Montessori Schools of Connecticut
Annual Professional Development Conference
From the Individual to the Community
Building a Culture of Belonging
Friday, November 1, 2024
8:00 - 2:30 pm
at Fraser Woods Montessori School
Keynote Speaker
Andrea Fleener is an AMI Elementary trainer. She has experience training a variety of cohorts (traditional undergraduate, degree completion, graduate, non-university affiliated) in a variety of formats and co-authored the current research-backed AMI blended pilot for elementary training and is currently enrolling her 4th cohort for that program. Andrea has 12 years of teaching experience as an AMI trained lead guide, in 6-9, 6-12 and 9-12 age groupings with previous experience in support roles in Montessori elementary and Casa communities. She has served on various Montessori task forces, committees, and working groups and continues to actively do so. She is also a past chair of the AMI-EAA board of directors. Andrea has worked with the staffs of public, charter, and private Montessori schools and has lectured on AMI courses around the world. Beyond the training, Andrea enjoys partnering with learners after course completion through mentorship, collaboration, and coaching Andrea holds AMI diplomas at both the 6-12 and 3-6 levels, has a B.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from the University of Kansas, and a M.Ed in Montessori Education from Loyola University in Maryland. As soon as some time opens, she is eager to sit the 0-3 and 12-18 courses!
Keynote Speaker
Vanessa M. Rigaud is an Associate Professor and Program Director at Montessori Institute in the School of Education at Xavier University. Dr. Rigaud received her Ed. D. in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. She has an MS in Elementary Education from Hofstra University and a BA in International Relations and Political Science from Long Island University. Her research engages with curriculum development, culturally responsive teaching, and the intersections between Montessori-based research and teacher education. Dr. Rigaud has presented at various conferences and published articles/books nationwide and internationally.
Conference Schedule
Registration and Coffee Social
8:00 - 9:00
Pick up your name tag and conference packet and enjoy some refreshments while you reconnect with colleagues.
Session I: Building Collaboration, Cooporation and Community
Andrea Fleener, 9:00 - 10:30 am
We are all familiar with the words of Dr. Montessori when she famously stated, “the child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” Equally, we've all heard the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” This idea has many iterations in many different countries; however, the spirit of the phrase remains the same. As Montessorians, of course we center the child, and it is easy to do so within the context of the proverb. But, what about the village?
In order to fully support children in our school communities, we have to first have a spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and community among ourselves. We must unite ourselves, as the adults, so that we form a nurturing and loving village for each child in our care, whether directly or indirectly.
As we look toward building the best village possible for the children in our care, we must turn our focus inward to the support structures we have built and put into place as adults within the greater Montessorian Community. When we center the child in how we think about our larger school community, we see that it takes intentional action and participation on the part of the adults to build a nurturing community for the children to thrive within. When we align our community goals across age-groups, it allows us to welcome children of all ages into a warm, supportive, and developmentally appropriate village of care.
We will be able to help children reach their fullest potential if we all work together to build the "village” that surrounds them.
Break
10:30 - 10:45 am
Breakout Sessions by Level
10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Infant/Toddler
Celebrating the Child - Led by Karen Dienzer
Maria Montessori believed that young children should study the similarities and differences between communities around the globe to build an early and growing awareness of our diverse, interconnected world.
We will discuss in this session how we create warm and welcoming environments that bring in activities that represent diversity and culture. This session will help you walk away with ideas and steps to take in building strong reciprocal relationships with each child and his/her family. Listening and learning from the families is an important part of Celebrating the Child.
Karen Deinzer has been in the Infant Toddler Montessori field for close to 40 years. She opened her own school in North Kingstown, RI for 10 years before moving to New York City where she worked at Twin Parks Montessori as their Toddler Coordinator. Karen is an Adult Instructor, Field Consultant, and Practicum Coordinator for West Side’s Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Education Program. She is also the Two’s Coordinator for West Side Montessori School. She is one of the founding instructors for the Infant Toddler Teacher Education Program at West Side Montessori School. Karen also consults for different schools around the New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut area. She has worked in China training adults to be Credentialed Infant Toddler Teachers, as well as given workshops in Shanghai, Beijing, AMS conferences and at NJMAC.
Primary (concurrent sessions)
Having fun with Cultural: A Neuroscientific View - Led by Julia Volkman
Equity, diversity, and art are key subjects for us to present in early childhood. How can we do it in a fun, seamless, and elegant way? Join Julia for a review of the theory behind our cultural albums through the lens of neuroscience. We’ll have fun practicing with key cultural materials including Geography folders and Fine Art reproductions. Bring joy into your classroom while presenting an equitable view of diversity and art around the world.
Julia Volkman has been teaching children and mentoring teachers in private and public schools since 1997. She is a Faculty Member of the Brain Health Initiative, guest lecturer for Harvard University’s Neuroscience of Learning course, an educational researcher, a teacher mentor, and the founder and president of the educational project Maitri Learning. Ms. Volkman earned her AMI 3 to 6+ diploma from the Montreal Montessori Training Centre and her Masters from Harvard. Her graduate research on the Montessori movable alphabet won her Harvard Dean’s prize for outstanding research. Her work focuses on transforming education into a transdisciplinary, scientific pedagogy grounded in mind, brain, and education.
