2014 AIMS Winter Conference: "One Voice - One Mission": Full Schedule

8:30am PST

Friday Registration

Friday February 21, 2014 8:30am - 9:15am PST
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro 733 West Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661

9:15am PST

Managing Conflict by Managing Yourself

We all face conflict in our professional and personal lives. This interactive workshop will give participants the opportunity to reflect on their own experience with difficult situations. We will explore different approaches to conflict in order to identify our own style and those that present challenges. In addition, this workshop will identify common conflict traps and will provide solutions to these traps. The stages of managing conflict effectively will be laid out and explored. Finally, participants will be invited to share their own challenges with conflict as case studies for discussion.

Speakers

Lynn P. Cohn

Director of the Center on Negotiation and Mediation at Northwestern Law School

Friday February 21, 2014 9:15am - 12:00pm PST
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro 733 West Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Heads of School & Administrators

12:00pm PST

Lunch and Networking - on your own

Friday February 21, 2014 12:00pm - 1:30pm PST
On Your Own

Heads of School & Administrators

1:30pm PST

One Voice – The Power of Montessori Collaboration

Following an overview of the key issues and challenges faced by the Montessori community in the United States, Rich will share his vision of the future of Montessori education and his view of what a Montessori movement would look like and what we need to do to build such a movement. How can we work together and collaborate to speak with one voice, effect common goals and ensure that Montessori education is a growing and positive force? What should an agenda for public policy advocacy, education reform, Montessori in the public sector, quality assurance, and raising the public awareness of Montessori include? The presentation will close with a challenge to what each of us – including our schools, teacher education programs, and Montessori organizations -- can do now to begin to build and sustain a Montessori movement and speak with one voice.

Speakers

Rich Ungerer

Executive Director, American Montessori Society

Friday February 21, 2014 1:30pm - 3:30pm PST
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro 733 West Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Heads of School & Administrators

3:30pm PST

Highlights of Research on Montessori Education and How We Can Use It

Join the chair of the AMS Research Committee to learn about the latest Montessori research. Characteristics of the Montessori theory and practice that support best practices in education will be highlighted.

Speakers

Dr. Janet Bagby

Dr. Janet Bagby, Chair, AMS Research Committee, Senior Lecturer, Baylor University

Chicago Research pdf

Friday February 21, 2014 3:30pm - 4:15pm PST
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro 733 West Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Heads of School & Administrators

4:15pm PST

Policy and Advocacy: Illinois & Montessori Schools

Sharon will discuss the significance and details of QRIS, ExceleRate and other initiatives that may have a significant impact on Montessori schools in Illinois now and in the future. The potential impact on schools currently falling under the DCFS “Montessori Exemption” will also be looked at. This will be a valuable session for heads from every school.

Speakers

Dr. Sharon Damore

AIMS Executive Director

Presentation February Policy 2014 Final pdf

Friday February 21, 2014 4:15pm - 5:45pm PST
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro 733 West Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Heads of School & Administrators

5:45pm PST

Reception for Heads of School & Administrators

Friday February 21, 2014 5:45pm - 7:00pm PST
Dine Restaurant Crowne Plaza

Heads of School & Administrators

7:00pm PST

Parent Session: 'The Gift of Failure: Raising Autonomous and Competent Children'

What's the best way to motivate students to own their education and develop grit and resilience? Research has shown that the key to all these things is intrinsic motivation, or motivation that comes from within. Jessica Lahey summarizes the current research on motivation, rewards, praise, failure, and grit, and explains how parents and educators can help students get the support and encouragement they need in order to succeed over the long term.

Speakers

Jessica Lahey

Jessica Lahey is an educator, writer, and speaker. She has been a middle- and high school teacher of English, Latin, and writing for over a decade. She writes the bi-weekly "Parent-Teacher Conference" advice column for the New York Times Motherlode blog and her work appears regularly... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2014 7:00pm - 8:30pm PST
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro 733 West Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Parents & All Montessori Professionals

8:00am PST

Saturday Registration

Saturday February 22, 2014 8:00am - 9:00am PST
Main Hallway NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals

9:00am PST

Keynote: “The Gift of Failure: Educating Autonomous and Independent Children”

What's the best way to motivate students to own their education and develop grit and resilience? Research has shown that the key to all these things is intrinsic motivation, or motivation that comes from within. Jessica Lahey summarizes the current research on motivation, rewards, praise, failure, and grit, and explains how educators can help students get the support and encouragement they need in order to succeed over the long term.

