The Polish Montessori Council invites to the 15th International Montessori Conference – a gathering of teachers, headteachers, therapists, and parents who wish to reconnect with what is most important in education and upbringing.

The program for the jubilee conference captures the changes that have taken place over the past 15 years, both within us – Montessori educators and guides – and in the world in which we function every day. A world that accelerates with each passing day. A world overflowing with stimuli, evaluation, pressure, and constant demands for “more,” where we increasingly lose real connection with others.

The response to this is the theme and manifesto of this year’s conference: The Power of Calm – Montessori in a Changing World
We will not be talking about fashionable methods or seasonal trends. We will not present quick, ready-made solutions. We are not shouting: Do more!

We are saying: Pause. Look. Listen.

Ikona April 11 – 12, 2026. Two days that don’t just expand knowledge. They change perspective.
Ikona Warsaw, Arche Hotel Krakowska. A space where ideas, hearts, and responsibility come together


THE POWER OF CALM – CONFERENCE THEME

Why?


Children are increasingly overloaded, overstimulated, and tired

Teachers struggle with pressure, expectations, and lack of space for reflection

Headmasters are often left alone with the responsibility for important decisions that have long-term consequences

Who is it for?


For teachers who want to teach in harmony with themselves

For headmasters who take responsibility for the school culture

For therapists, educators, and specialists who see the child as a whole

For parents who seek deeper understanding, not quick fixes

What will we be talking about?


How can we raise children in a world that never slows down?

How can we build emotional resilience without conditioning and control?

How can we preserve Montessori in times of chaos, pressure, and standardization?

How can we protect calm — in the child, the teacher, and the whole community?



 


SPEAKERS WHO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS



Phyllis Pottish-Lewis
KEYNOTE LECTURE

The first lecture in Poland by this renowned and respected author and lecturer, with over 40 years of experience in Montessori education for various age groups. In addition to her lecturing and training work, she remains actively involved in the AMI community as a consultant and speaker at conferences worldwide.



Anca Bobu

Certified AMI educator (0–3 years) with over ten years of experience supporting children and families. She co-founded two Montessori centers, conducted parent and infant classes, supported teaching and administrative teams, and served as lead educator in the infant community.



Goacher Sarita

Certified AMI educator (0–6 years) and parent educator, with experience in business and marketing. Her work focuses on building trust, relationships, and emotionally intelligent leadership — strengthening schools and families in creating supportive, collaborative environments where children can thrive.




Miroslava Vlčková

Founder and Chief Enthusiasm Officer at the Montessori Institute in Prague. She holds degrees in humanities and non-profit management, an AMI Montessori Administrator Certificate, a Whole School Leadership Certificate, and has completed the AMI 3–6 Assistant course.



Gunita Kleinberg

Certified psychologist and cognitive-behavioral therapist with over 15 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, teachers, and parents. Her professional approach is based on respectful communication and deep understanding of each child’s individual needs — principles closely aligned with Montessori philosophy.



Hua Bai

AMI trainer (adolescents 12–18 years), mathematics teacher, and international coordinator at Montessori Mondial Kungsholmen in Sweden. Passionate about creating an interdisciplinary learning environment for young people, where they are encouraged to understand the connection between individual knowledge and participation in social life.


 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST CONFERENCE