#MEx23 Press Release
Photograph above by: Jill Fannon Photography
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The 2023 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More Unites Over 930 Educators from Across the Country
February 28, 2023
The 2023 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More took place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor this President’s Day weekend and was attended by over 930 Montessori educators, administrators, and caregivers.
The opening keynote speaker was Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet and children’s book author. This was the first annual conference to take place completely in-person since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Our event began Friday morning with an opening from our Executive Director, Dr. Ayize Sabater. Hundreds attended workshops throughout the day – a constant stream of Montessorians pouring in from all around the country. You could feel the energy in each room as attendees gathered to dive deeper into the topic of Spiritual Preparation.
We gathered as a large group once more to honor author and long-time Montessorian Phyllis Pottish – Lewis as well as listen to our opening keynote, Nikki Giovanni. She read several poems and touched on many important issues that we are facing today.
Nikki Giovanni began the night with a powerful statement – “If all I have are words then I have to use them.”
Level intensives took place on Saturday and Sunday for Assistants to Infancy Assistants and Guides, Primary Assistants and Guides, Elementary Guides, Adolescent Guides, Administrators, as well as an open workshop track – Grounded and Growing for educators, administrators, and caregivers.
Monday began with more workshops and opportunities for dialogue surrounding Montessori research efforts.
The closing keynote “Sisters in Spirit” on Monday was a culminating conversation on spiritual preparation with three women and passionate leaders in the Montessori movement – Dr. Nitana Hicks Greendeer (Wampanoag), Interim Director of Weetumuw Katnuhtôhtâeekamuq; Pastor Jessica Jackson, Head of School for Morning Glory Montessori; and Karen Clark, Montessori-trained guide and coach with Know Thyself, Inc.
Mr. Rico Newman (Choptico Band of Piscataway-Conoy Indians) brought our gathering to a close with a traditional blessing and parting words for educators – learn about the Original Teachings from the land where you are a guest.
Lynne Lawrence, Executive Director of Association Montessori Internationale reminded us of the dire need to prioritize the rights of children in the United States. Finally, this year’s closing Town Hall featured the unveiling of our Strategic Plan presented by AMIUSA Executive Director, Dr. Ayize Sabater and members of the AMIUSA Board.
Nikki Giovanni is introduced before taking the stage at the Montessori Experience on Friday, February 17, 2023.
Left to Right: Pastor Jessica Jackson, Koren Clark, and Dr. Nitana Hicks Greendeer (Wampanoag) at the Closing Keynote: “Sisters in Spirit” on Monday, February 20, 2023.
Mr. Rico Newman (Choptico Band of Piscataway-Conoy Indians) sharing parting words with educators on Monday, February 20, 2023.
Executive Director of Association Montessori Internationale, Lynne Lawrence at the closing of the Montessori Experience on Monday, February 20, 2023.
AMIUSA Executive Director, Dr. Ayize Sabater unveiling of AMIUSA’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.
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Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) is dedicated to bringing the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori to the education of children through its support and advancement of the AMI Montessori community in the United States.
Marina Sáenz
Director of Communications and Digital Strategy
marina@amiusa.org
571-775-3032
www.amiusa.org
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