Speakers

Jessica Lahey

Jessica Lahey Bibliography pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 9:00am - 10:15am PST
Large Gym NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals

10:15am PST

Break - Exhibit Hall Open

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:15am - 10:30am PST
Small Gym NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals

10:30am PST

Pedagogy of Place and its role in Optimizing Access to Authentic Montessori

Explore the gifts and challenges of Montessori in the Public Sector with two Montessori educators who are committed to offering an authentic Montessori experience to children and families from all walks of life. The presenters each lead public Montessori programs in uniquely stratified cultures, one in inner city Chicago and one in rural northern Michigan. While their populations are completely different, their challenges, opportunities, and approaches are similar. During this presentation, the group will explore ways in which public Montessori ‘follows the child’ utilizing a variety of tools not often considered in the private sector.

Link to Presentation: http://prezi.com/flustq-txnyl/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Speakers

Connie Laufersky

Head of School, Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy

Rita Nolan

Principal, Montessori School of Englewood

Pedagogy of Place Optimizing Access to Authentic Montessori pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PST
Room 13 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Public-Charter

10:30am PST

Present with Clarity and Confidence

Whether making a classroom presentation or speaking one-on-one, you can speak with strength and confidence. This educational session will give you tips and techniques around:
- Messaging: Start with your Aim and Purpose
- Delivery: Easy, relatable ways to add some “oomph” and energy to your speech
- Audience Engagement: Simple, practical ways to relate to your audience

Speakers

Marianna Swallow

Speaker, Consultant, Author; Swallow Training and Consulting

AIMS conference HANDOUT pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PST
Room 407 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Early Childhood, Elementary

10:30am PST

Sex, Media and the Adolescent

Dr. Goldman will be presenting current research and her practice wisdom regarding the impact of media on the minds of adolescents. She will be discussing issues surrounding sexual social behavior of preteens and teens. Dr. Goldman presents with a very interactive style. Please come prepared to ask questions and learn how to work with some of the common concerns or issues surrounding this topic.

Speakers

Lisa Goldman, PsyD, MS

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PST
Room 434 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Elementary, Middle School

10:30am PST

Taking a Second Look at Infant-Toddler Practical Life

Are you grasping the true meaning of Practical Life activities? Are your children developing coordination, concentration, attention and independence through the practical life activities you have prepared for them? Are they experiencing a great sense of accomplishment, power and order? Join us for this lively session where we will dialogue and look together for Maria Montessori’s authentic vision of Practical Life for infants and toddlers.

Speakers

Julie Eskanazi

Montessori Educator

Toni Friedman

Montessori Educator

Taking a Second Look at 2 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PST
Library NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Infant-Toddler

10:30am PST

Wonder, by Design

Trung Le has an incessant energy and curiosity exploring the “edge effect” of design and learning. Le’s recent collaboration with Bruce Mau resulted in the publication The Third Teacher, an incomplete manifesto on how design can transform the ecology of learning. Launching from the collaboration, Le founded The Third Teacher +, an education design studio. As the world is pivoting from the industrial model of education to a new landscape of learning, The Third Teacher + believes in curating an authentic engagement that uncovers and amplifies our human capacity for empathy toward designing this new learning landscape.

We enter into the world filled with wonder and curiosity. As we grow older and transition into our formal years of education, our natural ability to be in a state of wonder toward learning diminishes. United in the declaration that wonder is the carbon of life as hydrogen is to water, we can embrace the epic challenge of designing a new learning ecology to nourish our natural state of wonder and curiosity, the essential mindset in learning.

Speakers

Trung Le, AIA

Principal, The Third Teacher +

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PST
Room 8 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Heads and Administrators

10:30am PST

Anxiety - Fight or Flight? Normal or Not?

Anxiety is a natural part of development in the early years. As the upper brain begins to take more control through experience and language, scary moments can be dealt with more calmly. This session will focus on anxiety - when it's normal and when it's not from birth to 18 years. We'll talk about ways to help all children find a calmer place within themselves while they're at school and home.

Speakers

Drina Madden

Neurodevelopmental Specialist

Dr. Valerie Nowinski

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

AIMS Mood Anxiety 2014 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:15pm PST
Theater NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Early Childhood

10:30am PST

Helping the At Risk Child in a Montessori Environment

This presentation will have 3 primary goals: what is a learning difference & early warning signs, what does the natural employment of the Montessori method offer the child with a learning difference/at risk, and what techniques can be implemented in a Montessori environment that would benefit the child with a learning difference/at risk.

