Beyond the Brochure- A Message to Membership

“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity. (M. Montessori)

Dear AMI/USA Members, Trainers, Partners, Vendors, and Sponsors,

For decades AMI/USA and AMI-EAA have partnered and collaborated to offer AMI/USA members high fidelity and pedagogically sound AMI Refresher Courses presented- by highly qualified, accomplished, and well-respected AMI Trainers. Other limited peripheral programming was offered and this culminated in what is now known as The Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More!  All was right with the Montessori world and this model met the needs of many members, leaders and members. 

Considering the AMI/USA Mission Statement and Objectives, our AMI/USA 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and Core Values, our organizational Statement on Inclusion and Educational Equity,  and the survey feedback from members, our conference format evolved from the traditional yearly refresher courses programming that was entrenched in legacy and tradition. We were responsive in designing a model that provides opportunities to strengthen pedagogical knowledge as well as offer presentations and workshops that prepare and equip members to guide children during this current social time and place. 

AMI/USA is acknowledging and acting upon the idea that, as with children, adults learn in different ways. Visual learners are stimulated by images, auditory learners by sound, and kinesthetic or tactile learners through touching, feeling and experiencing. As a practical consequence the indication deriving from these assumptions show that learning activities addressed to adults should be “more active” and not just theoretical and static.  It is the idea of the relationship between enjoying learning activities and the task the children have to accomplish. For adult learners it is not that different. Adult Learners have similar needs: when they learn they create their own world. (Boldrini) This is our rationale for the progressive transformation of the conference learning model.

Although AMI/USA did not expect the change in EAA’s involvement in The 2026 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More!, we fully embrace the idea of offering choice to our members. We respect and honor our member’s time and the financial investment they have to make to attend a national conference. We are delighted to confirm that the 2026 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More! will take place February 13–15, 2026, in San Diego, CA. AMI/USA will fully embrace offering choice to our members.  This gathering will bring together the best of our AMI Refresher tradition while expanding opportunities for dialogue, innovation, and community.

Along with our opening world café, leveled AMI refresher courses and workshops open to all, general presentations, opening session with keynote, Dr. Donna Hicks, the annual Town Hall meeting with Dr. KaLinda Bass-Barlow, the Human Rights and Social Justice Open Space with speakers, Montessori vendors, and sponsors. 

We will continue to offer AMI Refresher Courses and workshops facilitated by experienced AMI trainers and presenters that will be open to attendees at the respective levels.  We hope to see you in San Diego at the 2026 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses and More!

In partnership, 

The AMI/USA Team

References:

Boldrini, F. (Ed.). (2015). Montessori Method for Orienting and Motivating Adults: Guide for the application of the Montessori method to adult education (1st ed.). Fondazione Montesca Edizioni. https://www.ch‑e.eu/files/content/downloads/Press/MOMA%20MANUAL.pdf Academia+6ResearchGate+6Europe For All+6

Montessori, M. (1992). To educate the human potential. Clio Press. (Original work published 1948)