MSM Annual Conference January 11, 2025
Dean College, Franklin, MA
30 Years of Connecting Montessori Schools
For over three decades, MSM has been proud to deliver an exceptional conference experience for Massachusetts area schools. Get ready to mark your calendars because we're ecstatic to announce that the 2025 Annual Conference will be held at the conveniently located Dean College on January 11, 2025. Brace yourselves for an exciting lineup featuring a distinguished Montessorian as our keynote speaker, tailored workshops for all levels, engaging discussions on pertinent topics, a bustling vendor space, and so much more. But here's the real kicker: attending the MSM Annual Conference isn't just about the event itself; it's about the invaluable insights and strategies you'll bring back to your community. From groundbreaking workshops to enlightening discussions and networking opportunities, the knowledge gained here will empower you to make a lasting impact in your own school. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite change and elevate Montessori education to new heights!
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
Attention all professionals and thought leaders in the field of Montessori education! The 2025 MSM Annual Conference is eagerly seeking proposal submissions that delve into a wide array of topics spanning across all developmental planes, along with the vital role of administrators in fostering their growth and support. Whether you're passionate about infant-toddler development, exploring the wonders of the primary years, or delving into the complexities of adolescence, we invite you to share your expertise, insights, and innovative practices with our diverse community. Join us in shaping the future of Montessori education and inspiring administrators to cultivate environments where every child can thrive.
Submit your proposals now and be part of this transformative event!
REGISTRATION
Registration will open in November 2024.
2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE APP
MSM has created a mobile guide for the conference on Guidebook! Get the guide to access the most up-to-date information about our event, including schedules, maps, and much more.
A link to the mobile guide will be sent shortly after your registration is complete.
We strongly encourage attendees to download the app in advance of arriving to the conference so that you will have the most up-to-date information about the event and be able to access presenter handouts. There will be no registrant folders this year as we are using this app as a green alternative.
PRICING
Conference pricing will be available by summer of 2024.SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
8:00, Registration opens. A continental breakfast, vendors, and our raffle table will be available
8:45-9:05, Opening remarks from MSM President
9:05-10:35, Keynote speaker
10:45-12:00, Morning workshops begin
12:00-1:15), Lunch
12:30-1:15, Roundtables by level/area
1:10-2:25, Afternoon workshops begin
2:25, Conference wraps up and raffle items are distributed
2:30-3:15, “Ask a Trainer” panel
Keynote Speaker for 2025 - Julia Volkman
The Neuroscience of Learning
How does learning happen in the brain? How can we use the teachings of neuroscience in the classroom to make learning inherently enjoyable and accessible for our students? This interactive, lively session will present foundational information that connects educational practice with the science behind plasticity, attention, stress, emotions, and more. This information is applicable to lifelong brain health as well as learning.
Julia Volkman has been teaching children and mentoring teachers in private and public schools since 1997. She is a Faculty Member of the Brain Health Initiative, guest lecturer for Harvard University’s Neuroscience of Learning course, a Montessori teacher mentor, and the founder and president of the educational project Maitri Learning. Among other things, she has worked as a primary consultant for the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS), a columnist for the Public School Montessorian (now Montessori Public), and as the teacher’s representative on the Advisory Panel for the Annenberg Foundation's course Neuroscience & the Classroom (developed in conjunction with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics). Ms. Volkman earned her AMI 3 to 6+ diploma from the Montreal Montessori Training Centre (a bilingual program) and her Master’s degree from Harvard University. Her graduate research on early literacy (the Montessori movable alphabet) won her Harvard Dean’s prize for outstanding research. Her work focuses on transforming education into a transdisciplinary, scientific pedagogy grounded in mind, brain, and education (aka, Montessori education). Ms. Volkman is the mother of two (one by birth and one by adoption) and married to a biochemist/MBA. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, yoga, meditation, singing, playing with her puppy, and conversation at the dinner table.
CONFERENCE LOCATION - DEAN COLLEGE
Centrally located and easily accessible, Dean College's light-filled, modern, well-equipped facilities have helped provide a comfortable and nurturing learning environment for teachers....especially at lunch. The conference will be held in their campus center at 109 West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 - if you are using a GPS please use this address as it will bring you directly to the conference building. Any other address used will take your elsewhere on campus. Click here for a map of the Dean College campus.
EVENT PARKING
There is ample parking at Dean College. The Main Entrance lot (#25 on the map) is directly outside the Campus Center building where the conference is held. Additional parking is across the street at the Adams Lot (#31). We ask that you not park in any lots not owned by Dean College Out of respect to local residents and buildings.
Click here for a map of the Dean College campus.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
MSM hosts one of the largest state conferences in the country. MSM welcomes and appreciates the sponsors and exhibitors that are essential to providing this conference experience at an affordable cost to the attendees. Our Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus will be available by summer.
HOTEL INFORMATION
If you are coming from a distance there are several options right in Franklin for you to stay. Here are the hotels closest to Dean College
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Franklin - Reservations
Address: 4 Forge Pkwy, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone:(508) 541-8188
Hampton Inn Franklin/Milford - Reservations
Address: 735 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone:(508) 520-2999
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Franklin - Reservations
Address: 835 Upper Union St, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone:(508) 553-3500
CONFERENCE REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
- Substitution Policy: If a registrant is unable to attend an event for any reason they may substitute, by arrangement with MSM, someone else from the same institute/organization.
- No Show Policy: Refunds will not be granted for no-shows (registrants who do not attend the conference with no prior notice of cancellation).
- Weather Related Policy: MSM makes arrangements for a snow date each year for the Annual Conference this date is posted to the MSM website at the time of registration. For this reason, MSM does not give refunds to registrants in the event that the snow date needs to be used.
In the event of impending, inclement weather, MSM will make the determination of whether the conference will continue, or be postponed, by 6PM the evening before. A message informing registrants will be posted to the MSM webpage and Facebook page. Refunds cannot be given to registrants who decide not to attend the day of the conference for any reason.
- Refunds in Case of Emergency: If a registrant is unable to attend the Conference based on serious illness or death, a partial refund (amount paid minus a $50 processing charge) may be granted. Requests must be submitted in writing prior to the start of the conference.
Refunds will be made to the same credit card that was used to register for the conference.