Speakers

Pauline Novak, MEd, MAT

Co-director of Shelton Montessori Teacher Education Center and assistant director of Outreach and Training at Shelton School in Dallas, TX. Certified Montessori teacher and instructor at the Primary and Elementary I level. Certified Academic Language Therapist and Licensed Dyslexia... Read More →

Keynote NJMAC 2013.pptx pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:15pm PST
Room 408 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Early Childhood

10:30am PST

The Great Lessons and Montessori Extensions

The Great Lessons are the heart of the Elementary Curriculum. Their foundation is based on telling a passionate story which captures the students interest and opens doors for them to continue their exploration. Once your story has been told, how do the students show their understanding of the stories? Come learn some new creative extensions that will make the Great Lessons come alive.

Speakers

Rosemary Quaranta

Rosemary Quaranta is an AMI 3 - 12 trained Montessorian with 38 years of experience. She currently is Head of School at Xavier University's Montessori Lab School in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also is an Early Childhood and Elementary instructor for Seton Montessori Institute. She... Read More →

Quaranta pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:15pm PST
Room 411 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Elementary

10:30am PST

The Road to Normalization: The Essential Role of the Assistant in the Preparation of the Child

While Practical Life provides the comforting connection between home and school, the Assistant is often the “human bridge” who helps the child become a part of the larger classroom community. Discover the critical impact of the Practical Life and Sensorial activities in creating pathways to normalization and the Assistant’s role in this development.

Speakers

Jennifer Nolan

Head of School, Seton Montessori School

The Road to Normalization pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 10:30am - 12:15pm PST
Community Room NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Assistants

12:00pm PST

Exhibit Hall Open

Saturday February 22, 2014 12:00pm - 1:15pm PST
Small Gym NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals

12:00pm PST

Lunch (provided)

Saturday February 22, 2014 12:00pm - 1:15pm PST
Large Gym NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals

1:15pm PST

Beyond the Basics: Tackling Your Toughest Performance Management Challenges

Do you ever think to yourself "Managing would be a lot easier if it weren't for the people?" We've all been there. Even with the best procedures in place, ongoing management of performance comes down to those one-on-one conversations that can be very challenging. Do you have a "Yes, but . . ." employee who has an excuse for every issue? Or maybe a star performer who has a significant flaw and you just can't get them to understand the impact it's having on your organization? In this session, TMCG will take you beyond the basics of performance management to provide you with insights and tools to help you deal with some of the more challenging aspects of performance management. Using these tools and approach to manage performance challenges sends a signal to the work and classroom environment that is uplifting and positive as unproductive behavior and performance gets addressed rather than occupying space in the form of the 500 lb. gorilla in the room!

Speakers

Therese Malm

President, TM Consulting Group, Inc.

TMCG Inc Managing Difficult Behaviors AIMS 1 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Room 8 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Heads and Administrators

1:15pm PST

Blending Language with Montessori

This session will teach the participants to add specific language to works in all areas of the Montessori classroom for those students who struggle with oral language and comprehension issues. These language additions can also benefit ESL students. Examples of language additions will be presented.

Speakers

Sue Cantrell

Shelton School and Evaluation Center

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Room 408 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Assistants, Early Childhood, Heads and Administrators

1:15pm PST

Challenging Conversations

Join Anna Perry and Jennifer Nolan as they answer your most important and urgent questions about how to better serve children with special needs within our Montessori environments and how to talk with parents about concerns with their children in a sensitive, yet straightforward way. In this session we will discuss the teacher's role in helping parents navigate the special needs evaluation process - from observation to classroom support, teachers have an integral role in helping parents navigate the special needs evaluation process and an essential role as an advocate for early intervention. Learn tips and tools for successfully and compassionately guiding families through this important process.

Speakers

Jennifer Nolan

Head of School, Seton Montessori School

Anna Perry

Executive Director, Seton Montessori Institute

Challenging Conversations AIMS 2.14 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Room 434 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, All

1:15pm PST

Helping Parents Identify Students on the Autism Spectrum in Your Classroom

We will look at the wide range of characteristics of children within the Autism Spectrum or with Pervasive Developmental Delays. We will investigate simple tools to help you identify these students within your classroom, while supporting their parents. Plus, you will leave with a handful of helpful strategies to support these unique learners of all ages within your Montessori classroom.

Speakers

Heather Madden

Seton Montessori Institute

AIMS autism 2014 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Library NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, All

1:15pm PST

Making Montessori Work in the Public Sector in the Era of Accountability

Presentation from two public Montessori schools (representing Chicago Public Schools and Milwaukee Public Schools). Discussion will include how the Common Core State Standards can be addressed while adhering to the Montessori philosophy and approach. Schools will also discuss how they have struck a balance between adhering to the district mandates they are accountable for while continuing to implement a Montessori program with integrity and which honors the child.

