Discover the Transformative Power of Art in Montessori Education

September 27, 2025 | A One-Day Journey That Will Reshape Your Teaching

Are you ready to unlock creativity as a developmental force in your classroom? Join the Montessori Network of New Mexico for "Cultivating Creativity: Art in the Montessori Journey for Every Age"—an inspiring conference that connects hand, mind, and spirit through the profound language of artistic expression.

This isn't just another professional development day. It's a transformative experience that will deepen your understanding of how art serves as a fundamental pathway for child development across the entire Montessori continuum, from toddlers through elementary age.

What Awaits You:

Morning Foundation Building with renowned educator Tammy Oesting, who brings 32 years of integrated art expertise, and her Masters in Montessori Integrative Learning to guide you through the essential principles that make art integral to authentic Montessori practice.

Hands-On Studio Sessions where theory transforms into practice through sequential, process-based demonstrations spanning developmental stages—plus you'll create your own Montessori-inspired art materials to take directly back to your classroom.

Rich Cultural Perspective exploring both celebrated New Mexican artists and internationally recognized masters, with clear frameworks for cultural sensitivity and appreciation versus appropriation.

You'll leave with a comprehensive portfolio of resources, renewed inspiration, practical classroom tools, and—most importantly—a deeper understanding of how artistic expression naturally unfolds as children grow.

Whether you're a seasoned guide, assistant, or school leader, this conference offers fresh perspectives that honor the process over product and celebrate the journey of creation as a vital expression of the human spirit.

Space is limited. Secure your spot in this enriching celebration of creativity and child development.

Meet Your Guide: Tammy Oesting, M.Ed.

Tammy Oesting, M.Ed. (she, her) brings a unique blend of artistic expertise and Montessori mastery to this transformative conference experience. As an internationally known Montessori speaker and teacher educator who self-identifies as a practitioner of awe and wonder, Tammy seamlessly weaves together her deep artistic background with over 30 years of Montessori education experience. With a B.S. in Art: Sculpture and an M.Ed. in Montessori Integrative Learning, Tammy has spent decades perfecting the art of integrating creative expression across the developmental spectrum—from toddlers through upper elementary. Her ongoing practice as a hobby painter keeps her connected to the artist's journey, bringing authentic creative perspective to her educational approach.

Tammy now serves educators globally through her company ClassrooMechanics as a coach and speaker, through Expanding Montessori right here in New Mexico, and serves as adjunct faculty at The Institute for Educational Studies graduate program. She cultivates content creators for Trillium Montessori and is widely published in Montessori literature. As a founding member of Montessori Everywhere, she received the prestigious 2021 AMS Community Service Award.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tammy's lifetime of travel and adventure—including 9 years traveling the world as a nomad supporting Montessori communities—has deepened her understanding of diverse artistic traditions and cultural perspectives. Now settled in New Mexico, she serves on the board of the Montessori Network of NM, bringing her passion for social justice, neuroscience applications in education, and exploring the magnificence of the universe to her work.

AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary)