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Inspiring new thinking about education and the nature of childhood. Any false or misleading information will be removed from our page.

06/23/2026

What are MNW learners saying about their experience earning their AMI Diploma?

"It was amazing to see how robust the support for racial justice and gender equity work is."
-MNW Learner

Real progress requires real resources. We love this feedback because it highlights our dedication to creating a framework where racial justice and gender equity aren't just ideas, but lived experiences.

What does robust support look like in your workplace or school? Let’s share ideas below!

Learn more!

https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

06/22/2026

Rainy days, cinnamon smells, and the magic of Mama.

"Mama’s love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days."

This week’s Staff Pick, Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera, is a beautiful reminder that children don’t need grand adventures to feel happy—they just need us. This story follows a young girl as she follows her mama through a simple, rainy day at home.

Why we love it for your Montessori home:
⭐ Encourages Observation: The lyrical prose helps children notice the beauty in small things, like the way wind paints the window.
⭐ Celebrates Practical Life: It shows the joy of doing things just like Mama, which is exactly how children build independence!
⭐ Award-Winning: As a Coretta Scott King Honor book, it brings essential representation to your child's bookshelf.

06/21/2026

"Let him note that everything in the universe is interrelated."
-Maria Montessori
To Educate the Human Potential, 1947

Recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity can promote empathy and tolerance. If children understand that we're all part of a larger whole, they may be more likely to see others as interconnected beings deserving of respect and understanding.

Our Continuing Education Calendar is Ready for 2026-27. Check it out!
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events

06/20/2026

Move from Reminding to Empowering.

If you feel like you're constantly chasing students to check their work, this Zoom In session on the Tools of Responsibility is for you.

AMI Trainer Ellen Lebitz explores the "why" and "how" of regular adult-child meetings. These aren't just meetings—they are moments of connection that help children in the 6-12 plane take real ownership of their learning.

Ellen is incredibly candid about the challenges she faced when she first started and shares the practical, hard-won solutions that actually worked. Learn how to turn your record-keeping into a collaborative process that leaves both you and the children feeling more successful.

Watch the recorded workshop and reclaim your classroom rhythm!

Watch now: https://montessori-nw.org/archived-webinars

06/19/2026

Celebrating Freedom and the Potential of Every Child.

Today, we join the nation in celebrating Juneteenth. While this day marks a pivotal moment in the history of American freedom, it also serves as a beautiful reflection of our Montessori values.

Dr. Montessori taught us that "the child is the father of the man." When we raise children in environments that honor their independence, dignity, and rights, we are preparing them to be the peacemakers and justice-seekers of tomorrow.

How we honor the spirit of Juneteenth in our communities:
⭐ By sharing stories of Black resilience and joy.
⭐ By protecting the free will of the child, which is the foundation of a free society.
⭐ By committing to the work of peace—not just as an absence of war, but as the presence of justice.

Today, we celebrate the Black families, educators, and children who enrich our community. Happy Juneteenth!

06/18/2026

Bring the joy of music into your child's daily life.

"Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." Dr. Montessori recognized that music is a universal language that speaks directly to the young child's soul.

We invite you to read a beautiful reflection from AMI 0-3 Trainer Cristel Ruiz on joyfully sharing music with infants and toddlers. Music does so much more than make us tap our toes; it helps children learn to speak, move with grace, and connect with the people around them.

Whether it’s a simple lullaby or a rhythmic clapping game, music is a gift that supports every aspect of a child's growth.

Discover how to make music a meaningful part of your day: https://montessori-ami.org/trainingvoices/joyfully-sharing-music-young-child

06/17/2026

Honoring the unique path of every child.

"I see the singular thread this child holds..."

In a Montessori classroom, you won’t see twenty children doing the exact same worksheet at the exact same time. Instead, you’ll see a beautiful, busy ecosystem where every child is following their own thread.

This is the power of the Individualized Lesson. One child might be diving deep into the geography of the oceans, while another is discovering the logic of long division, and another is perfecting their handwriting.

By treating each child as a unique entity, we do more than just teach academics—we show them that their specific interests and talents are essential to our community. We aren't building a factory; we are weaving a community where everyone belongs.

Reflection for today: What texture or unique interest have you noticed in your child or student this week? How can you honor that thread today?

06/16/2026

What are MNW learners saying about their experience earning their AMI Diploma?

"I constantly felt grateful throughout...because I felt safe enough to be exactly who I am around each staff member."
-Maria, MNW Alumna

Come as you are. At the heart of our mission is a simple belief: the best learning happens when you feel safe, supported, and celebrated for being exactly who you are.

Looking for a community that values the person as much as the professional? Join our next cohort.

Learn more!

https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

06/15/2026

A true story of perseverance and belonging.

"We needed all the courage we could muster."

In La Frontera: My Journey with Papa, Alfredo Alva shares his own childhood journey from Mexico to the U.S. in the 1980s. This bilingual book is a powerful way to talk with children about resilience, empathy, and what it truly means to be a neighbor.

In Montessori, we know that children are naturally curious about the world and the people in it. This book provides a gentle but honest bridge to discuss:
⭐ Why families move and the challenges they face.
⭐ The strength found in the father-son bond.
⭐ How we can make our communities more welcoming for everyone.

The inclusion of factual endnotes makes this an incredible resource for parents and teachers who want to raise globally-minded citizens.

06/14/2026

We are building the future, one child at a time.

Dr. Montessori famously said that the study of the young child is fundamental to the peace and progress of humanity. This might feel like a big responsibility, but it starts with the small, everyday moments in our homes and classrooms.

When we allow a child the freedom to choose their own work, when we model how to speak kindly to a friend, or when we help them care for their environment, we are helping to form a Citizen of the World. These children grow up to be adults who understand that we are all connected. They become the thinkers, the peacemakers, and the innovators our world needs.

Reflection for today: How can we model peace and progress in our interactions with children today?

Address

610 SW Alder Street Suite 721
Portland, OR
97214

Website

http://www.montessori-nw.org/

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