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WORKSHOP SESSION A
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Fostering Strong Parent-Teacher Connection During Conferences
(Infant/Toddler)
by Olga Soto and Sandhya Bemby
In this workshop, we will explore and discuss the importance of fostering strong parent-teacher connections during conferences. Building these connections is essential for supporting a child's development, strengthening trust, and creating a collaborative learning environment.
The participants will review the Developmental Milestone Document, which serves as a valuable tool for guides in understanding and communicating each child's progress. They will also be introduced to ideas for preparing the physical setting where conferences are conducted. Special focus will be given to how to write positive and professional reports. We will discuss how to use developmental insights to inform conversations with parents and partners effectively in the child’s growth.
Engage your students with botany
(Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary)
by Goldy Safirstein
Since I’ve used my botany program with Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary, I will provide pertinent information for teachers at all three levels. Participants will take part in a hands-on lesson appropriate to the level at which they teach. I will share my experiences and provide attendees with resources and sample lessons for each level. Breaking into small groups, participants will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities specific to the Tristate area of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Participants will walk away with ideas as to how they can implement a strong botany program, whether for one class, one age level, or the entire school.
I want participants to take with them a basic, practical framework on which to build their own program that goes beyond the botany cabinet and three-part cards. They will get a list of suggestions and resources that they can use as soon as they get back to their schools. Even if they have a “black thumb”, participants will gain confidence in their ability to fully engage their students in the study of the plants and trees around them.
Positively Managing Behaviors in the Classroom - Tips for Successful Outcomes
(Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood)
by Greg Carr and Robin Mammone
Our presentation will introduce The Uncommon Thread (TUT), a New Jersey-based nonprofit that has been providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for nearly 20 years. While we’ll briefly share our founding story and the meaningful impact we’ve made in the lives of children with autism, the primary focus will be on how ABA principles can be applied in early childhood and classroom settings. We’ll provide a concise overview of autism, including early signs and the critical importance of early intervention—particularly between the ages of 1 and 5. We'll highlight ABA therapy as the only evidence-based treatment for autism and explore its practical application across inclusive environments such as daycares, Pre-K programs, and classrooms.
The heart of the presentation will focus on understanding key principles of behavior and equipping participants with practical, evidence-based strategies for managing behavior in educational settings. Attendees will learn how techniques such as positive reinforcement can be used to encourage appropriate behaviors, support learning, and create structured, nurturing environments.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how ABA works in real-world settings and gain actionable tools to help all children—especially those with autism—thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Educators will learn simple, practical strategies to redirect challenging behaviors and encourage positive ones, making classroom management more effective. We’ll also provide guidance on how to approach conversations with parents when autism is suspected, including how to refer them to their pediatrician.
Additionally, we’ll share how our complimentary family education sessions promote consistency between home and school, benefiting the child across environments. A Q&A session will follow the presentation to address specific concerns and real-world classroom scenarios. Our goal is to equip educators with tools they can apply immediately and confidently.
Fundraising Fundamentals: Build Your Development Program from the Inside-Out
(Administration, General)
by Starr Snead
This practical workshop will help you rebuild a “big picture” advancement program for your school – one steered by a steady guiding strategy that will make it easier to distinguish the long-term from the short-term, the critical from the coincidental, the realistic measures from the overly ambitious. It requires vision, confidence, collaboration, creativity and action plans. Combine these elements into a strong, sustainable and leading-edge advancement program for your Montessori School.
Learner Outcomes:
1) Identifying priorities that form the core of Montessori school development practices;
2) Outlining optimal approaches for establishing and evaluating development goals; ensuring acceptance of and support for development priorities;
3) Identifying measures by which you, your Head of School and Board can define “success” in a small (generally one-person) advancement office;
4) Understanding the tools/benchmarks needed to build, manage and evaluate a successful Montessori development program;
5) Keeping focused on what’s important when everything seems overwhelming!
In this highly interactive workshop, there will be robust “resource sharing.” Participants will leave with a portfolio of materials – templates, samples and the like – that they can put to immediate use. Also, attendees will be able to sign up for an hour of personal consultation at a mutually convenient time following the conference.
Understanding Therapy for Children
(All Audiences)
by Anna Deming
Research repeatedly shows that when schools invest in the mental health of their students early, children are more likely to stay in school, student classroom behavior improves, peer relationships are stronger, students have greater academic success, and students are more likely to reach their goals. Investing in student social and emotional development improves not only the lives of children, but also of families, and entire communities. Schools have a unique opportunity for early intervention and prevention by providing services in the place where children already spend the majority of their time. In order to do this, schools must provide faculty and staff with the appropriate knowledge and resources.
