when she stumbled upon a part time job working as an aide in the Franklin Schools, now known as Metro Montessori in Washington DC. Within 4 years she completed her education, earned her Montessori Credential and taught as a primary guide until 2017 when she retired from the classroom and began a career in education administration. Her field experience includes Montessori classroom education, curriculum development, home visiting, parent education, restorative circles, mediation, grant monitoring and reporting, non-profits, early childhood mental health, private and public school settings, special education and inclusion programs, and homeless-student services.
Education:

Master’s Degree in Montessori Leadership, Sarasota University.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Behavioral Social Science, University of Maryland Adelphi. Alpha Sigma Lambda
AMS Primary Montessori Credential, Montgomery Montessori Institute

Webinar: Integrating Religion and Spirituality in the Montessori Classroom - A Seamless Approach with Greg Hicks
2024-11-18 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
If we look across the vast expanse of human history, to our cultures, art, music, traditions and customs, clothing, architecture, and even our modern societal-norms, structures, and politics, we cannot help but see the profound influence of our religions and spiritual traditions. It is truly seen everywhere and in everything. It is also at the heart of so much conflict, intolerance, misunderstanding, and even war. How is it then that something so important, so influential, so crucial to humanity and society is virtually left out of our educational systems and curriculums?
In this workshop, we will explore this question thoroughly, how to approach and overcome obstacles, and how to seamlessly integrate a historical study of the world’s religions and spiritual traditions into your classroom. We will also discuss ways to avoid offending sensitivities or excluding other’s traditions and points of view.
Finally, we will look at specific lessons extended from the Timeline of Religion and Spiritual Traditions in all curricular areas and how to bring them into our classrooms in a nurturing and seamless way.

Register Below!
Admission Price- $45 for general registration, $35 for CGMS Alumni and Faculty.

General: Click To Register for General AdmissionsCGMS: Click to Register for CGMS Alumni & Faculty Admissions

About Greg Hicks
Greg first came to Montessori education while teaching 4th grade in a public school. He was looking for a different type of education for his son and was fortunate to connect with the director of a local Montessori schoolhouse. This ignited a passionate study, career, and love of Montessori education. Greg has now been a guide in an Upper Elementary classroom for 13 years. He’s worked in both the public charter sector and is currently in a private Montessori school in Tampa, Florida. Greg received his Montessori training from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and is now an instructor there. Greg has been a part of the Center for Guided Montessori Studies for 10 years and is an instructional guide, field consultant, and residency instructor. Along with education, Greg’s passions include meditation, music, reading, and nature.

Webinar: The Self-Observant Teacher with Kitty Bravo
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
As Montessori Guides, we know the importance of observing the children so we can support each child’s unique development, but what about our own development? How do we best support our continuing personal and professional growth? The answer is self-observation. In this workshop we will explore techniques for creating what Dr. Montessori called a serious interior self-study. We will look at how to engage in mindfulness and reflective practices to better understand ourselves and what we bring to the classroom.

Register Below!
Admission Price- $45 for general registration, $35 for CGMS Alumni and Faculty.

General: Click To Register for General AdmissionsCGMS: Click to Register for CGMS Alumni & Faculty Admissions

