02/29/2000

The Montessori Association

"The Science of Peace, were it to become a special discipline, would be the most noble of all, for the very life of humanity depends on it. So also, perhaps, does the question of whether our entire civilization evolves or disappears."

-- Maria Montessori, 1932.

The 40th annual conference of the American Montessori Association will take place in New York City on March 17-20, 2000. Over 3,000 educators from all over the United States will convene for this "Spirit in Education 2000" conference.

Keynote speakers are Fred Rogers of the long-running television program, "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" and distinguished author, Jonathan Kozol. Among Mr. Kozol's award winning books are: "Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children & The Conscience of A Nation," and "Savage Inequalities." Professional workshops and tours of Montessori schools in New York City, Westchester, and Greenwich, Conn. will be available to participants.

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that each individual human being has an innate unique talent which, when fulfilled, is the individual's essential contribution to life and the human community on this planet. To discover his or her unique talent, each child needs to be exposed to experiences pertaining to all facets of life. To this end, Dr. Montessori designed manipulative materials for all subject areas, activities which children experience sensorially and interactively in a multi-age and multi-ethnic classroom setting. Freedom within limits leads children to responsible choices, self-discipline, and self-respect. Self-respect leads to respect for others. Montessori was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1948 and 1950, for the "Education for Peace" award.

There are between 5,000 and 6,000 Montessori schools in the U.S. They may be public, charter, private, proprietary or non-profit. They are found from migrant-worker communities to affluent suburbs. Students range from birth to age 18, but most schools have children from 2 to 7 years old.

Montessori teachers set the stage -- prepare an environment -- where, by the age of 6, children begin to develop their fullest potential. Students learn to love learning and, by extension, contribute to the well-being of society.

According to Michael Eanes, National Director of the American Montessori Society, the idea of choosing children and their futures over political expediency is the core idea that propels the 40th Annual Conference. The Society is the largest organization devoted to Montessori education in the country.

For more information about Montessori schools, the philosophy, methods or material, or for Conference details, please write Department A, American Montessori Society, 281 Park Ave. South, New York, N.Y. 10010, or visit www.amshq.org.

LINKS:

American Montessori Society

Maria Montessori School in San Francisco, Calif.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.