Archives: NEWS

Free Back to School Teacher Wellness Webinar!

The Power of Breath and Laughter for Teachers and Children in the Classroom

September 25, 2023

Free on Zoom!
This free, fun and interactive webinar for teachers is about how to use your mind and body to access more joy and well-deserved

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The 29th International Montessori Congress: 2-5 August 2023

The goal of The 29th International Montessori Congress is to raise awareness and understanding of Montessori education as a global influence in our rapidly changing world. The conference theme, “Education for a New World”, promises to inspire all delegates to appreciate the significance of their work and to return

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AMI/USA is Hiring! Pedagogical Director of Consultation and Coaching

Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) is one of the premier Montessori associations in the USA. We seek an expert Montessorian to serve as our Pedagogical Director of Consultation and Coaching (PDCC) to join our leadership team. This is a hands-on leadership role that support the organization’s pedagogy and

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AMI/USA is Hiring! Sr. Director of Finance

Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) seeks an experienced Sr. Director of Finance (SDoF) to join our leadership team. This is a hands-on leadership role that support the organization’s operations and financial functions. Oversees fiscal planning, business operations, and human resource functions. The SDoF is responsible for supporting and executing

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Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Leadership

Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Leadership

By Daisy Han

 

Close your eyes and think about three Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders. 

Who do you think of? How long did it take? Can you name three leaders you personally know? In what ways have

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2023 Administrators Retreat Registration is Live

AMI/USA is happy to announce the Summer 2023 Administrators Retreat “Leading Amid Today’s Challenges” this July 13-16 in Columbia, MD. We are excited to have Whole School Leadership Institute (WSLI) partner with us to co-sponsor this year’s retreat.

We are thrilled to host two dynamic keynote speakers, Dr. Pamela Taylor and Dr. Marc Frankel who

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Earth Day 2023

This Earth Day, we are featuring submission from students at Butler Montessori. After listening to their presentation at the 2023 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses & More, we are proud to showcase these youth who are moving from rhetoric to action.

Save The Earth Project (STEP) Our Story – Our Future

My Poetic Journey

From poets.org: “The 2023 poster was designed by Marc Brown, creator of the popular Arthur book and PBS television series.” “Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers,

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MEx24 Presentation Proposals Open

In preparation for the 2024 Montessori Experience in Dallas/Addison, Texas, February 16 – 19, 2024, we are receiving presentation proposals for consideration.

Workshops will be held Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 20.
The theme for the 2024 Montessori Experience is forthcoming.

Submissions should be emailed to AMI/USA Events Director and should include:

2024 Montessori Experience Call For Presentations Proposals

In preparation for the 2024 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More! in Dallas/Addison Texas, February 16 – 19, 2024, we are receiving presentation proposals for consideration.

Workshops will be held Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 20.

The theme “Educating for Peace” is inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s book Read More +

Women’s Storytelling: My Balm in Gilead

Prelude

We are at the end of the celebration of Women’s History Month. The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month, has offered the theme for 2023, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”(NWHA) Earlier

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Farmworker Awareness Week in the Montessori Environment

Farmworker Awareness Week in the Montessori Environment

March 25-31, 2023

By: Marina Sáenz, M.Ed.

Farmworker History in the Settler-Colonial United States

The last week in March is National Farmworker Awareness Week. It is “a week of action for students and community

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JEDI Spring Series

SESSION 2: Exploring Gender Expansiveness in the Montessori Environment

March 20, 2023 at 7 pm EST

Transgender Visibility Day is on March 31, 2023. As a prelude to this day of recognition, our goal at AMI/USA is to explore gender expansiveness in Montessori settings. Please join us as Sara Bloomberg moderates an open discussion

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In Appreciation of Phyllis Pottish-Lewis

In Appreciation of Phyllis Pottish-Lewis

Phyllis Pottish-Lewis is a woman of many passions – Oaxacan carved wooden figures, storytelling, octopuses, her family, a well-turned phrase, traveling to parts unknown, artisan jewelry, dear friends, certain chocolate cookies…and of course, children. It is her unwavering dedication to Montessori education that

