Montessori Professional Development & Conference Presentations
Jessica Simpson provides professional development workshops and conference presentations designed to support teachers in strengthening authentic Montessori practice.
Her engaging, practical sessions draw on over 25 years of classroom, leadership, and coaching experience.
Professional development may be offered at schools, conferences, and teacher training programs.
Ignite Botanical Curiosity
Making Botany Engaging and Accessible Across the Second Plane
Want to bring botany to life in your classroom? This session focuses on igniting curiosity through a small set of powerful lessons and materials that inspire ongoing, child-led exploration—without overwhelming you or your students. Participants will explore how to present botany in ways that evolve from concrete discovery to deeper inquiry across Lower and Upper Elementary. Walk away with simple, effective strategies to streamline your approach, increase engagement, and make botany both accessible and compelling.
Build Mathematical Coherence
Weaving the Threads: Rethinking How We Present Montessori Math
Montessori math is designed as a tapestry of interconnected ideas, yet it is often taught as a linear sequence. This session explores how shifting to a “weaving threads” approach can deepen understanding, increase engagement, and support alignment with state standards. Participants will leave with practical strategies to present complementary lessons, recognize readiness, and create a more connected and responsive math experience.
Cultivate a Community of Respect
Creating a Safe Space for Error
Students are more willing to take academic risks when they feel safe, supported, and valued. This workshop explores how trust, consistency, and clear social expectations shape a classroom environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Participants will examine the role of the adult in building strong relationships, guiding peer interactions, and addressing unkind behavior with intention. Leave with practical strategies to foster a growth mindset and create a classroom where students feel confident engaging, questioning, and learning.
Deliver Cosmic Education
Creating Space for Cultural Exploration in the Montessori Classroom
Struggling to fit in all the cultural subjects? This workshop shows how the Montessori spiral curriculum and “going wide” approach—offering keys to science, history, and geography—can empower student-driven work across levels. Participants will explore practical strategies to introduce broad concepts efficiently, minimize assigned projects, and create space for collaborative, child-led exploration. Leave with tools to streamline planning and ignite curiosity across the cultural curriculum.
Cultivate Independence
Supporting Student Agency in the Elementary Classroom
Ideally, children guide their own educational journey in a Montessori classroom. As guides, it is a struggle to walk the line of ensuring that children learn what is expected by society while encouraging and making time for student driven work. Finding this balance can feel impossible when we are under pressure from administration and parents or when students seemingly lack curiosity or are unmotivated to choose work beyond what is assigned to them. This workshop will explore how to modify your environment and classroom culture to increase student agency in your classroom.
Strengthen the Home–School Connection
Partnering with Caregivers on the Montessori Journey
This session is for Montessori guides, school leaders, and support staff seeking to strengthen partnerships with caregivers. Effective collaboration between teachers and caregivers is essential to supporting a child’s growth both in and out of the classroom. This workshop will explore strategies for building trust, communicating with clarity and compassion, and educating caregivers about the Montessori method. Participants will leave with practical tools for fostering meaningful, respectful relationships with parents that honor the child’s educational journey.
Professional Development Investment
Professional development sessions are designed to be engaging, practical, and immediately applicable for teachers and school teams.
- Virtual sessions begin at $300
- In-person sessions begin at $800 (plus travel and lodging)
Customized packages, multi-session series, and full-day workshops are available based on your school’s needs.
Have a specific topic in mind? I’m happy to collaborate on a presentation tailored to your school’s needs.
Jessica is a frequent presenter at national and regional Montessori conferences, including The Montessori Event, where she shares her work with educators across the country.
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