Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Yet despite these challenges, education leaders in the sector have demonstrated inordinate strength and capacity in supporting children, families, and colleagues. For many Montessorians, values-based leadership, inspired by Maria Montessori's own work has resulted in work informed by compassion, collaboration, and a sense of community.
The notion of Montessori leadership is a much-debated concept. This conference brings together a range of speakers from different contexts with diverse experiences of and understandings of leadership. They will share practical experiences, theoretical debates, and empirical research to explore contemporary notions of 'Montessori' and 'leadership'. We invite you to join the discussion.
This online International Montessori Institute conference will:
Through the event we aim to highlight recent research and initiatives, share knowledge, build networks, and nurture hope.
Dr Nathan Archer is Director of the International Montessori Institute at Leeds Beckett University. He has a professional background as a Montessori Early Childhood and Primary teacher and has worked in early childhood education for over twenty years in practice, policy and research. Nathan completed a PhD at University of Sheffield in 2020 exploring the agency and activism of early childhood educators in England. Since then, Nathan has undertaken research with Sutton Trust, Nuffield Foundation and University of Leeds.
"My strength and experience stem from embracing diversity, having moved across countries and immersed myself in various cultures. As an accomplished Canadian Montessori Early Childhood teacher with a London Montessori International Diploma, I bring over 25 years of experience to my role. Additionally, I hold certification as an Arabic Language teacher and Management Essentials.
My journey includes leadership roles, curriculum coordination, and co-authoring articles on diverse educational topics. I've conducted workshops to support fellow educators, aiding them in delivering optimal educational experiences."
Tom Brown (he/him) is a 10+ year experienced AMI Primary and Adolescent guide with an M.Ed. in Montessori Education. He has worked in both public and private Montessori environments in the US and UK. He is currently working as an educational consultant, coach, presenter, and writer under the name Marigold Montessori, and has supported the growth and development of several Montessori schools and organisations.
Hannah Baynham (she/her) is the Director of Learning and Professional Development at American Montessori Society and co-founder of Collaborative Montessori. She has worked in Early Childhood Education both in classrooms and as a teacher educator in variety global settings and is passionate about issues of social justice, accessibility, and innovation in education.
Diana has served in various administrative roles including school governor. A career change brought her to Montessori education from a banking background in the City of London. She holds AMI diplomas at 0-3 and 3-6 levels and is completing an MA with Montessori. Having run her own Montessori setting for more than 20 years, she now serves as Executive Director of the Montessori Society AMI (UK). She believes in the strength of domestic and global collaborations to widen access to Montessori education.
