2024 CCMA National Fall Conference

Join us at the CCMA 2024 National Fall Conference “The Power of Montessori: Curiosity. Inquiry. Growth.”

This year’s conference will be a transformative experience for Montessori educators and leaders.

Dr. Stacey L. MacKinnon will explore how integrating curiosity and inquiry with Montessori’s principles can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering an environment of joy and innovation.

Jonathan Wolff will discuss strategies that Montessori educators and school leaders can use to stay true to the Montessori mission of “Follow the child,” while seeking to understand and respond to the needs of parents and other outside pressures.

In-person tickets include breakfast, lunch and delicious snacks throughout the day.

Table Reservations: Available for groups of 10+, contact [email protected] for details

After the event, each attendee will receive a virtual goodie bag and professional development certificate by email.

Session Details

“Nurturing Curiosity & Inquiry: Embracing Montessori Principles in Times of Uncertainty”

In an era where uncertainty and rapid change are constants, curiosity and inquiry are essential for thriving—not just for Montessori children, but for the educators guiding them. Rather than relying solely on the past, let’s channel Maria Montessori’s spirit of scientific exploration and innovation to uncover new possibilities in the post-pandemic world. By integrating curiosity and inquiry with Montessori’s principles of observation and innovation, we can embark on unprecedented experimentation and growth, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Montessori education’s rich history.

Join Dr. Stacey MacKinnon to explore how fostering an environment that celebrates curiosity and experimentation can transform challenges into opportunities and bring more joy to ourselves and our colleagues. We’ll discuss prioritizing principles and people over rigid adherence to pedagogy, the impact of role modeling curiosity and positive experimentation, and how to think “beyond the binders” to create new opportunities for ourselves, our colleagues, and our learners.

“Staying Curious and Connected…Without Compromise: Adhering to Montessori Principles Amid Pressures from Within and Without”

As Montessori educators and school leaders we are exposed to influences and forces that may tempt us to compromise what we know to be true about human development and learning. Parents sometimes pressure us to drill and skill their child in ways that are antithetical to the spirit of self-directed, hands-on learning. At times, enrollment competition with nearby schools may cause Montessori administrators to ask teachers to do things in the classroom, or participate in school events, in ways that are not compatible with Montessori learning, and tend to divert teacher energy and attention away from their key classroom responsibilities.

Join Jonathan Wolff to learn how Montessori educators and school leaders can stay true to the Montessori mission of “Follow the child,” while seeking to understand and respond to the needs of the school community.