MNNM Fall Conference:

$65.00

Cultivating Creativity: Art in the Montessori Journey for Every Age"

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)

Cultivating Creativity: Art in the Montessori Journey for Every Age"

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to the conference?

  • An apron or old clothes - We'll be creating art, so dress for getting a little messy!

  • Your favorite piece of artwork from a child - Bring something that inspires you to share during our discussions

  • A water bottle - Stay hydrated throughout our creative day

  • Notebook and pen - For capturing insights and inspiration

  • A growth mindset - Come with curiosity and openness to exploration! Just as we encourage children to embrace the process over the product, this conference celebrates the journey of learning. Whether you consider yourself "artistic" or not, you'll discover that creativity is about exploration, not perfection. Bring your willingness to try new things, ask questions, and see through the eyes of a child.

Are meals and refreshments provided?

Yes! Your registration includes:

  • Morning coffee, tea, and light refreshments during registration and break

  • Complete lunch served on-site

  • All art materials and supplies for studio sessions

What's the venue like?

Montessori ONE Academy
9360 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone: (505) 822-5150

Montessori ONE Academy is housed in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility located in the North Albuquerque Acres neighborhood; this inspiring educational environment provides the perfect setting for our creativity-focused conference.

Parking: On-site parking available
Accessibility: Please contact us regarding specific accessibility needs
Getting There: Easily accessible via major Albuquerque routes 

Who should attend?

This conference is designed for:

  • Montessori guides and assistants (all levels)

  • School leaders and administrators

  • Teacher trainers and educators

  • Anyone passionate about integrating art into their educational practice

What will I take home?

  • Personal art portfolio with samples created during workshops

  • Montessori-inspired art materials you'll make

  • Comprehensive resource packet

  • Cultural sensitivity guidelines for art education

  • Networking connections with fellow educators

Refund and Cancellation Policy

We know life can throw you a curveball! If your plans change, here’s how we’ll work with you to make things right:

For Live & Virtual Courses

  • If you cancel 14+ days before your course starts: You’ll get your money back, minus a small admin fee to cover our processing costs.

  • Cancel 7–13 days before: You’ll get half of your course fee refunded.

  • Less than 7 days before: We can’t offer refunds — but you can request a credit to use on another course within one year. We’d love to see you at a future event!

Can’t Attend? Send a Friend!

Absolutely! If you can’t make it, send someone in your place at no extra cost. Just email us at least 48 hours before your course to let us know.

If You Don’t Show Up

If we don’t hear from you beforehand and you miss the class, we can’t offer refunds or credits. Please let us know if something comes up so we can help!

If We Need to Cancel

If we need to cancel a course (for example, due to low enrollment or an emergency), you’ll receive a full refund — or we’ll help you transfer your registration to another date that works for you.

📧 To cancel, request a refund, credit, or send a friend:
Just email us at info@nmmontessori.org with your name, course info, and order number. We’re here to help!


Need special accommodations?

We're committed to making this conference accessible to everyone. Please contact us at info@nmmontessori.org to discuss any accommodations needed.

Questions?

Contact the Montessori Network of New Mexico at info@nmmontessori.org