On-Demand Videos

Videos created by Montessori Gym.

We are at a critical juncture. The challenges humanity has been facing in recent times invite a pause for reflection and the world is now rethinking its approach to everything.

This is the time to consider and prioritize the physical, mental and social-emotional health of children. And for this physical education is key. As we look back to move forward, Dr. Montessori’s emphasis on the importance of movement for child development and wellbeing seems more relevant than ever.

In this presentation, we will explore how to turn today’s challenges such as isolation and social distancing into opportunities for learning in areas like self-care, nature connectedness, solidarity and independence, while at the same time building physical literacy the Montessori way. And we will see how, in doing so, we are also helping children better navigate life in the current ‘new normal’ and post-pandemic future.

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SPEAKERS BIOS

Barbara Murphy, PhD

Passionate about education, Barbara holds a PhD from Northwestern University and a Montessori certificate from CGMS. As the mother of two while living in Italy, she fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. Now the founder of Montessori Gym, Barbara is fulfilling her dream of contributing to children’s wellness and learning experience.

Martin Yaconis, Engr.

After graduating as an Engineer from UBA University, Martin has dedicated his professional life to technology applied to health, sports and rehabilitation. His experience extends across the areas of physiological, biomechanical and cognitive training and monitoring, where Martin has worked with Olympic committees, universities, high performance athletes and young players’ academies.

Visit Montessori Gym to learn more!

Recorded presentations from AMI/USA Administrator support calls in response to questions and concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maryse Lepoutre-Postlewaite presents the “ABCs of Tender Loving Self-Care”
Char Baccus Presentation June 10, 2020
Paula Lillard Preschlack Presentation June 17, 2020
Grae Baker & Dawn Michal Presentation June 24, 2020
Chris Joffe – Joffe Emergency Services, August 12, 2020
Maryse Lepoutre-Postlewaite Presentation August 19, 2020
Irene van der Zande shares Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International Skills August 26, 2020
AMI/USA Administrators Panel – September 9, 2020
Janet McDonell – AMI/USA School Recognition Program – September 16, 2020
Donna D’Hoostelaere – October 14, 2020
Christa Montague – MCHS Parent Panel – October 28, 2020
Marion Price – November 11, 2020
Lisa Thauvette – December 9, 2020
Sheri Bishop – February 24, 2021
Public Schools Panel – March 10, 2021
Environmental Education and Montessori – April 7, 2021
Student Information System (SIS) Vendors – April 28, 2021
Group Health Care for AMI Schools and Training Centers – May 3, 2021
Student Information System (SIS) – In Development – May 24, 2021
Group Retirement Plans – June 28, 2021
Janet McDonell – AMI/USA School Recognition Program – August 11, 2021
Teacher Shortage Conversation – September 29, 2021
Group Health & 401K Benefits Update – October 4, 2021

On Sept. 21, AMI/USA hosted the first of four webinars in its Social Justice Webinar Series. “De-Centering Whiteness in Montessori Spaces” was presented by Katie Kitchens, Mara Matteson, and Colleen Wilkinson at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020.

Suggested Pre-Reading:

Moving Beyond Peace Education to Social Justice Education by Daisy Han & Trisha Moquino

Additional Resources provided by the speakers:

De-Centering Whiteness in the Montessori Spaces Resource Guide

Embracing Equity Workshop Recording: From Fragility to Stamina – How White People Can Get Proximate and Stay Engaged

Embracing Equity Accountability Plan For White Folx

On Sept. 27, AMI/USA hosted the second of four webinars in its Social Justice Webinar Series. “Remembering Indigenous Voices in the Classroom” was presented by Trisha Moquino at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020.
“Remembering Indigenous Voices in the Classroom” Resource Guide

On Nov. 2, AMI/USA hosted the third of four webinars in its Social Justice Webinar Series. “The Anti-Bias & Anti-Racist Administrator” was presented by Amelia Allen Sherwood at 7:00 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.“The Anti-Bias & Anti-Racist Administrator” Resource Guide

On Nov. 15, AMI/USA hosted the final webinar in its 2020 Social Justice Webinar Series. “Preparing Ourselves Spiritually and Mentally for Revolutionary Social Change” was presented by Sheri Bishop at 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020.

