Protecting the Child, Holding the Adult: Montessori Leadership in Action

Part I: Reimagining Montessori Hiring: Flexibility, Fidelity, and the Future of the Guide Role 

Summary: 

Montessori classrooms thrive on the presence of skilled, passionate guides—but many have stepped away, often due to unmet personal or professional needs. To bring educators back, we must design roles that reflect the realities of modern life. 

This session offers practical, forward-thinking strategies grounded in Montessori philosophy and informed by organizational psychology. By looking at how other industries have tackled workforce shortages, we’ll explore how to reimagine staffing models that attract, support, and sustain the adults our classrooms need most. 

Objectives: 

• Examine how position coverage can look different in Montessori settings

• Explore options for planning long-term substitute coverage 

• Consider flexible compensation models rooted in organizational trust 

Expected Outcomes: 

• Leaders will gain tools to build staffing structures that serve children ● Leaders will gather strategies that support the adults who guide them 

• Leaders will understand approaches grounded in equity, creativity, and sustainability 

Part II: Montessori Without Harm: Challenging Inequities in Discipline 

Summary: As leaders, Montessori Administrators play a critical role in ensuring that discipline practices honor the dignity of every child while supporting the needs of the whole community. This workshop invites administrators to reflect on how their decisions, policies, and guidance align or misalign with Montessori’s vision of respect, equity, and non-violence. Together, we will explore how to proactively create systems to support adults in how to lead thoughtful, trauma informed practices, and effectively respond when challenges arise. Participants will leave with strategies to foster inclusive, affirming, and resilient Montessori communities.

Session Objectives: 

By the end of this workshop, Montessori administrators will: 

• Deepen their understanding of the Montessori philosophy of discipline and its roots in respect, self-construction, and non-violence. 

• Reflect on how school-level policies and decisions can unintentionally harm children or exclude families, even in Montessori settings. 

• Explore responsive, trauma-informed approaches to addressing challenging behaviors while maintaining the dignity of the child and integrity of the community. 

• Develop language and strategies to move beyond the “Not the Right Fit” narrative and instead support diversity and belonging. 

Expected Outcomes: 

Participants will leave with: 

• A framework for evaluating whether their school’s discipline practices align with Montessori principles and equity goals. 

• Practical tools for proactively creating inclusive, affirming environments at the community level. 

• Strategies for responding effectively and compassionately to behavioral challenges without resorting to exclusionary or punitive measures.

Part III: Beyond Neutrality: Responding to Equity Concerns with Courage and Care 

Summary:

This workshop equips Montessori administrators to understand, effectively address, mediate, and resolve racial and educational equity concerns raised by caregivers and staff. It challenges the idea of “neutrality” as a responsible stance and instead advocates for proactive, humane engagement. 

Objectives: 

• Explore why neutrality policies fail and harm trust and inclusion. 

• Learn to create and implement good-faith mediation processes without an HR department, steeped in dignity. 

• Develop clear, equitable policies to handle concerns raised by staff and families. 

Expected Outcomes: 

Participants will leave prepared to establish transparent, fair, and culturally responsive practices for adolescents.