Understanding Therapy for Children will provide participants with an overview of what therapy for children looks like, an explanation of why play is important in therapy for children and how play is used. The presentation will provide an introduction to how parents, caregivers, and school staff can be involved in therapy for children, as well as resources to help school staff support the healthy social-emotional development of their students.
While there are many different approaches to therapy with children, almost all include play or creative expression of some kind. We know that play is how children communicate, so play is utilized in therapy to help children express their feelings, help change their perspective, and help them learn to regulate their emotions.
Additionally, the presentation will also go over signs that a student may benefit from therapy. Many children and families could benefit from extra support during times of transition and major life changes. Therapy can also help address concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, and self esteem concerns. These concerns present differently depending on a child’s developmental stage, we will review signs and symptoms to help school staff better identify who might benefit.
We hope that participants will gain a basic overview of what child therapy looks like and how play and creative arts are used to support children’s mental health. Participants will gain knowledge about signs and symptoms that indicate that a child might be struggling with a mental health concern. Participants will also have an understanding of when and how to refer a child and family to mental health services. Additionally, participants will gain resources for helping to support the healthy social-emotional development of their students.
Improv and Montessori; Theater games for emotional intelligence
(EC, LE, UE, General)
by Miriam Jochnowitz, Rebecca Stouard
Improv came to be when a mentee of Dr. Montessori, Neva Boyd, teamed up with actress Viola Spolin to develop a system that improved social skills and bridged cultural differences for at-risk children in Chicago in the 1920s.
In this workshop, we will engage in improv activities that encourage collaborative teamwork and a growth mindset. (There are no mistakes in improv!) We will explore ways to adapt activities for different age groups.
In addition to learning games and techniques to use with primary and elementary children, participants will hone their abilities to think on their feet, pivot, and react in the moment to challenging situations. Above all, we will get in touch with our own playful sides and have a whole lot of fun.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will know: how role play, theater games, and dramatic play can be used to develop social problem-solving skills and to create a supportive environment in the classroom.
Reactive Behavior: Teach the Behavior You Hope to See (1 hour 15 minutes)
(Early Childhood)
by Pamela Shanks
Reactive Behavior: Teach the Behavior You Hope to See (1 hour 15 minutes)
Reactive behaviors are behavior patterns that interfere with learning and positive social
interactions. In this post-COVID era, they are frighteningly common in primary classrooms. This
presentation will focus on the “how to” of teaching and prevention by covering topics such as the
difference between tantrums and meltdowns; the value of the language of emotion and sensation;
interpreting and honoring the communicative intent behind reactive behavior; the pitfalls of BIG
instructions; and the power of using positive, encouraging language. Walk away with a renewed
sense of purpose and a list of things to implement on Monday!
Workshop SESSION B
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Nurturing Whole-Brain Development through Montessori
This workshop is canceled.
(Early Childhood)
by Poornima Venketraman
IIn the early years of childhood, it's essential to nurture both the left and right brain functions to support overall cognitive, social, and emotional development. When children engage both sides of their brain, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, unleash their creativity and imagination, and build effective language and communication skills.
In this session, we'll dive into a range of engaging Montessori activities specifically designed to promote holistic brain development in young learners. These activities are not only fun but also easy to implement, making them perfect for incorporation into your classroom's work cycle or recess time. By integrating these activities into your teaching practice, you'll create a balanced and nurturing learning environment that supports the unique needs of each child.
Our goal is to provide children with a strong foundation for future success, and by focusing on whole-brain development, we can help them become curious, creative, and confident learners. Through these Montessori activities, you'll discover practical ways to support the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of your students, setting them up for a lifetime of learning and exploration.
Participants can expect to take away a deeper understanding of how to foster holistic brain development in children through practical Montessori activities that are easy to implement in the classroom. They will gain insights into how integrated brain development supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth, and learn strategies for creating balanced learning environments.
By the end of the session, participants will have a range of new approaches to support whole-brain learning, including ways to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication. They will be equipped with practical tools and techniques to promote imagination, problem-solving, and social skills in their students, ultimately enhancing their teaching practices and supporting the unique needs of each child.
Ignite Special Events that Fire on All Cylinders!
(Admin, General)
by Starr Snead
Is your school in a twist with its special events? Are you spending too much time organizing and managing volunteers with results that leave you less than elated? Examine current trends in the industry and outline ways to design and evaluate special event programs for maximum return on investment. Discover how Montessori school can expand their fundraising horizons and increase event revenue through sponsorships. Put on your party hat and join a seasoned special event pro who knows what’s in, what’s out, what’s hot, and what’s not.