“Preparing Ourselves for Revolutionary Social Change” Resource Guide

On Thursday, April 22, 2021 we had the pleasure of hearing from a diverse panel of community leaders who shared topics related to environmental education, environmental justice and sustainability in celebration of Earth Day. After the speakers shared about what they are doing in their communities, we had a Q&A and a casual conversation space.

Click here to check out the Environmental Education Resource Page.
Below are some additional resources shared during the session:

• Land Acknowledgement – here is a link to a resource to identify indigenous tribal land near you!
• Information shared by Maritza Darling-Ramos including social media accounts to follow working for environmental justice in the Chicagoland area:

• Montessori Everywhere’s The Earth Project 
• Black Millennials 4 Flint 
• Positive Tracks
• Eco.Logic 
• Vel Scott’s Purple Oasis

On Wednesday, June 9 at 7pm ET (4pm PT | 5pm MT | 6pm CT) we discussed the AMI/USA Equity Statement that was released in February and serves as our commitment to building a just, equitable, diverse and more inclusive organization.

Click here to read the statement.

On Wednesday, June 16 at 7pm ET (4pm PT | 5pm MT | 6pm CT) we held a free community event commemorating Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the end of the enslavement period in the United States as on June 19th, 1865, federal troops finally arrived in Galveston, Texas with news of the Emancipation Proclamation. Cathy Runnels and Sheri Bishop shared their connection with Juneteenth, the history of the holiday, and how they commemorate the occasion. We hope you enjoy the recording for an opportunity to learn more about this milestone in American history and how to teach about this important moment in your classroom.

Click here to access the event page with additional resources.

On Thursday, August 19 at 7pm ET AMI/USA, and AMS, and MPPI learned from Dr. Valaida (Val)  L. Wise, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and Wendy Shenk-Evans, Executive Director of MPPI who provided insight from an academic and policy perspective on Critical Race Theory and the implications of the current dialogue for the Montessori community. The following questions framed the conversation:

• What is Critical Race Theory and how does it differ from Culturally Responsive Teaching?
• Why is Critical Race Theory suddenly in public dialogue?
• Why is this important for Montessori education?
• What are we seeing at the state and local levels with regards to policy around CRT and what can advocates do?

Thank you for providing questions that were addressed during the session. Our moderator(s), Dr. Ayize Sabater & Munir Shivji, asked the questions of the experts being interviewed.

On Sunday, September 19, AMI/USA hosted a discussion featuring the authors of recently released Montessori books including:

Mariana Bissonnette – Babies Build Toddlers

Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike – The Montessori Baby

Erica Moretti – The Best Weapon for Peace: Maria Montessori, Education, and Children’s Rights

Elizabeth Slade – Montessori in Action: Building Resilient Montessori Schools

The conversation was moderated by Dr. Mira Debs (Diverse Families, Desirable Schools: Public Montessori in the Era of School Choice). The session introduced these cutting-edge books to the community, discussed the process of getting books about Montessori education published (through traditional publishers – both academic and trade – as well as through self-publishing) and offered time for audience questions.

In September, 2021 Dr. Ayize Sabater hosted an intentional conversation about our Montessori teacher shortage and effective steps taken by school leaders and Training Centers to grapple with this crisis: #ConsiderMontessori.

In September, 2021 Dr. Ayize Sabater hosted an intentional conversation about our Montessori teacher shortage and effective steps taken by school leaders and Training Centers to grapple with this crisis: #ConsiderMontessori. The “teacher shortage” is not only due to decreasing numbers of Montessori training cohorts around the country, but also to the number of trained and qualified guides that decide to leave the Montessori classrooms. On October 27 we continued this vital conversation and discussed some great teacher retention and staff expansion stories and reflect on how to slow this exodus. #ReturntoMontessori #StayMontessori

On January 24, 2022 we celebrated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) “World Day for African and Afro-Descendant Culture Seminar”.  On this occasion, together with UNESCO, we celebrated the many people and vibrant cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora around the world.  This day serves as a special time to recognize Africans and their worldwide descendants.  It highlights how the traditions of African culture support development and sustainability in their communities and so many others around the world. We were honored to have Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, Chair of the Department of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, serve as our keynote speaker.  

We were joined by Hawa Diallo and Keisha A. McGuire, Permanent Ambassador of Grenada to the UN during our pre-recorded panel. During the panel discussion, speakers shared their viewpoint on the importance of African culture and its impact on the global stage.