Programs & Community Resources
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT services
consulting services
MINT offers tailored guidance to implement and optimize Montessori principles in individual classrooms or across a school community. MINT consultants are available to observe your program in action and make specific recommendations regarding administration, family engagement, and classroom mentorship based on your needs and our knowledge and experience
mentoring
MINT mentors bring years of experience and a deep understanding of Montessori pedagogy to guide and empower adults currently working with children in classroom and community settings. Work with a mentor one-on-one to observe and plan in a way that leads directly to your own personal and professional growth, as well as the growth of the children in your care
workshops & presentations
MINT offers a dynamic range of topics, from Dr Montessori’s theoretical pedagogy to practical hands-on application in the classroom and at home. Whether you desire a teacher in-service program, a half-day professional development seminar, or a family engagement night, let MINT support you with a workshop, presentation, or series tailored to your needs and audience.
Contact MINT outreach coordinator Molly Schayot at mollyschayot@montessori-mint.org to learn more!
passionate perspectives MONTESSORI CONVERSATIONS
overview
Discover Montessori Conversations, a monthly professional development series designed to empower educators and ignite passion for Montessori education
This year, Montessori Conversations will showcase "Passionate Perspectives,” shining the spotlight on the projects and insights closest to the hearts of our speakers Engage in captivating conversations with MINT faculty and staff, and featured speakers from our vibrant community to experience the infectious power of passion firsthand
Immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience that enhances your understanding and practice of Montessori principles Let's ignite change together one passionate perspective at a time
details
LOCATION: Online via Zoom
DATES: First Tuesday of the Month
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00 PM Central
COST: Session $20
CERTIFICATE: 2-hour professional development certificate per session
schedule
SEPT 3, 2024
OCT 1, 2024
NOV 5, 2024
DEC 3, 2024
JAN 7, 2025
FEB 4, 2025
MAR 4, 2025
APR 1, 2025
“The Power of Possibility” with Paige Krabill, Psy.D.
“Montessori: Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy” with Jai Brisbon of TEAM
“How the Montessori for Aging & Dementia Movement is Changing Care for Elders” with Margaret Jarrell
“The Art and Practice of Attunement” with Cristel Ruiz, M Ed
“Bridging the Gap: An Exploration of Montessori & Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports” with Caroline Clark
“Wholly Informed Sex Ed: Taking a Multi-Literacy Approach to Sexuality Education” with Sherri Cook & Emily Cabral of WISE
“The Importance of Environmental Education” with Geoffrey E Bishop of Nature’s Classroom Institute
“Supporting Independence in the Elementary Environment” with Virginia Viscovic, M A
Visit montessori-mint.org/montessori-conversations to register!
immersive experiences
overview
Dive into a world of enriching workshops with MINT, where we offer a spectrum of immersive experiences designed to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and foster community connections.
From hands-on sewing sessions to exploring music theory through the unique lens of Montessori materials, our workshops are tailor-made to ignite your passion for learning and empower you to enact positive change.
details
MINT workshop offerings are always evolving Discover our upcoming workshops at montessori-mint.org/workshops
sample topics
Montessori Music
Material Making
Eating, Sleeping, Feeding & Toilet Learning
Gardening
Sports
Parenting
Do you have a workshop idea? Are you interested in hosting one?
Reach out to Melissa Crenshaw, MINT's Program Manager, at melissacrenshaw@montessori-mint org to bring your vision to life!
W I T H M I N T
3-6 AMI REFRESHER COURSE
Language in the Casa
MINTisproudtointroduceRefreshwithMINT,afreshapproachtotheAMI RefresherCourse.Anonlineformatwithmonthlysessionsmakesthe experienceaccessibletomorepractitionersinthefieldandsupportsa practice-focusedapproachtoyourcontinueddevelopment.
RefreshwithMINTlauncheswithLanguageintheCasa,a3-6AMIRefresher CourseThrough8synchronous90-minuteonlinesessionsfromSeptember 2024toApril2025,wewillsystematicallyreviewlanguageactivitiesinthe Casaandoffertoolsforyoutointegratethemintothedailylifeofthe community.Thesetoolsincludefocusedobservationandplanning,aswell asthepreparationoftheenvironmentwithmaterialsandactivities.
topics
ConnectingwiththeWorld:StoriesthatInviteBelonging Let’sTalk:Speaking,Listening,andDialogue FunwithLanguage:ExploringtheSoundsandWordsofMyLanguage ICanMakeMyThoughtsVisible:TheFoundationsofWriting KeystoReading:ReadingMechanicsandClassifiedReading KeystoReading:EngagingwiththeWrittenWord Reading:PathwaystoCultureandLiterature DevelopmentofWrittenExpression
details
COST:$350
LOCATION:OnlineviaZoom
SCHEDULE:2ndWednesdayoftheMonth,6-7:30PMCT
September11,2024
October9,2024
November13,2024
December11,2024
January 8, 2025
February 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
April 9, 2025
REQUIREMENTS: Commitmenttoattendall8sessions. Ifyoumiss2sessions,youraccesstogroupresourceswillcease automatically Mustattendall8sessionstoreceiveAMIRefresherCoursecertificate
Visit montessori-mint.org/refresh-with-mint to register!
communities PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
overview
MINT Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have been developed to provide opportunities for collaboration among those working in learning environments. These groups provide an environment for practitioners to come together to share experiences, brainstorm ideas, and offer support to each other in their work.
