AIMS Fall Conference 2026

Join the AIMS community for a retreat-inspired day of inspiration, reflection, connection, and deep Montessori practice. Together, we'll celebrate our Illinois Montessori community while preparing to welcome educators from around the world to Chicago.

Saturday, November 7, 2026 · Near North Montessori · Capacity 400

Date

SaturdayNovember 7, 2026
Time

8:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Location

Near North MontessoriChicago, IL · Map
Registration

$125 Members$200 Non-Members

Conference Key Inspirers

Natasha M. McKenzie

Instructor Academy Facilitator & Coordinator, American Montessori Society

Natasha brings more than twenty years in Montessori education, holding an Early Childhood credential along with a B.A. in History and an M.Ed. in Montessori Studies. She has worked internationally as a teacher, consultant, and educator, grounding her work in both historical and pedagogical expertise.

Melina Papadimitriou

Director of Teacher Education, American Montessori Society

Melina holds Montessori certifications at both the Early Childhood and Elementary levels, along with teaching and principal licensures. Over her career she has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, university program director, and educational consultant across public and private settings.

Breakout session information coming soon. Registration for the Saturday, November 7 conference is open now — register your school here.

Conference Lodging

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop

Stay with AIMS in our conference room block. Reserve your room to enjoy the group rate — booking link coming soon.

Booking link coming soon

Thank You to Our
2026 Conference Sponsors

AIMS is grateful to the organizations whose support makes the 2026 Fall Conference possible.

Conference Major Sponsor

Loyola University MarylandM.Ed. pathways in Montessori education for working professionals.

Teacher Education Program Sponsors

The Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS)MACTE-accredited online Montessori teacher certification since 2006.
Seton Montessori InstituteMontessori teacher and school administrator preparation.

Saturday Reception Sponsor

Cobalt ExtensionsIT solutions and systems support for independent schools and mission-driven organizations.

Video Sponsors

Montessori Makers GroupSystems consulting, leadership coaching, strategic planning, and recruitment for Montessori schools.
Metro Consulting ServicesHead of school searches, strategic planning, coaching, and board governance.

In-Kind Sponsor

Nienhuis USAGlobal manufacturer of Montessori classroom materials. Thank you to Nienhuis for their generous in-kind contribution to this year's conference.