The vibrant city of Denver hosted The Montessori Event 2025, welcoming 3,900 educators, administrators, and advocates–including 900 online attendees. The Montessori Event (TME) was a testament to the commitment and dedication of those forwarding Montessori education. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, this year’s gathering offered a reminder of the strength, unity, and growth of the Montessori community. Keep reading for highlights from these four amazing days!
A Warm Welcome
The Event kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome that set the tone for a weekend of learning and connection. Executive Director Munir Shivji’s opening ceremony celebrated 65 years of the American Montessori Society by reflecting on the transformative legacy of Maria Montessori and the movement she inspired. Attendees walked away thinking about the interconnectedness of the Montessori community and acknowledging the influence of educators, thinkers, and visionaries who shaped Montessori’s philosophy.
Through stories of resilience and collaboration, Shivji highlighted how Montessori’s commitment to social justice and belief in the potential of every child continue to inspire educators today. He encouraged attendees to embrace the evolving nature of Montessori education, reflect on their own impact, and celebrate their contributions to the AMS legacy. Throughout TME, the energy remained high as participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exchanged best practices, and celebrated the transformative power of Montessori education.
Powerful Keynotes
Suneel Gupta, CEO of RISE, delivered a thoughtful and energizing keynote, “Momentum: Accelerate Your Performance Without the Burnout,” offering a fresh perspective on achieving high performance without sacrificing well-being. Drawing from his work at Harvard Medical School and insights from extraordinary leaders, Suneel shared actionable strategies to boost resilience, creativity, and productivity. His engaging presentation sparked us to break free from the hustle mentality and build lasting momentum without the risk of burnout.
Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized artist, TED speaker, and No. 1 bestselling author. Wahl used his artistic talent as a metaphor, moving educators to reimagine their roles and impact. Through interactive art, humor, storytelling, and audience participation, Wahl inspired teachers, administrators, and school staff to embrace creativity and unlock new levels of achievement for their students.
Dominique Dawes delivered a motivational keynote, sharing lessons from her 18-year gymnastics career and her path to Olympic gold. She reflected on the challenges, setbacks, and personal growth that shaped her success, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, resilience, and surrounding oneself with the right support. Dawes left guests with a lasting message– success as an ongoing journey rather than a singular achievement, offering insights on how to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Her powerful message resonated beyond sports, inspiring individuals to embrace their own journeys with determination and purpose.
Alexis Nikole Nelson captivated the audience with an endearing and insightful keynote, reflecting on her journey as a Montessori student. A forager and outdoor educator, Nelson encouraged attendees to rethink their relationship with food by exploring sustainable and environmentally conscious choices. With humor, song, and storytelling, Nelson highlighted the rich culinary traditions of Black and Indigenous communities, shedding light on their often-repressed food legacies. Her keynote emboldened educators to embrace the abundance of edible plants around them, fostering a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for the cultural stories food can tell.
Living Legacy
Charles Terranova, the 2025 AMS Living Legacy honoree, was recognized for his over 50 years of dedication to Montessori education. From teaching and founding schools to mentoring educators and influencing policy, Charles has left an indelible mark on the Montessori community. His reflections on authenticity in Montessori practice and the importance of mentorship resonated deeply with attendees.
Montessori Voices
Judi Bauerlein
A passionate advocate for Montessori education and peace, Judi shared her lifelong dedication to connecting children with nature and fostering unity. Her talk, “Montessori: A Pathway to Peace and Connection with Nature,” explored the role of love, wonder, and gratitude in Montessori practice.
Anita Hanks
In “65 Years of Montessori Innovation: A Journey of Community, Connection, and Global Impact,” Anita celebrated a milestone anniversary of the American Montessori Society. As incoming president for the AMS Board of Directors, her reflections on community, leadership, and the global influence of AMS highlighted the organization’s legacy and future aspirations.
Makomborero Carl Muropa
Drawing from his experiences as a human rights lawyer and Montessori advocate, Makomborero presented “Coraje + Pertenencia = Montessori (Courage + Belonging = Montessori).” He explored how Montessori principles naturally align with African cultural values, emphasizing joy as a transformative force in education.
