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National Catholic Montessori Conference

registrants listening to a lecture with a speaker

Rediscover the religious catalysts for Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational revolution at the University of Mary’s National Catholic Montessori Conference.

Join us in Bismarck, North Dakota, to explore Catholic Montessori with peers from across the country. Taking place in mid-October, our National Catholic Montessori Conference will encompass three days of fellowship, prayer, and fruitful discussion centered on the Montessori method's unique consonance with the Church's holistic approach to teaching and learning.

Peace: The Work of Education

The National Catholic Montessori Conference brings together educators, leaders, and visionaries committed to shaping a more peaceful world—one child at a time. Under this year’s theme, "Peace: The Work of Education," we celebrate Montessori’s enduring legacy as a pedagogy of peace rooted in respect, freedom, and human dignity.

Let us unite in this work, answering not only Dr. Montessori’s call to form the child as a peacemaker, but also Pope Leo XIV's appeal urging all to "build a year of peace." We recognize that the classroom is not just a place of learning, but a training ground for peace. In an age marked by division and unrest, this mission is more urgent than ever. May our time together deepen our shared vocation to educate hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and peace—planting seeds that will blossom in future generations.

Three of the women who were important in the development of Catholic Montessori have the cause for their canonization being promoted: Servants of God Mother Mary Charles Magdalene Walker and Madre Luigina Tincani and Mary (Adelia) Pyle. It seems like the right time to be making Catholic Montessori known.

Dr. Maria Williams, 2026 Keynote Speaker

2026 Conference: Thursday-Saturday, October 8-10

Founders Hall, Lumen Vitae University Center
University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota

Conference Details

Maria Williams, PhD

Dr. Maria Williams is an independent researcher of the history of education with deep expertise in Catholic and Montessori education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in European studies and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from the London University Institute of Education—now the University College London (UCL) Institute of Education (IonE).

In 2019, she earned her doctorate from the IonE, focusing her research on the education practices of Saint Frances Cabrini and the religious sisters in her charge. This research led her to investigate the educational philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori, as Mother Cabrini sent sisters Montessori training in 1911 — including Mother Domenica Bianchi, headmistress for many years at a school Williams later attended.

Williams has served as a secondary school teacher of history, headteacher, and part-time tutor for the history PCGE course at the IonE. She retired from teaching approximately 20 years ago, but her scholarly research and writing continue. Today she and her husband Howard live in London, not far from their son and his family.

Thursday, October 8

1:00 – 6:00 PM – Optional Tours of Local Catholic Montessori Schools (details to be determined)

6:00 – 7:00 PM – Conference Registration

7:00 – 9:00 PM – Social

9:00 PM – Closing Prayer

 

Friday, October 9

7:30 – 8:30 AM – Conference Registration and Light Breakfast

8:30 – 9:00 AM – Welcome and Introductions

9:00 – 10:30 AM – Opening Keynote

10:30 –11:30 AM – Networking and Exhibits

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Mass

12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

1:30 – 2:00 PM – Rosary at the Grotto

2:00 – 3:30 PM – Breakout Sessions

4:00 – 5:00 PM – Keynote

5:00 – 7:00 PM – Networking, Exhibits, and Dinner

7:00 – 9:00 PM – Evening Social

 

Saturday, October 10

8:00 – 8:30 AM – Light Breakfast

8:30 – 10:00 AM – Keynote

10:30 –11:45 AM – Breakout Sessions

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM – Networking, Exhibits, and Lunch

1:30 – 3:00 PM – Breakout Sessions

3:00 – 4:00 PM – Closing Panel and Remarks

4:00 PM – Closing Mass

 

Call for Papers and Presentations

Breakout Sessions

We are seeking presenters for our conference breakout sessions, including scholarly submissions and more practical presentations. The strongest proposals make an explicit connection to the conference theme and objectives. Presentations are scheduled in 90-minute time slots, including discussion or Q&A. Please follow the instructions to submit using the following link no later than September 7, 2026.

Exhibitor Information

We invite exhibitors to be part of our upcoming conference—an excellent opportunity to connect with attendees and showcase your offerings.

Exhibitor Options:

Standard | $750

Level 1 | $1,500 

  • Logo on specific monitors
  • Standard booth

Level 2 | $2,000

  • Flyer/item in swag bag  
  • Logo on specific monitors

Breakfast Sponsor | Limited 2 | $2,500

  • Flyer/item in swag bag
  • Logo on specific monitors
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • Stage recognition

Lunch Sponsor | Limited 2 | $2,500

  • Flyer/item in swag bag
  • Logo on specific monitors
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • Stage recognition

Dinner Sponsor | Limited 1 | $3,000

  • Flyer/item in swag bag
  • Logo on specific monitors
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • Stage recognition
  • Premium booth location 

Social Sponsor | Limited 1 | $3,500 

  • Logo on specific monitors
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • Stage recognition
  • Premium booth location
  • Feature tabletop display

All exhibitors receive the following:

  • Two complimentary conference passes*
  • All conference meals
  • Secure exhibit space
  • One six-foot table
  • One black tablecloth
  • Two chairs
  • Wireless internet connectivity
  • Electrical service

*Additional exhibitors will need to register for the conference.

Your exhibitor agreement does not include:

  • Inbound and outbound shipping and freight handling costs
  • Audiovisual and computer support
  • Installation or dismantling of displays
  • Additional booth furnishings not specified
  • Lead retrieval systems
  • Printing or business center services

Exhibitor Set-Up

  • Thursday, October 8, 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Exhibitor Hours

  • Thursday, October 8 - Saturday, October 10, during conference hours

Exhibitor Dismantle

  • Saturday, October 10, after the closing session

Exhibitor Deadlines

  • Swag bag items: arrive by September 1
  • Logo submissions: submit by September 7
JoAnn Schulzetenberg Headshot

The National Catholic Montessori Conference is the place of transformation for the spirit of the Catholic Montessorian. Come to connect, to pray, and to be restored.

JoAnn Schulzetenberg, executive director of the Catholic Montessori Institute
Guide working with a student on a lesson

Go Deeper with the Catholic Montessori Institute

Looking for authentic formation in the Montessori method, grounded in Catholic tradition? The University of Mary's Catholic Montessori Institute (CMI) offers courses and events to support Catholic Montessori guides like you!

Join the Catholic Montessori Institute Network

Connect with faithfully Catholic Montessori educators, schools, and families through the University of Mary’s CMI Member Portal. Share ideas, explore job opportunities, and discover Catholic Montessori schools nationwide.

Have Questions?

Please reach out with any questions. Also, if you are visiting Bismarck or the University of Mary campus for the first time, check out our Visitor page.