American Montessori Society

This wraps up our last Regional Symposium for the year! Montessori educators gathered in Cincinnati, OH for a day filled with collaboration, discovery, and renewed inspiration. With Mercy Montessori Center as our host, the symposium offered a welcoming environment for thoughtful dialogue and new insights grounded in Montessori’s enduring philosophy. Thank-you to our hosts, organizing committee, the AMS Board of Directors, our presenters, and the dedicated volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Be on the lookout for our next Regional Symposiums in 2026 near you: 📍Princeton, NJ – Saturday, April 18 at Princeton Montessori School 📍Phoenix, AZ – Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Keystone Montessori School Visit the link below to register for a symposium near you: https://hubs.ly/Q03VlK840

Harvesting gratitude at home begins with simple daily habits, like sharing what each family member is thankful for during meals or bedtime. Parents can model appreciation by expressing thanks for both big and small things. Such actions keeping a family gratitude jar, volunteering or writing thank-you notes or, helps children recognize the joy in everyday moments and nurtures an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life. Things to do: • Gratitude Jars: In this activity, each child designs their own unique jar to collect daily notes of gratitude or appreciation. • Volunteering: Volunteering helps children build empathy, responsibility, and a sense of belonging, showing them that being a citizen of the world is about making a positive difference in the world around them. • Writing Thank-You Notes: This simple habit also strengthens relationships and helps children understand the value of acknowledging others’ efforts and generosity. Which gratitude habit are you excited to try with your family this week?

Did You Know? AMS members get unlimited access to AMS Learning on Demand — a growing library of professional development videos you can watch anytime, anywhere — for free! Plus, members enjoy exclusive benefits such as: • A print subscription to Montessori Life magazine • Discounts on professional development and events • Access to member-only resources, including downloadable publications • Connection with the global Montessori community • Free access to AMS Learning — and more! Invest in your growth. Strengthen your practice. Be in community. 🔗 Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q03TSCFk0 #Montessori #AMSLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #MontessoriCommunity

Ahead of his keynote at The Montessori Event 2026 in Washington, D.C., we’re thrilled to spotlight Jason Silva—Emmy-nominated storyteller, filmmaker, futurist, and proud Montessori alum—who will be inviting us into the Power of Awe. In a world crowded with urgency, Jason reminds us that awe isn’t a luxury; it’s fuel. It widens our sense of possibility, reignites curiosity, and reconnects us to the wonder at the heart of Montessori education. Ahead of TME 2026, Jason took on 12 thought-provoking questions, offering a glimpse into his journey, creative practice, and vision for a more imaginative future. In his book, Sacred Derangement: A Field Guide to Outrageous Creativity, Radical Self-Expression, and Living in Awe, he offers a roadmap for turning inspiration into a daily practice that stretches both mind and spirit. His keynote will invite us to reflect on how curiosity and imagination sustain lifelong learning—for children, educators, and leaders alike. Don’t miss this chance to experience his powerful ideas in person. https://hubs.ly/Q03TxT4N0 #TheMontessoriEvent #MontessoriEducation #JasonSilva #PowerOfAwe #LifelongLearning

This reflection is from the journal "Do One Thing Every Day to Center Your Montessori Practice." I honor each child’s true happiness. Joy and fulfillment come from within—through deep concentration, not external validation. As Montessori educators, we hold space for that quiet joy. Do I unintentionally disrupt concentration in my eagerness to teach? • Limit unnecessary adult intervention. • Provide uninterrupted work periods. • Celebrate effort and focus—not just finished products. Pulled from Do One Thing Every Day to Center Your Montessori Practice—part of the Growing Minds collection. Nurture your mindfulness, one reflection at a time. 🔗 https://hubs.ly/Q03TqtLg0 #Montessori #Mindfulness #GrowingMinds #MontessoriPhilosophy

Understanding Neurodiversity through a Montessori Lens At The Montessori Event 2026 in Washington, DC, join Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath — cognitive neuroscientist, educator, and author of Stop Talking, Start Influencing — for two transformative sessions on neurodiversity through a Montessori lens. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath bridges neuroscience and education to help us better understand how the brain learns and how Montessori teachers can make every moment count. Register for #TheMontessoriEvent2026 and join a global conversation on inclusive, brain-informed education. Washington, DC | March 20–23, 2026 🔗 https://hubs.ly/Q03T63F10 #Montessori #TheMontessoriEvent #Neurodiversity

This Saturday: The Cincinnati Regional Symposium is here! 🎉 Join us at Mercy Montessori Center from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM ET for engaging workshops, community conversations, and inspiring sessions with Montessori leaders including AMS Living Legacy Charles Terranova and AMS Board President Anita Hanks. New this year, experience Montessori in Motion—a collaborative exploration of core Montessori principles like concentration, observation, normalization, and grace and courtesy. Through guided reflection and shared discussion, you’ll rediscover how these timeless tenets come alive in today’s classrooms. Strengthen your practice and grow with your local Montessori community: https://hubs.ly/Q03SshVy0

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Damour as our Leadership Luncheon Keynote Speaker for The Montessori Event 2026 in Washington, D.C.! A psychologist, author, and leading expert on adolescent development, Dr. Damour connects the science of well-being with Montessori principles of purposeful work, balance, and connection. In her keynote, Nurturing Resilience: The Science of Well-Being in Montessori Education, she explores how stress and anxiety can be reframed as natural parts of growth and how educators can help students and themselves thrive through meaningful relationships, health, and purpose. Early Bird registration is open! Reserve your spot today: https://hubs.ly/Q03S4gGx0

We’re pleased to announce Michele Norris as our Sunday keynote speaker for The Montessori Event 2026 in Washington, D.C.! A Peabody Award-winning journalist, former NPR All Things Considered host, and current MSNBC Senior Contributing Editor, Michele brings one of the most trusted and insightful voices in American media to the stage. In her keynote, Michele reflects on how handwritten letters have shaped history and human connection, changing the world one carefully chosen word at a time. Echoing Maria Montessori’s own tradition of thoughtful correspondence with educators, world leaders, and colleagues across continents, Michele invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the power of words to nurture understanding and connection in an age of instant communication. Early Bird registration is officially open! Register now to lock in the best rates. ⏰ https://hubs.ly/Q03QCs1M0

Montessori educators came together for the first time in Anchorage, Alaska, last Friday for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection. We want to thank Denali Montessori for hosting and every educator who joined us and shared their perspectives throughout the sessions. AMS was thrilled to have four board members travel to Anchorage, along with incredible local presenters. Our Regional Symposium tour focuses on connecting communities and reflecting on what it truly means to serve children well. We are incredibly proud of the work happening within the Montessori community. Next up on the AMS Regional Tour: 📍Cincinnati, OH – Saturday, November 15 at Mercy Montessori Center Check the link below to register for our upcoming Regional Symposiums: https://lnkd.in/g5Aeqp8j