Top Three Reasons Montessori Schools Must Double Down on DEI in 2024
“Either education contributes to a movement of universal liberation by showing the way to defend and raise humanity or it becomes like one of those organs which have shriveled up by not being used during the evolution of the organism.” -Maria Montessori, The Formation of Man
Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to education and create an inclusive, empowering environment for both students and educators? Look no further! We're thrilled to present an unmissable opportunity at the upcoming AMI-USA Montessori Refresher Course – an immersive workshop on "Embracing Equity in Montessori Environments."
Here are the top three reasons why you should not just consider but actively engage in this transformative learning experience:
- Fostering Inclusive Excellence: Elevate your school by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Learn how fostering an inclusive culture benefits not only your students but your entire school community. Our workshop goes beyond theory, providing practical strategies to implement in your Montessori prepared environment.
- To kickstart your journey, we're offering a free downloadable guide with practical strategies to understand the difference between Equity and Equality. Starting with a shared vocabulary, you can easily implement a shared understanding of these concepts in your Montessori environment. This resource is your first step toward creating a truly inclusive learning space.
- Empowering Educators: Discover the tools and techniques to empower educators to become true advocates for equity. We believe that an empowered teaching staff creates a vibrant and dynamic learning atmosphere. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to foster a culture that nurtures the potential of every child – not regardless of background or circumstance, but in honor of it. We must acknowledge the full humanity of each person and recognize how that humanity is not granted the same dignity in our society. How do we do that? We’ll practice together in our experiential workshop on February 16, 2024.
- Building a Future-Ready Community: In an ever-changing world, it's essential to equip our students with the skills they need now and for the future. Our workshop explores how a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion sets the foundation for creating socially conscious, empathetic individuals who are ready to thrive in a globalized society. We argue that we cannot truly practice authentic Montessori pedagogy, if we refuse to address the systemic racism that dehumanizes and harms all of us. In fact, we betray the liberatory potential of Montessori education if we fail to double down on diversity, equity, and inclusion when it is being severely marginalized and slashed.
I find myself wondering what Maria Montessori herself would do in this cultural moment of “de-wokening,” book bans, record numbers of school shootings, and bottomless debasement of our democracy.
As a Montessori educator and parent, I believe that Montessori education is, at its core, about educating the human potential. We cannot do that when the systems that we and our children are surrounded by dehumanize us at every step. We abandon Dr. Montessori’s own vision for active peace if we neglect to grapple with the ongoing realities of systemic racism that dehumanizes the precious children in our care.
And it doesn’t have to be this way. There is a path to peace. It starts with Embracing Equity.
Don't miss the chance to be part of the Embracing Equity workshop on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 12:15 - 1:45 pm CST at the Montessori Refresher. This is not just a learning opportunity; it's a transformative experience that will shape the future of your school community.
Our Articles
Climate Change and Youth
I recently went to the Global Climate Strike rally in San Francisco. I was pretty excited about this because, like many activists of my generation, I feel that youth involvement is key in any hopes of obtaining a meaningful change in regards to humanity’s future.
Speaking for Ourselves Teaching Guide
This lesson plan is an offering to the Speaking for Ourselves community, for K-12 educators & beyond who want to decolonize their classrooms by honoring the voices and experiences of the global majority. These stories speak to the beauty and resiliency of Black, Indigenous, Asian Pacific Islander and Latinx people.
It's That Time Again: Back to School Resources
Embracing Equity seeks to pass on the wisdom and foresight that was handed down to us over the years from the educators, children, families, and communities who have made us stronger and more critically aware practitioners.
Embracing Equity in the Wake of Police Brutality
Amelia Allen Sherwood is an Embracing Equity graduate of both the workshop and the online cohort, living in New Haven, Ct. She is the Dean of Social Emotional Learning at Elm City Montessori School and is a racial justice organizer. This is a reflection about the cohort and her action project.
Ode to White Liberals
Austin, Texas is the land of the White Moderate. They who “prefer a negative peace...and the absence of tension” as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said. They are liberal. They are progressive. They are “good” White people. And so I wrote this poem, “Ode to White Liberals” for you, Austin, Texas. Global Majority, I want you to know that it’s ok to refuse to be the bridge for White moderates.
Finding Your Person: Why We Need Buddies in Embracing Equity
I believe that identifying an “Embracing Equity Buddy” in my life has been the difference maker that has allowed the work of disrupting dominant white supremacy culture to be a sustainable practice.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Join our community for access to exclusive webinars, inspiring resources, and tools for transformation.