Speakers

Katie Loss

Principal, Lloyd Barbee Montessori School, Milwaukee Public Schools

Mary Wheatley

Montessori Director, Drummond Montessori

Linda Zehren

Montessori Teacher Leader, Drummond Montessori School

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Room 13 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Public-Charter

1:15pm PST

Managing Meltdowns – A Collaborative Approach

Both inside and outside the classroom, I've found that no one feels good after a behavioral meltdown. Using Ross Greene's 3 stage model as a starting point, let's talk about ways to collaborate as kids and families, educators and therapists, so that we all can do the best we can do. I'd like to share ideas from the "school of hard knocks," about what I've found to work, and what has not worked. There are new ideas to fold in as well, from the realms of the latest brain research, mindfulness techniques and narrative therapy. Bring your questions and ideas.

Speakers

Joshua Mark

LCSW

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Room 407 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, All

1:15pm PST

Nature Normalization: Inspiring the Wonder in Children Through Nature

Montessori believed in the wonders of Nature; she encouraged outdoor experiences and the connection of the outdoors to the classroom environment. The growing disconnect of children to the natural world is having profound effects on children’s health as well as their social and emotional growth. This presentation will both inspire you and help you reconnect your children and yourself to the importance, and the use of your outdoor environment within your daily activity. From Play and Nature experiences, to exploration and physical movement, it is imperative we reignite Nature within our children and ourselves.

Speakers

Geoffrey Bishop

Executive Director - Nature's Classroom Institute and Montessori School

nature normalization pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Theater NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, All

1:15pm PST

Organizing the Disorganized Child

Children with learning differences and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have challenges in organizing their work and prioritizing their work choices. This presentation will offer strategies to help these children develop organizational skills. You'll learn how to recognize the types of attention deficits and support the growth of executive functioning skills.

Speakers

Pauline Novak, MEd, MAT

Organizing the Disorganized Child.pptx pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Room 411 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Early Childhood

1:15pm PST

Practical Life and the Modern Child

After 100 years, are the Practical Life activities still beneficial to modern children, helping them plan, solve problems, and move with purpose? Do they encompass the entire class? Join us as we demonstrate examples of some new Practical Life materials and examine the role Practical Life plays in creating a vital and working community.

Speakers

Beth Norman

Early Childhood Practicum Coordinator and Faculty at Seton Montessori Institute

Joan Schuler

Lead Teacher, Naperville Montessori and Early Childhood Faculty at Seton Montessori Institute

Saturday February 22, 2014 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Community Room NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Early Childhood

2:30pm PST

Break - Exhibit Hall Open

Saturday February 22, 2014 2:30pm - 3:00pm PST
Small Gym NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals

3:00pm PST

All Year Montessori – Building Community in the Primary Class

One of the most important aspects of the All Year (All Day) Montessori classroom is that a sense of community is fostered both within the class and with the parents. This session will focus on ideas, practices, and events that contribute to a strong sense of shared purpose among the members of the All Year Community. Whether you are conducting a traditional primary class that takes younger children in the afternoons, a class with extended hours beyond the traditional class day hours, or a class that is in session all year round the need for community is critical.

Speakers

Michele Aspinall

Michele is a pioneer in the creation of one of the first authentic All Year Montessori models offered to children three to six years old in the United States. She has nurtured and tailored this program into a truly magnificent experience for children who spend much of their lives... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Library NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Early Childhood

3:00pm PST

Best Practices for the Montessori World Language Program: Take II

This workshop is a continuation of the 2013 best practices presentation, focusing on fostering proficiency, choosing and developing curriculum and accessing professional development resources for WL teachers. Time will also be given to discuss areas of challenge and questions submitted by teachers. This session is also helpful for schools looking to start or build their world language program. Examples given in Spanish.

Speakers

Valerie Shull

6-14 Spanish Teacher, Rogers Park Montessori School

AIMS World Language Best Practices Part II 2014 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Room 13 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Elementary, Heads and Administrators, Middle School

3:00pm PST

Children's Development of Executive Function

Executive functions are the cognitive processes that guide and manage thinking, emotions and behavior. In this session the growing body of research that connects Montessori practice with the development of strong executive function will be presented.