Learner Outcomes:
1) Understand the difference between “fundraising” and “friendraising” events and how to structure each to best advantage;
2) Identify the essential processes and procedures to orchestrate a successful school event;
3) What measurement tools and benchmarks should be used to define success;
4) Can we envision events that are simultaneously revenue-strong AND inclusive? How can we navigate the tension between the two?
In this highly interactive workshop, there will be robust “resource sharing.” Participants will leave with a portfolio of materials – templates, samples and the like – that they can put to immediate us. Also, attendees will be able to sign up for an hour of personal consultation at a mutually convenient time following the conference.
Balancing Freedom and Limit: A Montessori Guide for Parents
(Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood)
by Sue Saad, Shomaila Zafar
“In a well-prepared Montessori environment, a trained adult offers children the liberty to choose their activities within set limits. This delicate balance between freedom and boundaries helps guide children toward normalization, a state of self-discipline, concentration, and joyful learning. Adults must recognize that each child is guided by an internal discipline and a natural developmental plan. Our understanding of freedom and discipline profoundly shapes how we interact with children; it influences how we observe, interpret behavior, prepare the environment, and respond in our daily work. It also impacts our fulfillment and effectiveness as educators or parents.
In this workshop, Shomaila and Sue will explore the Montessori concepts of freedom and limits. They will provide guidance for teachers on how to help parents understand the dynamic relationship between freedom and discipline. The session will emphasize how freedom, when paired with clear, consistent boundaries, nurtures the child’s capacity for self-discipline. Whether at home or in the Montessori classroom, thoughtful preparation of the environment with both freedom and limits in mind is essential to fostering healthy development. The workshop examines what children gain from freedom and also the role of the adult. The workshop addresses common obstacles to freedom, such as inconsistent boundaries, over-control, lack of understanding of child development, and environments that do not support independence. Shomaila and Sue will provide insights and tools to help teachers identify and overcome these barriers.
Participants will gain:
Understanding of Montessori’s approach to freedom and discipline: balance freedom with age-appropriate limits, child’s inner drive for self-discipline, role of an adult, tools to support parents. and recognize obstacles to freedom.
Extensions, connections and some (other) stuff, too. . . in all areas of the classroom!
(Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary)
by Ruth Pace
After our intense Montessori training has been completed, we are then confronted with practicing and applying all that we've learned to a class of children?!! The last thing on our minds is probably "Oh, that lesson has been presented and, now, there are supposed to be connections... to what?!" However, with a bit of "experience" (time), the discovery occurs that a connection or two, CAN be comfortably and automatically included in each lesson! In fact, frequently, the children will begin to happily make connections before you have a chance to.
This presentation will "show and tell" some "tried and true" extensions and connections to be made within and between subject areas, with time at the end to share YOUR favorite connections. Sharing among Montessorians is so important and necessary to the future of our passion to guide children's learning!
Embracing Neurodiversity: Supporting ADHD Learners in the Classroom
(All Audiences)
by Puja Panchal
This presentation will explore the science behind ADHD and its neurodevelopmental roots, with a focus on embracing ADHD in the classroom. Educators will gain a deeper understanding of how ADHD affects learning and behavior, allowing them to shift their perspective from viewing ADHD as a challenge to recognizing it as a natural aspect of neurodiversity. The session will emphasize how to leverage the strengths of ADHD learners, such as creativity and resilience, to enhance learning outcomes. Attendees will be introduced to practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment that supports ADHD students in their academic and social development. By the end of the session, teachers will be equipped with actionable tools to foster a supportive, strengths-based classroom culture that promotes success for all students.
Learning "in the Round": Creating Meaningful Artist Studies in the Montessori Classroom
(Early Childhood and Lower Elementary)
by Robyn Mernick
A well-developed artist study has the capacity to enrich children's understanding of technique and style, as well as their awareness of identity and the world beyond their own experience. In this workshop, participants will learn how to create an inspiring artist study that spans the school year. We will examine a curriculum created by Robyn dedicated to the motif of the circle, as seen through the work of a varied group of artists, styles and media, By exploring the biographies of artists and their place in history, we will also explore a unique way to explore identity, diversity and inclusion. Through the lens of this simple shape, a multitude of perspectives are revealed.
