Finding Answers, Forging Forward

Addressing the needs of teachers in the post-pandemic realm

UNITED MONTESSORI SCHOOLS OF INDIANA CONFERENCE (and Pre-Conference Masterclass) 2024

Welcoming:



Paul Epstein, Ph.D.

Paul is a highly regarded international and inspirational speaker working to bring transformative learning experiences to educators and parents throughout the world. As the education director at Designs for Lifelong Learning, Paul leads initiatives that empower Montessori school owners, administrators, and educators, fostering environments where children thrive. Paul also directs two teacher education programs accredited by MACTE and affiliated by AMS. For Paul, Montessori education is a way of life. He has worked in Montessori education as a school administrator, university professor, teacher trainer, administrator coach, researcher, consultant, and author. He has been a Montessori classroom teacher in Montessori early childhood, middle, and high school programs. Paul’s doctorate is in cultural anthropology, and he is an AMS early childhood and secondary certified classroom teacher. Paul is the author of An Observer’s Notebook: Learning from Children with the Observation C.O.R.E. He is also the co-author of 60 Days Montessori Observation Notebook and The Montessori Way, a definitive work on the Montessori experience.

First…It’s an afternoon just for you!

UMSI PRE-CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATORS AND LEADERSHIP DAY 2024

Friday, September 20, 1:00-4:00 PM

Trine University, Shambaugh Hall



Leadership Masterclass:

Observation Strategies

for School Leaders

Learn techniques: Improve your skills of observation of your staff and to encourage observation by your teachers

(A limited number of seats available, but if you consider yourself a school leader, please register!)

with Dr. Paul Epstein

Author of “An Observer’s Notebook: Learning from Children with the Observation C.O.R.E.”

Conference Admission for School administrators and Leadership:

$150 for Friday and Saturday

$100 for Saturday only

Members receive a $20 discount.

Masterclass is followed by an optional group dinner with Paul in Angola - social time for administrators, leaders, & UMSI Board members

(Cost of dinner is not included in admission price)

The next day…

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2024

UMSI CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 2024

Finding Answers, Forging Forward

7:00 AM Doors open to vendors (T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

8:15 AM Doors open for attendees - Registration check in

(T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

8:15 - 9:00 AM Vendors & breakfast & be seated in the auditorium by 9:00 AM

(T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

9:00 –11:00 AM Welcome (auditorium of T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

9:15-11:00 AM Keynote / Q & A (T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

Dr. Paul Epstein: “Dare to Be Great”

11:00 AM-12:00 PM Door Prizes / Lunch / Vendors (T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

(Walk to Shambaugh & Ford, 6-minute walk, plus finding your session room)

12:15 - 1:15 PM Breakout Session 1 (Shambaugh & Ford Halls)

1:15 - 1:30 PM Break

1:30 – 2:30 PM Breakout Session 2 (Shambaugh & Ford Halls)

2:30-2:45 PM Break

2:45-3:45 PM Breakout Session 3 (Shambaugh & Ford Halls)

(Walk to T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts for closing, 6-minute walk)

4:00 PM Closing / Door Prizes / Raffle (T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts)

4:00-4:30 PM Vendors (Vendors will close at 4:15)

Check us out online at https://www.umsindiana.org/








Directions:

Approach from I-69, take exit 348 to US-20 E/W Maumee St. and head east.

T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts is at 500 W. Maumee St., Angola, IN 46703



Saturday Breakout Sessions

12:15 - 1:15 PM Breakout Session 1 (Shambaugh & Ford Halls)

1. “Listen So Parents Can Hear” Paul Epstein, PhD, all audiences (Ford 226)

2. “Musical Explorers: Using music and movement in Science and Culture studies” Kim Barreto Loaiza, all audiences (Ford 207)

3. “Executive functioning in the toddler environment” Kelly Gradinetti, I/T (Ford 213)

4. “Land acknowledgment as a classroom practice” Jennifer Spikner, Elem, Secondary (Shambaugh 205)

1:15 - 1:30 PM Break

1:30 – 2:30 PM Breakout Session 2 (Shambaugh & Ford Halls)

1. “Why do they do that?” Chip DeLorenzo, all audiences (Ford 226)

2. “Words Matter: Supporting social emotional development within the classroom” Emily Clarkson, all audiences (Ford 207)

3. “Trauma informed teaching” Ali Todd (Shambaugh 204)

4. “Peace within the child” Tiffany Fennig, all audiences (Ford 213)

2:30-2:45 PM Break

2:45-3:45 PM Breakout Session 3 (Shambaugh & Ford Halls)

1. “Unlocking the Power of SEL: Guide to Montessori Student Services Strategies” Bridget Wallace York and Ines Oldenburg, all audiences (Shambaugh 109)

2. “Strong Tier 1 Classroom management in the primary classroom” Katie Gerdts and Dana Statler, EC, Elem (Shambaugh 204)

3. “Building resilience through compassion process” Maggie Bischoff (Ford 207)

4. “Meeting Needs: Adaptive teaching for every student” Jess Davis, Parents, Admin, Elem (Ford 213)