This year, MINT is pleased to introduce new PLCs, opening the program to more educators and professionals in our community! The established PLC for 3-6 will return, along with new groups for 0-3, 6-12, and administrators
0-3, 3-6, & 6-12 PLCs
A must for working Montessori professionals, MINT PLCs address real-world scenarios and challenges brought forth by members. Individuals benefit from the community's collective experience and expertise as they explore actionable solutions, reflect on relevant insights, and forge supportive relationships
details
COST: Free Resource!
LOCATION: Online via Zoom
DATES:
0-3: First Thursday of the Month
3-6: First Wednesday of the Month
6-12: TBA
TIME: 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. Central
No registration is necessary. Our virtual doors are open, so come when you can!
ADMINISTRATOR PLC
lunch & learn overview
MINT is excited to introduce a free monthly Professional Learning Community Lunch and Learn series for School Administrators, led by our Executive Director, Virginia Brooks These sessions will provide a platform for our community members to gather online, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Over the course of 8 sessions, held via Zoom between September and April, participants will have the opportunity to benefit from guest speakers, panel discussions featuring top leaders in our field, and the support of an online community Together, we'll explore relevant topics and shape conversations that meet the needs of school administrators and their communities
COST:FreeResource!
LOCATION:OnlineviaZoom
DATES:FirstWednesdayofeachmonth *exceptJan.,meetingonthe8th
TIME:12:00-1:00P.M.Central
details schedule
SEPT 4, 2024
OCT 2, 2024
NOV 6, 2024
DEC 4, 2024
JAN 8, 2025
FEB 5, 2025
MAR 5, 2025
APRIL 2, 2025
Professional Development with MINT Power of Possibility
Montessori Principles in Leadership Supporting Teachers
Montessori Education in 2024
Sponsoring School: What Admins Need to Know State Regulations and Childcare Centers Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) & Belonging at Work
No registration is necessary. Our virtual doors are open, so come when you can!
ADULT / INFANT community
overview
The Adult/Infant Community offers a space for adults with infants from birth to 14 months to connect with other families while learning how to prepare themselves and their environment for the early, formative months of their child’s development As a community, we have conversations and share resources to guide our understanding of the child and their needs
This program offers parents, grandparents, and caregivers of young children a delightful experience with their infants in a Montessori environment prepared especially for the child from birth to 14 months Adults will grow confidently in caregiving skills, while the children grow confidently in their ability to move purposefully, interact with the world around them, and relate to others
We support each other and explore topics like feeding, sleeping, and toileting We embrace the Montessori philosophy, respecting each child's unique pace of development, encouraging independence, and promoting a love for learning from the very beginning Through open communication and partnership, guides and adults work closely together to understand and meet each child's unique needs.
topics
Observing your infant's development
Responding to your infant's development
What materials meet your infant's developmental needs
Meeting your infant's movement needs
Meeting your infant's language needs
Meeting your infant's social interaction needs
Meeting your infant's need for independence
details
LOCATION: MINT, 4006 Belt Line Rd, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001
TIME: 10 A.M - 12 P.M. Central
DATES: Weekly on Tuesday
SESSION 1: Sept 3 - Dec 3, 2024
SESSION 2 : Jan 7 - April 29, 2025
Sign up to participate! montessori-mint.org/adult/infant-community
MATERIAL MAKING collective
overview
We know the value of working with your hands. We know that creating your own materials allows for a deeper understanding of the materials in your classroom Join our free Material Making Collective to continue your practice in the company of a passionate and supportive community!
Participants work with guidance from an experienced Montessori professional Individuals at every level of training are welcome to attend
Attendees enjoy opportunities to tour MINT classroom environments in order to explore the materials and gain inspiration for your own construction.
details
COST: Free Resource!
LOCATION: MINT
4006 Belt Line Road, Suite 100
Addison, TX 75001
DATES: September 21, 2024
November 9, 2024
January 11, 2025
March 22, 2025
TIME: 9:00 A M - 12:00 P M Central
WE CAN OFFER: Sewing Machines Large Worktables Measuring Table Experienced Guidance & Support
Please bring supplies or materials you may need to complete your projects
No registration is necessary. Our doors are open, so come when you can!
A
MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS
community casa
MINT is pleased to introduce its newest project, The Community Casa, a collaborative space at our Dallas Training Center! As we grow and change, we are hearing increasingly that what we all value and need right now is more chances to be in community
The Community Casa will be the place for workshops, events, and bringing people together. We are launching Community Casa as a living project, and invite you to co-create the space with us We would love to be the place to offer your next:
Board Meeting or Retreat
MINT Workshop
MINT Event
Co-Working Space
Yoga Classes
Private Music Instruction Book Club Meeting
At our heart, MINT’s mission is to “better the lives of all children through AMI accredited teacher training ” We also strive to “expand the awareness of Montessori Principles in society” and this is where our Programs Department and The Community Casa can serve our mission.
We are especially excited to utilize this space as we begin offering opportunities to engage in the exciting work that programs like Montessori for Aging and Dementia can offer.
We have been in the process of “placemaking” since our founding in 2004. There is something inherently “Montessori” about this approach to community spaces where we ground our work through a continual process of observation, reflection, and intentional responses.
According to The Project for Public Spaces (2017)
“Placemaking is both a philosophy and a practical process for transforming public spaces. It is centered on observing, listening to, and asking questions of the people who live, work, and play in a particular space in order to understand their needs and aspirations for that space and for their community as a whole ”
Want to learn more, host an event or share an idea? Contact Melissa at melissacrenshaw@montessori-mint.org