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Women’s History Month 2023

Association of Montessori International/USA

Women’s History Month

March 1- March 31, 2023

by Sheri Bishop, M.Ed

The National Women’s History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month, has announced the women’s history theme for 2023, “Celebrating Women Who Tell

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How to Create Change When You Are Part of the System

I am not sure when I realized the “White Man” that civil rights leaders referred to meant “White People” collectively and “White supremacy”. I became aware that I, a White woman, was included in this group. I was embarrassingly late to this realization. It was even later when I became aware

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – January 16, 2023

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – January 16, 2023

On this day of service, the nation will honor the memory and tireless work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  On this day, and after it passes, all educators, from all backgrounds, will be well served by

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In Memoriam Tribute: Martha Urioste

Dr. Martha Urioste

October 2, 1937 – December 8, 2022

Community,

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of Dr. Martha Urioste. She transitioned from this world Thursday, December 8, 2022. Dr. Martha was one of the first persons to bring Montessori to the public sector in Colorado.

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In Memoriam Tribute: Willa Mae Golden

Willa Mae Golden
October 10, 1938 – October 25, 2022

“Willa Mae Golden—inspired teacher and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—passed away on October 25, 2022, in Washington, DC. She was 84.”

This heartfelt opening can be found in the 11/9/22 life celebration obituary for Mama Golden, as I affectionately referred to

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Gratitude for The National Day of Mourning


Gratitude for The National Day of Mourning

By: Siobhan Growing Elm Brown, Mashpee Wampanoag

As a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, my elders taught me that to be Wampanoag is to live in a state of gratitude. To me, walking in gratitude

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The 2022 JEDI Series

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Webinars

As our 2020 Racial Equity Statement declares, “We acknowledge that building and maintaining an inclusive, racially equitable culture will be never-ending and that ever-lasting transformation requires courage, persistence, unwavering commitment, and individual and collective accountability.  We encourage all members, especially those

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Exciting Study – Montessori for Neurodivergent Students

AMI/USA wants to understand Montessori teachers’ and administrators’ experiences with supporting students with developmental disabilities or delays. So, you are invited to participate in a research study & take a FREE online course on the Use and Implementation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) in Montessori settings. Click the link

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Beyond Land Acknowledgements

Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

How do we come to the circle? At AMI/USA we are intentional about how we hold space for our collective work. On this Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize that we are on Indigenous land and give gratitude for the original stewards of the land. Moving beyond land acknowledgements

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Lawrence Vincent Schaefer, In Memory

Friends,

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence Vincent Schaefer on September 29, 2022 at 91 years. A beloved member of the Montessori global community with a legacy that will be cherished and held close to heart by all who loved him. AMI/USA sends thoughts of compassion

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Orange Shirt Day, Every Child Matters

Image and beadwork design by Tia Marie Pocknett©

Orange Shirt Day – September 30th

 This summer, I had the opportunity to meet my biological family in Canada–my Mi’kmaq family.  My homecoming was filled with a spectrum of

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International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace, 2022

Peace Like A River: Inner Peace and the Prepared Environment

 

International Day of Peace is being observed today, September 21, 2022.  This is the day that the United Nations (UN) invites all countries and people to honor cessation of hostilities during the day

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National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022

September 15th – October15, 2022

“Hispanic heritage holds an indelible place in the heart and soul of our Nation, and National Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that the American identity is a fabric of diverse traditions and stories woven together. Since the beginning,

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Juneteenth 2022: Educate, Celebrate, Activate

Whether it is Martin Luther King Day of Service, Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veteran’s Day, behind most national recognition days lies a history of struggle, evidence of perseverance and courage, and most importantly, a story of resilience.  The historic Juneteenth holiday, a commemoration of the end of slavery, is a

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Caribbean-American Heritage Month

June is Caribbean-American Heritage month.  Over 13.4 million Americans claim Caribbean heritage. The thirteen Caribbean countries are all islands. (Operation World). About 90% of Caribbean-Americans come from five countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.  “Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society

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Pride is More Than a Parade

Pride is More Than a Parade
By: Angela Ma


I want to share the joy of Pride–the elation of living and loving out loud, the color, and the unabashed queerness in the streets. I want to share the joy, I do, but it’s

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AMI/USA is Growing!

