2021 AIMS Conference

February 19-20th

Benedictine University • 5700 College Road, Lisle, Illinois

AND/OR

Online

The Association of Illinois Montessori Schools 2021 Conference will proceed as scheduled, either in person at Benedictine University and/or online. The Call for Proposals for the 2021 Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) Conference is now open!

We invite all Montessorians to share your expertise, passion and creativity with your community. Submit your proposal to present at our 2021 conference.

Important Note

By proposing for a speaking role, you agree to allow the recording of your session(s) for possible sale or free distribution by AIMS.

Workshop Topics

Please let our ideas inspire you—but not limit you.

Topics of Special Interest:

• Workshops presented in collaboration with an AMS and AMI team
• Workshops looking at the future of Montessori in a changed education landscape
• Workshops geared to supporting children with learning differences
• Workshops geared towards supporting social emotional needs for children and/or staff
• Montessori beyond classroom walls—e.g., community outreach, and service learning
• Refresher workshops on Montessori curriculum areas, materials, and pedagogy
• Workshops geared specifically for attendees representing Montessori public and charter schools
• Workshops geared towards supporting parents with children at home
• Social justice and diversity
• Workshops presented in Spanish

Continued Favorites:

Philosophy: Dr. Montessori’s universal vision of how children learn; cosmic education; peace education; educational best practices; comparisons of Montessori with other educational theories and practices, expansion and growth of the Montessori experience and community in today’s education landscape. 

Classroom Leadership and Curriculum: Montessori best practices and curriculum; adapting curriculum for remote learning; practical ideas for immediate implementation in the classroom and away from the classroom; observation; record-keeping and assessment; technology 

Supplemental Curriculum: STEAM; art; music; movement; physical education; foreign languages, including ESL; environmental education and sustainability; global education 

Socio-Emotional Development: Addressing trauma experienced through cascading effects of COVID-19; supporting staff and families in a new normal; moral and spiritual growth; grace and courtesy; self- regulation; normalization; mindfulness; positive discipline; bullying 

Montessori Inclusion and Learning Differences: Accommodating children with learning differences and their families remotely; learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD); speech and/or language delays and disorders; autism spectrum disorders; developmental disorders; physical disabilities; behavioral issues; inclusive classroom management 

School Leadership: Leadership in changing times and crisis planning for the future; Montessori communities in the post COVID-19 era; leadership development and skills for emerging and current educators and administrators; faculty development and support; nuts and bolts of running a quality school (finance, development, marketing, admissions, etc.) 

Teacher Development: Adult instruction; remote instruction; agility and creativity in addressing student needs; assessment and data to inform practices; transformation of the teacher; staff development and support

Family, Community, Communication, and Action: Home and school partnership; parent education; public policy and advocacy

Research: Personal research related to Montessori education; action research and how to do it