Our Keynote Speaker
Embracing The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Everyday Practice
Dr. Montessori wrote that “This is education, understood as a help to life; an education from birth, which feeds a peaceful revolution and unites all in a common aim, attracting them to a single center. Mothers, fathers, politicians: all must combine in their respect and help for this delicate work of formation…”. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, p. 15
As we embark on The 2026 Montessori Experience: Refresher Courses & More!, we echo her words by recognizing the work of Montessorians is to balance this commitment by acknowledging and integrating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in our daily professional practices.
Paradise Point, a resort hotel in San Diego, is on a 44-acre island tucked away in gentle Mission Bay, minutes from the heart of downtown San Diego. Perfect for families, weddings, groups and conferences, this beach resort in San Diego features over 462 guest rooms, including everything from spacious suites to lanai patio and garden rooms.
Whether your pastime of choice is lounging by the pool, an exhilarating Jet Ski adventure, or a bike ride along the bay, this beach resort in San Diego offers a multitude of recreational activities for all ages.
A look at what’s coming…
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Beach Cleanup |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Adennill Information Session for Administrators |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Indigenous Presentation |
| 12:00 – 1:30 | World Café |
| 1:00 – 4:00 | MPPI Advocacy |
| 1:30 – 4:30 | Human Rights and Social Justice |
| 1:30 – 3:00 | Research: Presentation |
| 3:00 – 4:30 | Research: Poster Presentations |
| 4:30 – 5:30 | BMEF & MSJ Informational Session |
| 6:15 – 6:45 | Opening: Welcome and Honorees |
| 6:45 – 7:45 | Keynote Address |
| 7:45 – 8:00 | Keynote Q & A |
| 8:15 – 9:00 | Keynote Booksigning |
| 8:00 – 10:00 | Montessori Moonlight Mixer |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:30 | Wellness: Yoga |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Administrators Session |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Assistants to Infancy (A-I) Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Assistants to Infancy Assistants Session |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Assistants to Infancy Caregiver Session |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Primary Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Elementary Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Elementary Workshop |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Adolescent Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 12:00 | Neurodivergent – AM |
| 1:30 – 4:30 | Neurodivergent – PM |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | Meet & Greet |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | BMEF & MSJ Social |
| 6:30 – 8:30 | School Visits |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:30 | Wellness: Yoga |
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Town Hall & Closing |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Administrators |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Assistants to Infancy Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Assistants to Infancy Assistants |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Assistants to Infancy Caregiver |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Primary Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Elementary Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Adolescent Refresher Course |
| 9:00 – 4:30 | Elementary Workshop |
| 9:00 – 12:00 | Neurodivergent Session – AM |
| 1:30 – 4:30 | Neurodivergent Session – PM |
We heard you.
We took your MEx25 survey responses to heart. Here’s what you can expect at The 2026 Montessori Experience.
“Please choose a venue/city in the Sunbelt with a major airport. Additionally, choose an area with a large concentration of Montessori schools.”
San Diego offers the perfect mix of accessibility, sunny weather, and a strong Montessori presence for our 2026 event.
“Please bring back the school tours.”
School tours are back this year—stay tuned for details!
“Discussing neurodiversity needs to be a continued topic as there is so much more to learn.”
Absolutely—this will be included again, along with workshops on trauma-informed practices. We agree that neurodiversity is an essential, ongoing conversation, and we’re committed to creating space for deeper learning in this area.
“It might help to have a rotation of lecturers to break up the main course. I think that it is time to rethink having two days with one trainer during the refresher course.”
This year, we’re incorporating a World Cafe-style offering on Friday and additional weekend workshop sessions beyond the refreshers, covering topics specifically requested by MEx25 attendees. The original refreshers will still be an option for those who prefer that format.
“The hotel was very expensive! It was a lovely stay, but I couldn't help but think how the cost might have been prohibitive for some people.”
This year’s hotel is not only more cost-effective, but its location also offers access to more direct and affordable flight options, helping reduce the overall cost of attendance.
