Vital to your chosen career path is continued personal development, there is no profession that does not demand regular updating and contact with experts in the field. AMI/USA endorses this commitment as well. Professional development workshops for teachers, heads of school and classroom assistants are offered annually at The Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses & More held on Presidents Day weekend. This is an excellent way to examine current educational structures and strategies as well as delve deeper into your knowledge and understanding of Montessori pedagogy.
One of the most often voiced praises for this annual gathering is the opportunity to connect with old friends, forge new relationships, and be supported by the presence of so many others who share a common goal. AMI/USA organizes this event in partnership with the AMI Elementary Alumni Association (AMI-EAA).
Request certificates of attendance for previous The Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More here. A $10 processing fee will apply for requests made 6 months or more from the end date of an event.
Over the years there have been numerous successful and influential speakers:
Ingrid Canady
Executive Director of the
State Education Resource Center (SERC) |
Nia Seale
Director of AMI Primary Training and
Member of AMI Scientific Pedagogy Group. |
Trisha Moquino
Education Director
Keres Children’s Learning Center |
Tracey Cordero
Director of the Indigenous Montessori Institute |
Dr. Joyce E King
Professor of Educational Policy Studies
in the College of Education &
Human Development at Georgia State University |
Britt Hawthorne
Anti-bias/Anti-racist teacher-educator,
PBS Children’s Media and Education- Educator and Community Engagement:
Anti-racist and Anti-bias Consultant and Advisor |
Alice Waters
Chef, author, activist and founder of Chez Panisse restaurant and the Edible Schoolyard Project |
Dr. Tammy Pawloski
Director, Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty |
Sergey Brin
Co-founder of Google and Montessori alumnus |
Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D
Creativity Expert |
Daniel Pink
Author of Drive and A
Whole New Mind |
Bob Pianta, Ph.D
Dean of the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia |
The Circle of Distinction
The Circle of Distinction acknowledges an individual’s lifelong dedication, inspiration, creativity, resilience and passion within the AMI/USA community. We share a sense of commitment to the continuation of Dr. Montessori’s work and there is deep appreciation for the efforts of every individual. The Circle of Distinction offers an opportunity to provide thanks to those whose exceptional personal and professional contribution deserves special recognition.
2020 Honorees
Joen Bettmann
Barbara Gordon
David Kahn
Molly O’Shaughnessy
Judi Orion
Phyllis Pottish-Lewis
2021 Montessori Mentors
