The AMS Board of Directors wishes to thank the many people and organizations whose time, talent, and generosity have contributed to the success of the 2009 Annual Conference:

The AMS 2009 Annual Conference Committee members, for their foresight, dedication, and enthusiasm: Judi Bauerlein, Betsy Coe, Sonnie McFarland, Donna Milani Luther, Alyssa Morishima Moore, Lisa Sirgo, Marilyn E. Stewart, and Patti Yonka.

Our 2009 Living Legacy honoree, Marie M. Dugan, for her lifetime commitment to the values of Dr. Maria Montessori and her tireless championship of Montessori education and the peaceful future of children everywhere.

Our Nancy McCormick Rambusch Lecturer, Riane Eisler; our Saturday Keynote Speaker, Spike Lee; and our Closing Keynote Speaker, Greg Mortenson, for their visionary work and enthusiastic participation in the Montessori community.

All our workshop presenters for sharing their passion and wisdom with the Montessori community.

The Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs at the College of St. Catherine and Montessori Concepts, LLC, for generously sponsoring this program book.

Our quality exhibitors for supporting administrators, teachers in classrooms, and teacher educators.

The dedicated, hardworking staff of AMS, all of whom have contributed to this conference, especially Leslie DiLeo, CMP, for her leadership with conference logistics; and Marie Conti, MEd, for her oversight of the programmatic content.

American Montessori Society 2008–2009 Board of Directors
Marilyn E. Stewart, PRESIDENT
Kathy Roemer, VICE PRESIDENT
LoAnn Jundt, MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Alyssa Morishima Moore, TREASURER
Tom Jankowski, SECRETARY
Richard A. Ungerer, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Penny HildeBrandt Cichucki, HEADS SECTION CHAIRPERSON
Sharon Damore
Renee DuChainey-Farkes
Rebecca D’Neil Duffy
Michelle Hartye
Tony Kambich
Mary Ellen Kordas
Peter Larrow, TEACHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Heidi Larson, TEACHERS SECTION CHAIRPERSON
Dan Salandro, FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE

Conference Program Book

Editorial Director: Marcy K. Krever; Editor: Molly Foran Yurchak; Contributing Writer: Dëanna Lackaff; Copy Editor: Brenda Modliszewski; Support: Marie Conti, Leslie DiLeo; Additional Support: Richard A. Ungerer; Design: Glenn Gontha, Gontha Design Studio

Photos: Service Opportunities, courtesy Hands On New Orleans, Geneva Marney; Hotel, courtesy the New Orleans Marriott; New Orleans attractions, courtesy the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau; Marilyn E. Stewart and Richard A. Ungerer, © American Montessori Society, 2008, Mitchell Armstrong Photography; Marie M. Dugan, Joanne Dugan; Riane Eisler, Michael Collopy; Spike Lee, David Lee; Greg Mortenson, Winslow Studios.