Learning Together, Growing Together: Apple’s Professional Development Day
Published
At Apple Montessori Schools, learning extends beyond our students. Our educators also make time to practice new skills, deepen their knowledge, and learn from one another—all with the goal of supporting the children in our care.
Our recent Professional Development Day brought that commitment to life through hands-on workshops, real-time lesson demonstrations, and opportunities to put ideas into practice. From early literacy and math to infant communication and parent partnerships, the day focused on the everyday interactions that make a difference in our classrooms, and how we can keep getting better in every area.
Educators had a variety of workshops to choose from, allowing them to explore topics relevant to their classrooms and the children they serve. Sessions included:
- Early Literacy
- Outdoor Classroom
- Communicating with Infants and Toddlers
- Reading Group
- Developmental Milestones
- Math: Numbers 1–20
- Healthy Snacks, Healthy Habits
- Parent Communication
Together, these topics reflected the many dimensions of early childhood education: supporting development, nurturing emerging academic skills, encouraging healthy habits, and building strong relationships with families.
Hands-on learning is central to the Montessori approach, and it was central to our educators’ experience, too.
Workshops intentionally included time for participants to practice, plan, and work through realistic scenarios. These opportunities helped educators connect what they were discussing with how they could use it in their classrooms.
In the Parent Communication workshop, participants role-played conversations about concerns families might have. Practicing these conversations gave educators space to consider their words, listen thoughtfully, and strengthen their approach to working with parents.
During the Reading Group session, educators spent time building lesson plans, translating ideas into practical plans for instruction. In Math: Numbers 1–20, participants practiced working with lesson materials, reinforcing their understanding through direct experience.
Hands-on activities and real-time demonstrations were woven throughout much of the day, giving educators opportunities to observe, ask questions, and try techniques themselves.
The day also included two full-day intensive sessions for teachers and assistants new to Apple. One focused on preschool and toddler classrooms, while the other was designed for our infant educators.
These sessions provided dedicated time to explore Apple’s approach and practice the skills involved in supporting our youngest learners. Throughout the day, real-time lesson demonstrations brought Montessori teaching to life across Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, and Language.
Watching a lesson unfold offers a different perspective from reading about it. Educators can observe how materials are introduced, how a lesson is paced, and how a teacher’s words and movements support a child’s experience. Opportunities for hands-on practice then help participants build familiarity and confidence.
Professional development is an investment in the daily experiences of our students and families.
Time spent practicing a math presentation supports an educator’s ability to guide a child through a new concept. Thoughtful lesson planning helps create purposeful reading experiences. Practicing parent conversations helps strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Our recent Professional Development Day gave educators time to focus on these details, exchange ideas, and continue growing in their roles, with tangible tips for bringing this knowledge into the classroom.
Thank you to our teachers, assistants, and workshop leaders for bringing curiosity, care, and dedication to the day. The commitment you bring to your own learning helps make Apple a place where children can grow with confidence!
