Montessori Northwest

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

A story about being yourself—in any color! Do you have a child who refuses to take off a certain superhero cape, a pair ...
06/01/2026

A story about being yourself—in any color!

Do you have a child who refuses to take off a certain superhero cape, a pair of boots, or maybe... a pair of green pants?

In Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel, we meet Jameson, a boy who feels he can do anything as long as he’s in his signature green trousers. When he's asked to wear black for a family wedding, he faces a big dilemma.

This sweet and funny book is a wonderful tool for teaching decision-making and self-acceptance. It reminds us that while traditions are important, honoring a child's sense of self is what builds true confidence.

Why we love it for your home library:
⭐ It promotes acceptance of the different.
⭐ It helps children see that they are still them, even when things change.
⭐ It’s a great conversation starter about family love and compromise.

05/31/2026

“The instructions of the teacher consist then merely in a hint, a touch—enough to give a start to the child. The rest develops of itself.” —Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook

In Maria Montessori's view, the teacher is not there to fill the child with information. Instead, they act as a spark. By providing a hint or a touch, the teacher introduces a concept or a tool just enough to pique the child's curiosity without over-explaining it. This prevents the child from becoming a passive recipient of facts. The goal is to avoid unnecessary interference, which can stifle a child's focus and independence.

Looking for guidance supporting your 6-12 environment?
Join our 3 part webinar series: Preparing the Conditions for Independence in Elementary
September 5, September 19 & October 3
Saturdays 9:00am - 11:00am Pacific Time
Online with Allan Nguyen
$199

Register Today!
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events











A healthy Montessori community relies on the strength of its entire staff. Are you a 3-6 or 6-12 assistant looking to de...
05/30/2026

A healthy Montessori community relies on the strength of its entire staff.

Are you a 3-6 or 6-12 assistant looking to deepen your practice? Our upcoming workshop, The Prepared Assistant, explores how your presence and observation support "normalization" and a peaceful classroom life.

Participants will gain practical strategies for:
✅ Effective observation and record keeping.
✅ Responsive support that respects the child’s independence.
✅ Understanding the developmental needs of the first and second planes.

🗓️ Date: August 29, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
📍 Location: Online
⭐ Credits: ORO (Set I) & STARS credits available.

👉 Register here for $110:
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events

Elevating the Role of the Montessori Assistant: Professional Development and Pedagogical Alignment. The efficacy of a Mo...
05/30/2026

Elevating the Role of the Montessori Assistant: Professional Development and Pedagogical Alignment.

The efficacy of a Montessori environment is directly tied to the preparation of the adults within it. Our upcoming workshop, The Prepared Assistant, provides 3-6 and 6-12 staff with the theoretical framework and practical tools necessary to sustain a high-functioning classroom community.

Focusing on the critical intersections of observation, movement, and social belonging, this session offers:
🔹 Technical Skill-Building: Advanced strategies for record-keeping and responsive intervention.
🔹 Pedagogical Consistency: Aligning the assistant's role with the developmental needs of the first and second planes.
🔹 Accredited Growth: Oregon ORO (Set I) and Washington STARS credits available.

Invest in your team's professional clarity and the health of your school's environments.

📌 Registration and details:
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events

Calling all future educators, assistants, and caregivers! Are you looking for a foundational understanding of Montessori...
05/29/2026

Calling all future educators, assistants, and caregivers!

Are you looking for a foundational understanding of Montessori education? Our next series of AMI Orientation Courses is officially open for registration! These sessions are perfect for school staff looking to align with AMI standards, or for parents and caregivers who want to support children with more intention and care.

What makes our Orientations different?
✅ Live & Online: Real-time access to AMI Trainers.
✅ Age-Specific: Choose from 0-3, 3-6, or 6-12 levels.
✅ Comprehensive: Includes 9 hours of guided observation to see theory in practice.

Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 dates are now live. Secure your spot and start your Montessori journey today!

👉 View Dates & Register: https://montessori-nw.org/orientation-courses

Assistants to Infancy AMI 0-3 Orientation
September 28 - November 4, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Elise Arevalo
$950

Primary AMI 3-6 Orientation
October 1 - November 12, 2026
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Jess Fraley
$950

Elementary AMI 6-12 Orientation
March 2 - April 4, 2027
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Ellen Lebitz
$950

Assistants to Infancy AMI 0-3 Orientation
March 8 - April 12, 2027
Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Elise Arevalo
$950

05/28/2026

Connection is the fuel for independence.

It might seem contradictory, but the more a child feels connected to a trusted adult, the more they are willing to step out and do things on their own!

In her Voices of AMI piece, Trainer Erin Smith shares why our presence is one of the most important tools we have. By being fully present and building a strong connection, we give infants and toddlers the psychological safety they need to build new skills—from pouring their own water to taking their first steps.

Discover how to support your child’s quest for independence through the power of connection:

Read Erin’s full story here: https://montessori-ami.org/trainingvoices/connection-and-independence-birth-three

05/27/2026

Seeing the child with fresh eyes every day.

I brush away the dust of my own expectations...

It’s easy to get caught up in our own to-do lists or our past experiences with a child's behavior. But Montessori challenges us to be a Clear Mirror. When we let go of our own ego and pride, we can see the child's true potential shining through.

This Spiritual Preparation is what allows Montessori guides to remain calm, patient, and deeply respectful. By checking our own biases at the door, we create a space where every child feels truly seen and understood for exactly who they are.

A moment of reflection: Take a deep breath before you enter your classroom or home today. What one expectation can you let go of to better support the child in front of you?

Learn more about our holistic approach to teacher training: https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

What are MNW learners saying about their experience earning their AMI Diploma? "A leader in both the quality of their ed...
05/26/2026

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

"A leader in both the quality of their educational programs and the the mindful approach of their diversity, equity, and inclusion work." -Minnie Wales

Quality meets intentionality. We are honored to be recognized for not only what we teach, but the inclusive way we grow together. We’re proud of this progress, but the work never stops. Join us on our journey toward a more inclusive future.

Learn more about our programs here:
https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

A beautiful story about family, culture, and finding your passion. 📖Looking for a book that celebrates the special bond ...
05/25/2026

A beautiful story about family, culture, and finding your passion. 📖

Looking for a book that celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren? Grandma’s Gift by Eric Velásquez is a must-read!

This story takes us into a bustling Puerto Rican kitchen during the holidays and then on a magical trip to the museum. It’s a wonderful reminder that the gifts our elders give us aren't always things we can wrap—sometimes, they are experiences that open our eyes to who we can become.

This book is a great way to introduce bilingual text to your home or classroom and to talk about how our families help us reach for our dreams.

Tag a grandparent who has inspired your children! Let’s celebrate the Grandma’s Gifts in our community.

Follow us for more curated resources for your classroom: https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

"Democracy begins at birth. The child must know what is going to happen to him, that he will not be seized suddenly, tha...
05/24/2026

"Democracy begins at birth. The child must know what is going to happen to him, that he will not be seized suddenly, that his permission will be asked first."
-Maria Montessori

It starts with the simple, radical act of asking a child’s permission. By honoring their autonomy from day one, we teach them that their voice matters and their body is their own.

Curious about the 0-3 Montessori philosophy? Join our 3 part Webinar Series:
The Architecture of Belonging
November 5 - 19, 2026
Thursdays 5:00pm - 6:30pm Pacific Time
Online with Elise Arevalo
$139

Registrar Today!
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events

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610 SW Alder Street Suite 721
Portland, OR
97214

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