About Kitty Bravo

Kitty Bravo has been a Montessori Educator for over 40 years, with experience as a teacher, administrator, board member, teacher educator, and consultant. She received her AMI Primary Montessori Certification in 1977 at the Montessori Institute of Atlanta and has a BA in Human Development from Eckerd College.
In 1984, Kitty founded New Gate School in Sarasota, Florida (originally called Countryside). During her tenure as Head of School, Kitty supported a faculty in the development of programs for toddlers through middle school. She left her New Gate administration position in 1997 to pursue other professional challenges, but returned to New Gate in 1999 as an instructor in their teacher education program and in 2000 became the program Director for The New Gate Center for Montessori Studies..
For more than 20 years Kitty has worked as a Montessori consultant and instructor for several Montessori teacher education programs. She has also held administrative positions at three Montessori schools. She is a board member of The New Gate School and serves on the Advisory Board for Sarasota University. Kitty has also presented at AMS and IMC conferences and has traveled as far as China and India to work with Montessori Schools and teachers.
Kitty’s teacher education and consultation work has given her the opportunity to see the many faces of Montessori. She has worked with newly established schools, large and small private schools, as well as working extensively with public magnet Montessori programs and charter Montessori schools. Kitty is committed to providing support to teachers, schools and families as they strive to develop positive environments for children. She is passionate about preserving the legacy of Maria Montessori and believes strongly in Montessori’s mission of transforming society through our children. To this end, Kitty has made teacher education her primary professional focus and is truly committed to supporting CGMS students on their important journey of becoming extraordinary Montessori teachers.

Webinar: Foundational Literacy Practices for 3-6 Learners with Zil Jaeger
2025-01-16 19:00 - 2025-01-23 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
Foundational Literacy Practices for the 3-6 Classroom draws connections between the Montessori approach to literacy and the science of reading. Attendees will learn about the neuroscience of reading and explore how the Montessori Language philosophy maps to current models for reading. Participants will gain practical ideas for enriching spoken language development, learn innovative extensions for the Sandpaper Letters, and explore the versatility of the Moveable Alphabet. Four key strategies are offered for deepening foundational literacy: Sound game activities for blending, presenting letter name and sound simultaneously, including word mapping and word chaining activities with the movable alphabet, and using the heart word method for teaching puzzle words. Equal parts theory and implementation, this dynamic presentation offers a grounding in how we learn to read, while providing educators with techniques and activities to nurture essential early literacy skills within the 3-6 classroom.

Event Information:
Join us for an exciting and innovative webinar experience! Different from our previous sessions, this webinar will be in a two-part format! Here’s how it works:
When you register for this webinar, you will have registered for both parts of this series. You can then decide which, if any, live sessions you will attend.

The live sessions will occur on the following dates:

Thursday, January 16th from 7:00-8:30 pm ET
Thursday, January 23rd from 7:00-8:30 pm ET

How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the first live event on January 16th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!
The rates below include registration for both parts of the webinar series.
Individual Registration

Click For General Registration: $90 per person

Click For CGMS Alumni and Faculty: $70 per person :

Presenter Bio: Zil (they/them) is an experienced Montessori teacher and educational coach, with a passion for literacy and a steadfast commitment to anti-bias, antiracist education. They are trained at the 3-6 and 6-12 ages, with multiple literacy certifications. They believe that classrooms should be spaces of joy, critical engagement, and community-minded learning. An advocate for following literacy sciences, Zil is devoted to translating research into effective classroom strategies. They love supporting teachers, caregivers, and schools to empower children in their learning. Learn more at their website, www.ziljaeger.com or via Instagram @ziljaeger.

FREE Webinar: Montessori Based Doula Support with Cynthia Jordan Fisher and Kitty Bravo!
2025-02-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Join CGMS Director of Education, Kitty Bravo, as she introduces Cynthia Jordan Fisher and our upcoming Montessori Based Postpartum Doula Certification program. In this inspiring and FREE webinar, you will discover how Montessori principles can enrich and transform the postpartum doula support experience. This engaging session will provide an insightful overview of the new Montessori Based Postpartum Doula Certification program, exploring key practices and philosophies that align with the Montessori approach to nurturing and care. Whether you’re a doula, home visitor, birth worker, or simply curious about holistic support in early development, this webinar is for you! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn with Cynthia Jordan Fisher.

Click here to register for FREE today!

Webinar Description:

Montessori Based Doula Support—what does that look like?

Come explore the fast-emerging yet timeless field called “Doula” support. This time, however, as seen through a Montessori lens. What do Dr. Maria Montessori’s definitions of such concepts as symbiosis, points of reference, and the prepared environment, combined with newborn care, cultural humility, and empowering parents look like? We will take a look at the critical period in a parent’s life with their newborn and how they can relax and gain confidence through a Postpartum Doula’s experienced hands and insights.

