MINT Programs 2024-2025

Programs &

Community Resources 2024 - 2025

Programs &

Community Resources 2024 - 2025

Professional Development Services Montessori Conversations: Passionate Perspectives Workshops Refresh with MINT: 3-6 AMI Refresher Course Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Administrator PLC Lunch & Learn Adult/Infant Community Material Making Collective The Community Casa

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!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

MONTESSORI CONVERSATIONS

passionate perspectives

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

“The Power of Possibility” with Paige Krabill, Psy.D.

OCT 1, 2024

“Montessori: Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy” with Jai Brisbon of TEAM

NOV 5, 2024

“How the Montessori for Aging & Dementia Movement is Changing Care for Elders” with Margaret Jarrell

DEC 3, 2024

“The Art and Practice of Attunement” with Cristel Ruiz, M.Ed.

JAN 7, 2025

“Bridging the Gap: An Exploration of Montessori & Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports” with Caroline Clark

FEB 4, 2025

“Wholly Informed Sex Ed: Taking a Multi-Literacy Approach to Sexuality Education” with Sherri Cook & Emily Cabral of WISE

MAR 4, 2025 APR 1, 2025

“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!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

WORKSHOPS

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!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

Refresh W I T H

M I N T

3-6 AMI REFRESHER COURSE

overview

Language in the Casa

MINT is proud to introduce Refresh with MINT, a fresh approach to the AMI Refresher Course. An online format with monthly sessions makes the experience accessible to more practitioners in the field and supports a practice-focused approach to your continued development.

Refresh with MINT launches with Language in the Casa, a 3-6 AMI Refresher Course. Through 8 synchronous 90-minute online sessions from September 2024 to April 2025, we will systematically review language activities in the Casa and offer tools for you to integrate them into the daily life of the community. These tools include focused observation and planning, as well as the preparation of the environment with materials and activities.

topics

Connecting with the World: Stories that Invite Belonging Let’s Talk: Speaking, Listening, and Dialogue Fun with Language: Exploring the Sounds and Words of My Language I Can Make My Thoughts Visible: The Foundations of Writing Keys to Reading: Reading Mechanics and Classified Reading Keys to Reading: Engaging with the Written Word Reading: Pathways to Culture and Literature Development of Written Expression

details

COST: $350

LOCATION: Online via Zoom SCHEDULE: 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 6-7:30 P.M. CT September 11, 2024 October 9, 2024 November 13, 2024 December 11, 2024

January 8, 2025 February 12, 2025 March 12, 2025 April 9, 2025

REQUIREMENTS: Commitment to attend all 8 sessions.

If you miss 2 sessions, your access to group resources will cease automatically Must attend all 8 sessions to receive AMI Refresher Course certificate.

Visit montessori-mint.org/refresh-with-mint to register!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

PLCs

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING overview

communities

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!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

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.

details

COST: Free Resource!

LOCATION: Online via Zoom DATES: First Wednesday of each month *except Jan., meeting on the 8th TIME: 12:00-1:00 P.M. Central

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!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

ADULT / INFANT overview

community

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 MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

MATERIAL MAKING

overview

collective

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

WE CAN OFFER: Sewing Machines Large Worktables Measuring Table Experienced Guidance & Support Please bring supplies or materials you may need to complete your projects.

TIME: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Central No registration is necessary.

Our doors are open, so come when you can!

MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025

community casa MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF

NORTH TEXAS

A PLACE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

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 MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF NORTH TEXAS | PROGRAMS | 2024-2025