Participants will learn:
How to create a meaningful and accessible artist study for the primary and elementary classrooms
How teachers can support open-ended opportunities for art-making through presentations, preparation of the environment, and language and interactions
How to structure and prepare an art shelf/art activities that promote process over product
How to prepare individual and collaborative activities for children to create their own work inspired by an artist and their technique, rather than replicating a particular piece of art
How to utilize artists' biographies to explore identity and history
How to connect an artist study throughout Montessori's curriculum areas to spark meaningful discussion and learning
How to present children's learning in parent communications and display
Workshop SESSION C
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Observation as an Equity Tool: Using Observation to Recognize and Reduce Biases in the Classroom
(Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood)
by Melissa Freeman and Sheba Kapur
In Montessori classrooms, teachers act as guides, observing each child’s development and tailoring their support to meet the child’s needs. The foundation is rooted in the belief that children should be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. However, even the most attentive educators may inadvertently introduce biases into their practices. This workshop will equip Montessori educators with strategies to use observation as a tool to uncover and address biases in the classroom. Participants will learn to identify biases, reflect on their practices, and implement actionable strategies.
Participants will:
Understand how observation reveals biases in teaching
Develop strategies for unbiased observations that support equitable practices
Implement tools to foster inclusivity & respect for diverse identities
Reflect on biases & move toward equity-centered teaching
Use AI tools to enhance observation
Bringing Montessori Outdoors: freedom within limits
(Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary)
by Karen Kapoor
The presentation will include a slideshow of pictures of outings that I have taken children on in our Montessori community. I will have concrete tips for educators on how to make these outdoor excursions successful and safe. I would love to end with a brainstorming session of possible activities that can be conducted outside.
I would love for participants to be inspired to take their classes outdoors, and I would love to equip them with the tools and tips they will need to make these trip successful and safe.
Cosmic Grammar, infusing the cultural themes into grammar work
(Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary)
by Jon Otto
During this workshop attendees will see examples of grammar work infused with cultural content such as astronomy, evolutionary biology, zoology, and ecology. They will work in small groups and individually to create work of their own based on the same and other topics from the Montessori Cosmic Curriculum.
Attendee work will focus on one biome or ecosystem including one relevant food web and will develop sentence analysis work in the context of each ecosystem including the action, subject, object, and adverbial extensions.
A goal of this program is to help guides understand the integrated, cross-curricular nature of Cosmic Education and the motivational and inspirational power of the cultural themes in all facets of the work of the child. Another goal for residents is to find value in the grammatical analysis of language in terms of the development of logic and mathematical thinking.
Managing and Understanding Diverse Behaviors of Children: Strategies and Practices For a Montessori Setting
(General)
by Gioia Tripicchio
This workshop aims to equip Montessori administrators, teachers and teaching assistants with effective strategies to understand and practices to manage a wide range of behaviors exhibited by children aged 2.5 to 6 years. As this developmental stage is crucial for emotional, social, and cognitive growth, understanding the nuances of child behavior can significantly impact their long-term development. We will explore the foundations of child behavior, discuss common challenges, and provide practical techniques to foster positive behavior through empathy, communication, and structured environments.
Objectives:
1. To identify typical and atypical behaviors in children aged 2.5 to 6 years.
2. To share evidence-based strategies for addressing various behavioral issues, including aggression, anxiety, and defiance.
3. To emphasize the role of attachment theory and emotional intelligence in managing individual behaviors.
4. To offer hands-on workshops that engage participants in practical applications of behavioral management techniques.
5. To create a networking platform for professionals to share insights and resources.
The Perfectly Imperfect Infant Toddler Guide: A Roundtable for Shared Wisdom, Reflection, and Real Talk
(Infant/Toddler)
by Michelle Blake, Adrienne Frautten, Jessica Munoz
A Roundtable Workshop for Montessori Infant & Toddler Guide
Welcome!
This is a space for honest conversation, mutual support, and shared wisdom. The roundtable format gives you time to connect with peers who understand the beauty and challenge of Montessori Infant & Toddler work.
How It Works
The workshop includes 3 rounds of guided table discussions, each lasting 15 minutes.
Each round focuses on a different theme relevant to our work with infants and toddlers.
At each round, you’ll join a new table/topic of your choice.
Diverse by Design: Lessons from 11 Years of Mission, Mindset, and Mechanics in Leading an Urban Montessori School
(Administration)
by Myani Lawson and Vaneen Anderson
Join Myani Lawson, Founder and Executive Director of Bergen-Lafayette Montessori School, and Assistant Head of School Vaneen Anderson for an engaging and interactive session on leading a mission-driven Montessori school in a diverse urban setting. Drawing on over a decade of experience, they will share practical lessons on balancing the big-picture mission with the day-to-day mechanics of school leadership.
Participants will explore key themes, including mission clarity, operations management, building a strong school identity, fostering a collaborative culture, and sustaining work/life balance. Through reflection, group activities, and real-world examples, attendees will gain actionable tools to lead with purpose, equity, and resilience, especially in underserved communities.
Whether you’re a new or experienced school leader, this workshop offers insights and strategies to empower your leadership journey and create an inclusive, thriving learning environment.