There is an important role that Doulas with a Montessori based approach can have in today’s world. Deeply pouring into a Montessori approach to understanding intricate developmental needs beginning at conception through the first months of life, it equips a Doula with vital knowledge and confidence, which she then imparts to parents. A Montessori based Doula can then do so through learned, humble, and empowering practices.
“…So we have to ask ourselves what we ought to do, and what kind of environment to make, if we want to help the child. [I]f it is a newborn baby who has to construct his adaptation, what kind of environment can we prepare for him? “
– Dr. Maria Montessori,
The Absorbent Mind

About Cynthia Jordan Fisher:

Cynthia completed AMI Assistants to Infancy training with Dr. Montanaro, Gianna Gobbi, and Judi Orion in 1985 while working in a corporate-housed Infant Nido (for 6 wk to 12 month olds). After giving birth to her first child in 1986, Cynthia supported multicultural mothers in their homes in Hawaii as a Child Development Specialist, teaching home visitors and parents newborn care, reading babies’ cues and assessing and strengthening the mother-baby bond. Cynthia also graduated with a BA in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic.
Cynthia has worked continuously with families in Charlottesville since 1995, where she began Montessori classes for parents with newborns to age 3. While working as a postpartum doula over the past two decades, she especially enjoys helping parents gain insights into their newborn from a Montessori perspective.
Cynthia also helps create prepared newborn and infant environments to encompass their particular developmental needs. She trains and mentors women as they begin the work as postpartum doulas as well.

About Kitty Bravo:
Kitty Bravo has been a Montessori Educator for over 40 years, with experience as a teacher, administrator, board member, teacher educator, and consultant. She received her AMI Primary Montessori Certification in 1977 at the Montessori Institute of Atlanta and has a BA in Human Development from Eckerd College.
In 1984, Kitty founded New Gate School in Sarasota, Florida (originally called Countryside). During her tenure as Head of School, Kitty supported a faculty in the development of programs for toddlers through middle school. She left her New Gate administration position in 1997 to pursue other professional challenges, but returned to New Gate in 1999 as an instructor in their teacher education program and, in 2000, became the program Director for The New Gate Center for Montessori Studies.
For more than 20 years, Kitty has worked as a Montessori consultant and instructor for several Montessori teacher education programs. She has also held administrative positions at three Montessori schools. She is a board member of The New Gate School and serves on the Advisory Board for Sarasota University. Kitty has also presented at AMS and IMC conferences and has traveled as far as China and India to work with Montessori Schools and teachers.
Kitty’s teacher education and consultation work has given her the opportunity to see the many faces of Montessori. She has worked with newly established schools, large and small private schools, as well as working extensively with public magnet Montessori programs and charter Montessori schools. Kitty is committed to providing support to teachers, schools, and families as they strive to develop positive environments for children. She is passionate about preserving the legacy of Maria Montessori and believes strongly in Montessori’s mission of transforming society through our children. To this end, Kitty has made teacher education her primary professional focus and is truly committed to supporting CGMS students on their important journey of becoming extraordinary Montessori teachers.

(Canceled) Webinar: The Road to Integrity Through Integration with Mary Ellen Maunz
2025-02-12 19:00 - 2025-02-19 20:30 (America/New_York)
Unfortunately, the events listed below have been canceled. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to stay tuned for a rescheduled date. All payments will be fully refunded.
Webinar Description:
Greetings! Please join me for a two-part webinar on the topic of Integration and Integrity. Part 1 will delve into the necessity of helping children fully develop, possible only through integration of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Most schools work with the mind and body, but the child is always one whole and has emotional and spiritual needs we cannot always see but can intuit. Without answering the child’s needs on all four levels of being, lack of balance, rather than inner strength, is inevitable. In Part 2, we will discuss our own needs as adults to find balance through integration of our own parts. It is through that never-ending process of spiritually preparing that we can best serve the needs of each child, enabling us to stand tall as parents and guides with true integrity. As Maria Montessori said, we would say that we have accompanied the child on his path of development.

