Truly Integrating the Hand, Mind, Heart: Spirituality as a Fundamental Human Need

Montessori environments often focus on their student's intellectual and developmental skills. However, included in the Montessori philosophy is the concept that spirituality is a non-material fundamental need that also needs to be nurtured. Based on cursory observations, it appears that not all Montessorians focus on supporting the student's spiritual development by fostering self-awareness, empathy, and inner peace. However, there are Montessori schools that establish environments known as “retreat houses” or “atriums” that are prepared for students in the first, second and third planes to actively engage in "head, hand and heart" work that leads to an understanding and expression of personal faith.  Join us as we discuss the mystery of the interpersonal relationship between God and the student, across various planes of development and how the growth of this spiritual relationship can be assisted by prepared adults in Montessori spaces.  

Ayize Sabater (Ed.D) is a dynamic entrepreneur, educational researcher, author (Tell’n Children Our Story) and thirty-year educator. He earned degrees from Morehouse, Wesley and Morgan State. Dr. Ayize has co-founded several organizations, including an independent Black school and a D.C. Montessori Public school. Ayize has repeatedly been featured as a keynote speaker, received numerous awards, including a 2010 educational excellence award presented by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House, and the 2025 Morehouse Alumni Education award. He launched an FM radio show (#UMustLearn), co-founded the Black Montessori Educational Fund (BMEF) and served as Executive Director of AMI/USA from 2020 to 2024.