AMI/USA is growing! We are adding three brand-new positions to our team and are looking for qualified candidates to apply. Come join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing inclusive Montessori education in the United States. Click on the links below to review the job descriptions and instructions for applying. We look

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An Open Address and Collective Position Statement: Critical Race Theory

The undersigned Montessori organizations challenge the national, state, and local legislative policies and laws that serve to regulate, limit, and intentionally omit what is taught about an honest history of the United States of America, the roles that all citizens played in its development, and exploration and discussion of racism and

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AMI/USA Solicits Guest Essays on Topics of Equity and Inclusion

We are so grateful for the diverse skills, knowledge, cultures, and human experiences of the AMI/USA community. There are many talents and voices within our membership that can be amplified via AMI/USA platforms. We are extending an invitation to our members to collaborate with the AMI/USA team to pen statements for

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of National Service: January 17, 2022

From the Desk of the Human Rights & Social Justice Advisor

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of National Service

January 17, 2022

 

“The Tranquilizing Drug of Gradualism”

 

Summer came, and the weather was beautiful. But the climate, the social climate of American life, erupted into lightning flashes, trembled with thunder, and vibrated to the relentless,

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AMI/USA Launches New Coaching Program

Coaching and mentoring offer effective support for high fidelity practice and teacher retention. Individualized growth paths, especially early in a teacher’s career, can make a significant difference in job performance and satisfaction. AMI/USA’s Coaching Program assists our schools in achieving excellence and stability. We have a pool

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Thanksgiving – An Indigenous Perspective

 

On behalf of AMI/USA, I welcome Sinuda Kapalczynski as our guest writer during Indigenous Heritage Month.  Please enjoy her eloquent and rich story about what we know as Thanksgiving. Sharing our stories helps us arrive at understanding and to create a shared human narrative.  We are grateful for you, Sinuda! 

– —

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Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 Spotlights

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2021, we interviewed a few Latinx Montessorians to hear their unique perspectives on what the month means to them personally and how to respectfully and inclusively incorporate celebrations and reflections into the Montessori classroom. Click on the images below to read the full spotlights.

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Fall 2021 Virtual Events for Administrators

Ready? Well, ready or not, another school year has already begun. As with the start of school years in the past, there are many things to grapple with in order to be prepared. Yet this school year’s readiness is particularly challenged by some complex matters. For one, the continuing and resurgent

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2021 AMI/USA JEDI Series

AMI/USA is excited to continue learning alongside our community through a series of webinars focusing on issues of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion through a Montessori lens. Listen, learn, share and connect with experts and peers as we work to make Montessori spaces more

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July 4th, 2021 Message

From the Executive Director’s Desk
– Guest Essay –

Sheri Bishop
AMI/USA Human Rights & Social Justice Advisor

The Truths are Self-Evident

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and the thirteen colonies declaring the “United Colonies of

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Call for Proposals

We are so grateful for the skills, knowledge and experience of the AMI/USA community. Your unique perspectives are valuable. We are extending our annual call for proposals differently this year. In addition to inviting submissions for The Montessori Experience, we are expanding this call on a rolling basis for

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Equity Statement Forum – June 9, 2021

Click here to access the recording from this session!

Date : June 9, 2022

Join us on Wednesday, June 9 at 7pm ET (4pm PT | 5pm MT | 6pm CT) as we discuss the AMI/USA Equity Statement that was released in February and serves as our commitment

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Memorial Day Blessings and 100th Tulsa Remembrance

From the Executive Director’s Desk


Memorial Day Blessings and 100th Tulsa Remembrance

As Executive Director, I am humbled to send blessings on behalf of AMI/USA to all of our nation’s fallen soldiers, on this Memorial Day.* Memorial Day is a time when many within our nation show gratitude and reverence

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