Speakers

Dr. Janet Bagby

Dr. Janet Bagby, Chair, AMS Research Committee, Senior Lecturer, Baylor University

Chicago Ex Function 1 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Room 8 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, All

3:00pm PST

How to Manage Childhood Anxiety in the Classroom

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders seen in children, and cannegatively impact children’s academic performance, social competence, family functioning, and overall self-esteem. Teachers are often in a unique position to observe the impact that anxiety symptoms have on students' social and academic functioning. Therefore, it is crucial that teachers are familiar with the most common anxiety disorders, so they can help to identify and support children in need of intervention. During this session, you will learn about the most common childhood anxiety disorders, including how these disorders manifest in the school setting, what parents may be reporting at home, and how to differentiate between transitory anxiety and a more serious anxiety disorder. We will then discuss strategies for intervening in the classroom and how to help the child manage his or her anxiety while at school.

Speakers

Jennifer Welbel

MA, LPC, Clinical Program Fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University; Anxiety and Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Childhood Anxiety in the Classroom pptx

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Room 407 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, All

3:00pm PST

Let’s Talk Turkey: Teaching the Truth about Thanksgiving, Columbus Day and our Continent’s Great Civilizations

This session will provide Lower and Upper Elementary teachers with the necessary questions, resources and activities to empower their students to uncover the truth and bring balance to teaching about the Columbus Day and Thanksgiving holidays. We will also provide guidelines and bibliographies to enhance your studies of the “great civilizations” found here on this continent--the amazing 12,000+ years of cultures in our own backyards.

Speakers

Linda Bechtle

Montessorian and Executive Director of the Midwest Institute for Native American Studies (MINAS)

Barbara M. Johnson

Independent Researcher and Writer

Let’s Talk Turkey Teaching the Truth about Thanksgiving, Columbus Day and our continent’s Great Civilizations pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Room 411 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Elementary

3:00pm PST

Making Real Connections with Math in a Montessori Classroom

Montessori has beautifully designed didactic materials for children to concretely learn the concepts of math. How do the children connect the concepts to the real world once they understand the concepts? We will take a look at what goes on within the classroom and how the children’s’ sensitive periods work together to aid in the development of the mathematical mind from the age of three through twelve.

Speakers

Margaret Combs

Primary Directress and Lower School Coordinator at Alcuin Montessori School, Consultant and Presenter at MMTTC

Gwen Harris

Primary Directress and Lower School Coordinator at 3-14 AMS Certified Directress, Elementary Coordinator, consultant, and presenter at MMTTC

MATH PRESENTATION AIMS 2014 Version 2 17 14 Copy pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Room 408 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Assistants, Early Childhood, Elementary

3:00pm PST

Preparing the Environment for the City Adolescent: The Micro economy and City Trips

Embracing the philosophy of pedagogy of place, Near North Montessori’s Micro economy and City Trip programs are designed around the cognitive and social needs of the adolescent in a city environment. Crucial to the transition from the second to third plane is the development of independence, leadership, and social responsibility. By providing the adolescent with the tools to live, work, and learn in a city environment, these programs support the valorization of the adolescent among peers, younger children, adults, and the city community. Presenters will talk openly about the evolution of these programs and how challenges have been overcome. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore ways to adapt these models within their own school settings.

Speakers

Meg O’Reilly Amandes

Junior High Head Teacher, Near North Montessori School

Jamee Warrenfeltz

Sandwich Shoppe Teacher, Near North Montessori School

2014 AIMS Presentation Preparing the Environment for the City Adolescent pdf

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Room 434 NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Middle School

3:00pm PST

Sensory Processing and Regulation

Do you have those students who seem to come in with one goal in mind – driving you around the bend? Do they just seem to have problems getting normalized and staying that way throughout the day? This session will help participants have a better understanding of those children who struggle with behavior and regulating themselves in a classroom. Suggestions will also be given for classroom adaptations.

Speakers

Sue Cantrell

Shelton School and Evaluation Center

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Theater NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Assistants, Early Childhood, Heads and Administrators

3:00pm PST

Tools for Teaching- effective Training and Coaching for the Elementary Assistant

The topic of this presentation is training the classroom assistant. How to engage the classroom assistant in constructive practices that aid the both child and teacher. The presentation will address the importance of communication between teacher and assistant that discusses navigating difficult conversations, clarifying expectations and setting reachable goals.

Speakers

Ann Matern

Elementary Director, former 6-9 and 9-12 teacher

Saturday February 22, 2014 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Community Room NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Breakout Session, Assistants, Elementary

4:15pm PST

End of Conference - Tours of Near North Montessori Available

Saturday February 22, 2014 4:15pm - 4:45pm PST
Library NNMS: 1434 West Division, Chicago, Illinois 60642

All Montessori Professionals