Professional Development for Montessori Educators
with Judith Cunningham and Gabriel Forestieri
This professional development program is designed for Montessori educators at the Elementary and Secondary levels, as well as anyone interested in exploring global interconnections with children, adolescents, and young adults through the lens of Cosmic Education
When? September 26-27, 2026
· Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
· Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where? GaLeMo (additional room), Weidlinger Straße 2, 3400 Klosterneuburg
Includes a vegetarian lunch on both days, plus coffee and snacks
Additionally: Two online exchange sessions to support implementation in your own classroom
Language: English
We are happy to assist as translators for any questions or discussions.
What is this about?
The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. For children and
young people, it raises questions about nature as well as society, responsibility, and the future. How can we address these topics within the Montessori approach and support young people in understanding the connections and taking action themselves?
In this one-and-a-half-day professional development workshop, we will explore the historical, ecological, and social contexts of the climate crisis. Drawing on Cosmic Education, we will view climate change not only as a scientific phenomenon but also through the lenses of human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and global responsibility.
The central tool of the workshop is a new and comprehensive climate timeline that visualizes complex developments and helps both young people and adults recognize these connections.
Contents
1. The Big Picture – The Climate Timeline
· Introduction to the climate timeline as a Montessori material
· Historical development of the climate crisis
· Connections between humans, nature, and society
· Cosmic Education as a framework for understanding global challenges
2. In-depth exploration of individual topics
· Causes and effects of climate change
· Climate justice and global inequalities
· Colonialism, industrialization, and resource consumption
· Indigenous perspectives and ecological wisdom
· Peace education and global responsibility
3. Children and youth as shapers of their future
· Fostering initiative and a sense of responsibility
· Student-led projects and climate protection initiatives
· Sustainability in everyday school life
· From knowledge to action: Opening up opportunities for children and youth to
take action
Workshop Materials
Each participant’s spot includes a climate timeline intended for practical implementation of the content at their own institution.
For schools sending multiple participants, we offer discounted spots without the
timeline.
Accompanying Online Meetings
To support implementation, two online exchange meetings will take place after the training. They provide an opportunity to share experiences and reflect on practical examples together with the trainers.
Participation Fee
· EUR 210, including the climate timeline and a vegetarian lunch on both days.
· For additional participants from the same institution, the fee is EUR 130 per
person, including a vegetarian lunch on both days, plus coffee & snacks
The Speakers
Gabriel Forestieri
Gabriel Forestieri is the Chief Operating & Education Officer of Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN). Since 2006, he has been developing educational programs, professional development courses, and student initiatives based on Montessori pedagogy.As a co-developer of the Climate Justice Timeline, he connects ecological, historical, and social contexts with the principles of Cosmic Education. His focus is on guidingyoung people to understand global challenges and act responsibly.
Judith Cunningham
Judith Cunningham is a Montessori educator, speaker, and founder of Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN).
As a Montessori teacher, school principal, and international education onsultant, she has been collaborating with schools and educators worldwide for many years. Her work focuses on Cosmic Education and the question of how young people can understand global interconnections and actively shape the future.
Please register at: natalie.stieger@montessori-gesellschaft.at