Uncover the Power of Belonging in Montessori Education - Led by Vanessa Rigaud
Join us for an enlightening exploration of how to cultivate an inclusive Montessori curriculum and foster classroom discussions that honor the diverse identities and experiences of your students. This transformative workshop will guide you in embracing the concepts of "mirrors" and "windows" to create a profound sense of belonging within your classroom. Learn how embracing each student's authentic self can lead to meaningful connections and role reversal, where teachers and students engage in reciprocal learning. Discover three impactful strategies to enhance representation in your classrooms and establish an environment where every student feels a deep sense of belonging.
Speaker bio available under Keynote presentation.
Elementary
An Intentional Community - Led by Andrea Fleener
We know that the child in the elementary years is drawn to their peers and is driven to interact socially and understand society. How do we embrace these characteristics and work with the children to build a thoughtful, joyful, productive, inclusive learning environment in our classrooms? We will look together at how we can center the psychological characteristics of the elementary aged child and collaborate in the creation of our shared classroom culture.
Speaker bio available under Keynote presentation.
Adolescent
From the Individual to the Community: Building a Culture of Belonging an Adolescent Break-Out Session - Led by Caren Ross and Alex Pape
We will discuss community-building in a Montessori adolescent environment, and how the adult guides recognize and address whether an adolescent feels that they belong. We will also explore how the variety of activity in the prepared environment provides opportunities for the sort of meaningful study and work that sets the stage for belongingness. How do we ensure that our adolescents feel that their contributions to the community are important and valued? What structures and activities are in place to support belongingness? What roles do the adolescents perform in service to the community on the road to independence/interdependence?
Caren Ross is a 20-year veteran of Montessori adolescent work. She is the Adolescent Program Director and Farm Manager at the Montessori School of Greater Hartford, as well as a full-time teacher-guide. She is training in Mexico and Hartford to become an AMI Trainer of Teachers at the adolescent level. She has a Master’s degree in International Affairs and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She speaks fluent Spanish and Italian, and enjoys time exploring the natural world.
Alexandra Pape started working in MSGH’s adolescent program in 2019 and recently completed her AMI 12-18 diploma course in Sweden. With a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, and an undergraduate degree in History and Literature, she guides Language Arts and Literature, and the student-run business, as she shares her talent and passion for woodworking, cooking, farming, and poetry.
Lunch
12:15 - 1:00
Session II: Unite and Empower: Bridging and Belonging in Montessori Education
Vanessa Rigaud, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey as we delve into the extraordinary power of bridging and cultivating a genuine sense of belonging in our community. This keynote presentation is an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound concepts of empathy, connection, and the establishment of a supportive community. Guided by the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, we will unravel the interconnectedness of humanity and the pivotal role played by bridges in uniting us all.
Get ready to engage in deep, meaningful discussions within intimate groups, where you'll have the chance to share your personal experiences and insights. Experience a fusion of movement and introspection in a gratitude-focused activity that will leave you feeling invigorated and empowered. This session promises to be a transformative experience that will reshape your understanding of the significance of nurturing community and belonging.
Conference Details
Fees:
Morning refreshments (during registration) and lunch (vegan/gluten free option available upon request) are included in fee. Faculty will select their dietary preferences when they choose their breakout sessions.
- MSC member schools: $75 pp
- Non-member schools and individuals: $85 pp
Conference Registration Return Policy:
Conference registration may close early if the conference reaches maximum capacity. Refunds are available upon request only. Fees will be refunded in full (less processing fees) if canceling prior to 10/06/2024. If canceling after 10/06/24 and up to 10/15/24, the school or registrant will be refunded 50% of registration fee. After 10/15/24 the school or registrant is fully responsible for payment and no refunds will be issued.
Conference Directions & Parking:
The Fraser Woods Montessori School is located at:
173 South Main St.
Newtown, CT 06470
Click here to view or navigate via Google Maps
Fraser Woods Montessori School has limited on-site parking. Parking at the school will be reserved for Speakers, Workshop Presenters and the employees of Fraser Woods, who are volunteering to host our conference.
All other will be directed to park at off-site parking and shuttle buses will be running to bring participants to the school. Off-site parking will be clearly marked.
Please park at Taunton Press Building.
Address: 63 South Main Street, Newtown.
If you are car pooling to the conference, please drop off your participants at FWMS and then head to parking.
Fostering Community Across Development
Statewide Virtual Parent Education Event
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Free to all parents from MSC Member Schools
Led by Keynote Speaker, Andrea Fleener
Conference Sponsors
One Spot Apps
Montessori Stoppani Insitute
Center for Guided Montessori Studies
"The adult’s idea that freedom consists in minimizing duties and obligations must be rejected…The freedom that is given to the child is not liberation from parents and teachers; it is not freedom from the laws of Nature or of the state or of society; but the utmost freedom for self-development and self-realization compatible with service to society."
– Maria Montessori –