Dan & Amy Russo
In “Strength in Community: A Family Montessori Journey,” Dan Russo shared their family’s deeply personal story of resilience and the unwavering support of their Montessori community during Amy’s battle with breast cancer. Their testimony underscored the enduring strength of Montessori relationships.
“What Will Be Your Legacy” Student Showcase
49 students participated in this year’s Student Showcase from three schools: Midtown Montessori Academy, Free Horizon Montessori, and Mountain Juniper Montessori. The theme invited youth to reflect on the question “What Will Be Your Legacy?” From innovative projects to heartfelt presentations, these changemakers demonstrated how Montessori education empowers students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Research Poster Hall
Educators explored the Research Poster Hall, which featured studies on racial and socioeconomic equity, various achievement metrics in Montessori schools, insights into educators’ experiences, and more. Research posters are dedicated to connecting theory with practice to help every child thrive.
Exhibit Hall
We hope you were able to explore the domes! The Exhibit Hall buzzed with awe, showcasing resources, materials, and ideas to encourage Montessorians in their work. Vendors, exhibitors, and attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, forging connections that will continue to grow long after the event.
65th Anniversary Gala
The 65th Anniversary Gala—Soaring Roots, Grounded in Tradition, Soaring to New Heights celebrated a legacy of innovation, dedication, and the incredible impact of Montessori education. Guests enjoyed a lively band, delicious food, and community as they raised funds to further the work of incredible educators and AMS’s mission.
AMS Awards
Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of AMS’s annual awards.
- Douglas M Gravel Award: Margaret (Marge) Ellison
- Living Legacy 2025 Award: Charles Terranova
- Nancy McCormick Rambusch Award: Eileen M. Wilms Buermann
- Montessori Innovator Award: Samantha Gleisten
- Dr. Maria Montessori Ambassador Award: Alexis Nikole Nelson
- Impact Medal: Adam Egherman, Antria Goss, Ben Blair, Bhairavi Chandramouli, Carissa Swiss, Chase Wesley, Claudia Mann, Dana Anderson, Gabrielle Holt, Heather Gerker, Jana Morgan Herman, Justin Tosco, Kate Broughton, Lorna Cohen, Maggie Bischoff, Mandi Franz, Marie Rose Hoang, Mihaela Mihaylova Boteva, Natasha McKenzie, Neil O’Brien, Rihanna Zhao Rui, Samantha Gleisten, Seth Johnson, Sharmeen Niazi, Susan Zoll, and Uniit Carruyo
- Lifetime Achievement Medal: Amy Henderson, Joyce Pickering, Judi Bauerlein, Maria Gravel, Marie Dugan, Martha Torrence, MaryEllen Kordas, and Susie Shelton-Dodge
- Pinnacle of Dedication Medal: Carla Hofland, Michael Eanes, and Rich Ungerer
- Service Award: Hilary Green, Amy Henderson, Joan Rodriguez & Michael Yordan, Kathryn Miller, and Eric Dustman
Enthusiastic & Meaningful Sessions
Workshops and breakout sessions provided practical tools and innovative strategies for educators to bring back to their learning environments. Session topics included new Montessori research, the process of building inclusive school environments, embracing digital citizenship, and much more. Both speakers and participants alike had palpable passion and dedication, reflecting the enduring impact of the Montessori philosophy.
Building Community
A collective sense of renewal and inspiration was unmistakable in Denver and online. The Montessori Event was a time for reunions and new friendships. Dance Through the Decades, wellness sessions, and networking events brought the community together with laughter, shared stories, and a mutual commitment to the principles of Montessori education. Attendees left Denver with fresh perspectives, strengthened bonds, and a renewed commitment to our students and communities.
The Montessori Event in 2026
Mark your calendars for March 19–22, 2026! The Montessori Event 2026 in Washington DC promises to be another unforgettable gathering. Stay connected, continue the conversations, and let the spirit of this year’s event carry forward in your classrooms and communities.
Until next year, Montessorians!