Presenter Bio:
Mary Ellen Maunz is a dedicated educator and mother of three grown children, with a BS in Child Development and an M.Ed. in Integrative Learning. Her Montessori journey began with AMI training for ages 2½-6 in 1972 and for ages 6-12 in 1975, followed by becoming a PAMS Master Teacher in 1983. In recognition of her contributions, she received the MACTE Wisdom of the Elder award in 2016.
Since 1972, Mary Ellen has been involved in teaching and administration, and since 1980, she has served as a teacher educator. She is the Founder, Course Author, and Program Director of Age of Montessori/Authentic Institute of Montessori, which she led from 2010 to 2024. She is also the author of Learning to Read is a Child’s Play and Nurturing Your Child’s Inner Life. Throughout her career, Mary Ellen has lectured, consulted, and taught on six continents, including 10 summers in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Webinar: 'The Changing Landscape of Biology: Aligning Montessori with New Discoveries' with Donna Booth
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
Explore how the Montessori biology curriculum can evolve to reflect the groundbreaking discoveries of the last century in this engaging and thought-provoking event. Drawing inspiration from the work of Montessori scientist Priscilla Spears, we will examine how to update the traditional scope and sequence of biology lessons to align with modern scientific understanding. Topics will include the history of life, the science of life, and the adaptation and evolution of living organisms. Participants will delve into the characteristics and needs of living things, explore the study of classification and taxonomy, and gain insights into the three domains of life and their interdependence. Practical ideas for presenting these concepts to students will be shared, ensuring that Montessori guides are equipped to teach biology in a way that honors both Montessori principles and current scientific knowledge. Join us to bring the dynamic, ever-changing world of biology into your classroom!

How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the live event on March 27th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!
Individual Registration:

Click For General Registration: $45 per person
Click For Alumni & Faculty Registration: $35 per person

Presenter Bio:
Donna Booth became interested in Montessori education after volunteering in a Montessori elementary classroom while pursuing her degree in Sociology at Western University in London, Canada. She later completed her AMI Elementary 6-12 training in Bergamo, Italy, where she was captivated by many aspects of the Montessori approach, particularly its universality.
Over the years, Donna has had the opportunity to work in three different schools in Canada, as well as an international Montessori school in Beijing, China. Her teaching experience spans all elementary levels, and she has also taken on administrative roles, including serving as Head of School. After returning to Toronto, she played a pivotal role in starting and running a Dual Language (English/Mandarin) school program for children ages 4-12.
As a parent of two children who went through Montessori, Donna observed firsthand how the Montessori approach transformed them into confident, engaging, and self-motivated young adults.
Through her travels across North America, Europe, and Asia, Donna has visited many schools and witnessed the profound impact Montessori education has had on countless lives. She is delighted to work with CGMS, contributing to the development and inspiration of a new generation of Montessorians.

(Canceled) Webinar: Empowering Children to Become Active Participants and Advocates in Society with Karen Simon!
2025-04-10 19:00 - 2025-04-17 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:

Dr. Montessori said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” Our Prepared Environments nurture and stimulate the child’s potential in many different ways.

How can lessons in civics, economics, ecology, etc., for children of all ages, help define what it means to be an active participant in society? How can these lessons help concretize the abstract to impact the children’s understanding and experience of their cosmic tasks in the world?
We will look at developing cross-curricular, shelf-ready materials and activities to help children of all ages to develop the necessary skills to see themselves as change-makers both in their own communities and in society at large.

