Creativity at the Core: Montessori as Education for the Future

2009 Refresher Course and Workshops

The 2009 annual refresher course and workshops were held in Houston, Texas at the Intercontinental Hotel from February 13-16, 2009. The theme of the conferences was Creativity at the Core: Montessori as Education for the Future. Lectures and sessions focused on how creating meaningful responses to current, and future, global challenges require an education that nurtures all innate capabilities and sensibilities. That same education should encourage creativity and the creative process in all that children undertake.

The 780 conference participants were inspired and rejuvenated by this professional opportunity that gathers the AMI Montessori community to celebrate and focus on a deeper study of teacher training, the role of the assistant, honing leadership skills, and parent awareness. One of the world’s leading thinkers on creativity and innovation, Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., delivered the keynote address, titled Cultivating Creativity, Energy, and Curiosity. A portion of Sir Ken’s engaging and articulate keynote address will be available for download as a movie from the AMI/USA website in the near future. Download a conference brochure for more information about speakers and sessions that took place at the 2009 conference.

Selected Conference Feedback

“I especially appreciate it when you bring in someone as a speaker from outside Montessori, and it not only exposes us Montessorians to new ideas and perspectives, but it exposes key thinkers to us Montessorians!”

“Excellent! Thank you for bringing [Sir Ken], yet another articulate speaker who affirms the spirit of Montessori.”

This is my first year as an administrator, and I am leaving with a new perspective. The collective wisdom offered was amazing. I am coming away with an enormous amount of ideas and am excited to implement them.”

“As always, I came away with so much knowledge and motivation.”