1. Welcome from the Nordic Countries

The chairpersons of the national Montessori associations in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland open the conference with reflections on the Montessori educators and pioneers who have shaped their own journeys within the movement.

2. Welcome from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

Dr. Alain Tschudin, President of AMI, extends his welcome.
Dr. Tschudin holds a PhD in Psychology, is a professor at the University of Cambridge, and serves as UNESCO Chair on Education for Peace and Transformative Solidarity.

Founded by Maria Montessori herself in 1929 in Helsingør, AMI represents the international voice of Montessori education. The conference’s location — Marienlyst Strandhotel, where Montessori once lived — is therefore a deeply symbolic choice, taking us back to the very place where AMI was born nearly 100 years ago.

3. AMI’s Development and Its Connection to the Nordic Region

Lynne Lawrence, Executive Director of AMI, will share insights on AMI’s evolution from 1929 to today — and explore its historical and ongoing relationship with Denmark and the Nordic countries.

4. Montessori from Birth

Tiina Suominen, AMI-trained Montessori educator from Finland, will present how Montessori principles support the youngest children — from birth to age 3 — and how we can best meet their developmental needs in early childhood settings.

5. Montessori in the Preschool Years – Understanding the Whole Child

With more than 30 years of experience in Montessori education, Elina Rautasalo is an internationally recognized examiner and lecturer specializing in the 3–6 age group. She will explore how deep understanding of child development forms the foundation for meaningful Montessori practice in the preschool years.

6. Workshop: Children with Special Needs, Challenges, and School Avoidance

Elena Espas, AMI-certified teacher and instructor at the International Montessori School Copenhagen, shares her extensive experience working with children with autism, ADHD, and school refusal.

A former software engineer turned educator, Elena brings a unique perspective on how Montessori principles help children rediscover joy and balance in their learning environments.
This workshop will run across multiple sessions, giving participants the opportunity to engage actively, share experiences, and collaborate on practical solutions.

7. Montessori School Children and Teenagers vs. Traditional Schooling

Nina Johansen, Director of Montessori Norge since 2015, is both a trained public-school teacher and Montessori educator for children aged 6 and above. Drawing on her dual experience as teacher and leader, she will discuss the transition from childhood to adolescence, the challenges facing young people today, and how the Montessori approach supports this crucial stage of development.

8. Panel Discussion: Starting a Montessori School from Scratch

Karin Schurian – Director, International Montessori School Copenhagen
Isabelle Valentin – Director, Montessori International Pre-school Valby
Miroslava Vicková – Director, Montessori Institute Prague (infant community, preschool, school, and teacher training institute)

Three women who shared the same dream — to create the best possible school for their own children — come together to share their stories. They will discuss their journeys, challenges, victories, and financial realities, offering authentic insight into what it takes to establish and sustain a Montessori school today.

9. When Montessori Becomes Inaccessible – Creating a Montessori Homeschool

Maria Fønsskov, mother of two, shares her personal story of implementing Montessori principles at home — from birth through homeschooling her eldest child. She offers an honest perspective on the limited Montessori options in Denmark and provides practical tips for parents and educators who wish to integrate Montessori ideas into everyday life and learning, even without formal Montessori training.

10. Montessori Sports – A Child-Centered Approach to Physical Education

Jip Bartels, former professional football player for AFC Ajax and the Dutch national youth team, presents how movement and physical activity are integral to human development. As the founder of Montessori Sports, he promotes a child-centered approach that integrates sport into holistic education.
On Sunday morning, Jip will also host an active beach workshop featuring a range of sports and movement-based activities.

11. Montessori in Old Age and Dementia Care

Carolyn Magnussen from Norway brings over 30 years of experience as a Montessori teacher and special educator. In recent years, she has specialized in applying Montessori principles in elder care and dementia support.
She is the founder of Montessori Care, which develops materials and tools for caregivers and relatives of people with dementia, and author of the 2025 book “Montessori Environmental Treatment: Meaning, Mastery, and Joy for People with Dementia.”
Carolyn will share how the Montessori philosophy can bring dignity, purpose, and wellbeing to individuals living with dementia.

12. Montessori Architecture – A Legacy in Design

Steve Lawrence, architect and author of “Montessori Architecture: A Design Instrument for Schools,” explores how Montessori’s ideas have influenced school architecture worldwide. He will delve into the unique spatial design of Montessori classrooms, the aesthetics of learning materials, and the architectural principles that continue to shape environments for independence and creativity.