Presenter Bio:
Karen Simon has been a Montessori educator for over 30 years, teaching children 2 ½ – 12 years old, as well as adults. She was born and raised in Venezuela and has lived in the USA since the mid-1970’s. She holds a BA in Modern Languages and AMS credentials for Early Childhood and Elementary I-II. Karen designed, implemented, co-directed and taught at a Montessori school for children 2 1/2 through 15 years old in Central Florida for 20 years. She is currently focused on teacher education and making Montessori education more accessible in both English and Spanish. She is a faculty member in teacher education programs and a former chair of the MACTE Board of Directors.

Introduction to Montessori Early Childhood Education: Benefits of 5 Curriculum Areas with Catherine Ching!
2025-04-22 14:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Are you interested in discovering how Montessori’s five curriculum areas can transform your teaching practice? Join us for an enlightening session that delves into each area and its benefits for early childhood education.
In this webinar we will discover:

Can 3-6 year-olds learn all of this content?
What role do these activities play in developing concentration, independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills?

and much more!
Benefits of 5 Curriculum Areas
Montessori education divides learning into five distinct curriculum areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. Each area is designed to develop specific skills and knowledge, 1 fostering holistic growth in young children. Practical Life activities teach children essential life skills, such as self-care, social interactions, and responsibility. Sensorial exercises engage children’s senses, helping them refine their perception and understanding of the world around them. Mathematics in Montessori education goes beyond mere number recognition; it builds a strong foundation in mathematical concepts through hands-on materials and activities. Language development is enriched through a variety of activities that promote reading, writing, and verbal communication. Cultural Studies expose children to geography, history, science, and arts, broadening their understanding of the world and fostering a sense of global citizenship
Register Here: https://bit.ly/INTROTOECE

Introduction to Montessori Early Childhood Education: The 4 Pillars of Education with Catherine Ching!
2025-04-25 14:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Are you intrigued by how the Four Pillars of Education can revolutionize your teaching practice? Join us to explore these foundational principles and their impact on early childhood education.
In this webinar we will discover:

How can these pillars be effectively implemented in early childhood education settings?
What strategies can educators use to balance cognitive, practical, social, and personal development?
How can the Montessori approach enhance each pillar of education for young learners?

Webinar Description:
The 4 Pillars of Education
The Four Pillars of Education, as proposed by UNESCO, align closely with Montessori principles and provide a comprehensive framework for early childhood education. These pillars are:

Learning to Know
Learning to Do
Learning to Live Together
Learning to Be

“Learning to Know” emphasizes the importance of cognitive development and intellectual curiosity, encouraging children to explore and understand the world around them. “Learning to Do” focuses on practical skills and the application of knowledge, fostering problem-solving and hands-on learning experiences. “Learning to Live Together” highlights the significance of social and emotional development, promoting collaboration, empathy, and respect for diversity. “Learning to Be” addresses the holistic development of the child, nurturing self-awareness, self-esteem, and personal growth.

Register Here: bit.ly/INTROTOECE

Free Webinar: The Importance of a Digital Citizenship and AI Literacy Course with Dana Anderson!
2025-05-06 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Join Bridgemont on May 6th at 6:30 PM ET for a FREE webinar with kids’ and teens’ digital learning expert and MACTE/AMI credentialed Montessorian Dana Anderson, MS, to explore this vital need for today’s Montessori middle schoolers: A comprehensive digital citizenship and AI literacy program.

Even in low-tech environments, our students are navigating an increasingly digital world. For this generation, technology is practical life, and preparing the whole adolescent means equipping them with the skills to navigate it responsibly.

This webinar introduces a standalone live virtual course for students, designed to seamlessly integrate with your Montessori philosophy, viewing digital citizenship through the lens of Practical Life and Peace Education. Led by Dana Anderson, this engaging course offers a blend of curated resources and Montessori-aligned lessons covering essential topics such as AI literacy, anti-cyberbullying, responsible social media use, virtual etiquette, digital privacy, creative rights, healthy screen time, online collaboration, and global digital citizenship.

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your students for the future —

Register for this free webinar below!
https://share.hsforms.com/10LXnuquSQiaHWoxJt7QhRAqjtlw
