Seton Montessori Institute

08/27/2026

With deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of our founder, Celma Pinho Perry.

Celma was a visionary leader, a strong woman, and a brilliant Montessori educator. Through her work with Seton Montessori School, Montessori Children's House of North Barrington, the Seton Montessori Institute Teacher Education Program, and vast consultations with schools, Celma touched the lives of countless children, families, teachers, and school communities around the world. In fact, one of the most commonly heard phrases from Seton graduates has long been, "Celma changed my life!"

Celma believed deeply in the unlimited potential of the child and in the power of education to change lives and communities. She brought her fierce intelligence, courage, and conviction together in her unwavering commitment to her work and her people. She worked wholeheartedly, using her Brazilian passion to inspire generations of educators. Celma shaped the understanding of so many adults on their role in supporting the development of children and the mysterious potential every newborn brings to the world.

This work was her passion, and surely her cosmic task. Her influence will live on in the many educators she taught, the schools she helped shape, the teacher education programs she helped launch, and the generations of children whose lives are better because of her.

To learn more about Celma's life visit https://www.setonmontessori.org/celma-pinho-perry

08/24/2026

Fall is almost here and we can't wait to get started with our newest Fall start cohort! 🍂

If you’re a newly hired Montessori guide or school leader, the Fall Start is a great way to begin your journey with a community of peers and faculty committed to your growth.

The Fall Start is:
✨ Ideal for newly hired educators or unexpected staffing needs
✨ A supportive, school-year-long learning experience with consistent faculty and peer connection
✨ Flexible for schools, with tuition payments spaced throughout the year
✨ An opportunity to deepen your Montessori understanding and engagement before the intensive portions of the credential course

Fall Start classes for our Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, and Montessori Leadership & Administration (Models I & III) credential courses meet online weekly from October 17, 2026, through March 20, 2027.

📅 Application deadline is September 1
Learn more at www.SetonMontessori.org

08/20/2026

Discover where a career in Montessori can take you at AMS’s free virtual Montessori Pathways Career Fair on September 17 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Connect with AMS-affiliated Teacher Education Programs like Seton Montessori Institute, explore Montessori career pathways, and learn how your life experience, professional skills, and passion for helping others can inspire the next generation.

Be sure to stop by our virtual booth!

The event is free, but requires registration. Learn more and register to start your Montessori journey today!
Register here → https://amshq.org/event/montessori-pathways-career-fair/

08/11/2026

Be sure to check Miriam and Elena out if you are heading to UMSI Conference this fall! Don’t forget to stop by the Seton Montessori Institute table to say hello and hear what’s new at Seton!

Don't miss this year's 2026 Montessori Educators' Conference! Guest Speakers Miriam Audino & Elena Pappas Bordoshuk will discuss practical tools to help assistants set the tone for respectful communication while creating a safe and supportive space where children can thrive. See you there!

07/21/2026

One of our favorite traditions? Cohort group photos! 📸

Each picture captures a group of passionate Montessori educators and leaders sharing an incredible, transformative journey together. Our Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, and Montessori Leadership and Administration students have been learning, growing, and laughing together during summer academics. Here’s to building a lifelong Montessori community together!

07/09/2026

We're so proud of Seton's own Anna Perry, who shares her wisdom and perspective on Cultivating the Prepared Adult on the Voices in Montessori podcast!

In conversation with Tamara Sheesley Balis, Anna explores the lifelong journey of becoming a prepared adult and the ways we can support the growth and development of those around us.

Be sure to give it a listen—you'll come away inspired to reflect on your own Montessori journey and the transformative work of preparing ourselves in service to children and one another.

July 02, 2026 Cultivating the Prepared Adult with Anna Perry Our Guest: Anna Perry with Tamara Sheesley Balis FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow Episode #406: Cultivating the Prepared Adult: Managing the Ego, Navigating Conflict & Embracing Education for Peace https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gk8n5zkyp3q...

06/30/2026

It's time to grow your understanding of Montessori education! 🌱

We're now enrolling for our Summer Discovering Montessori cohorts, with both ONLINE and IN-RESIDENCE options available!

Choose the focus that's right for you:
✨ Infant & Toddler
✨ Early Childhood
✨ Elementary
✨ Administrator

Designed for Montessori assistant teachers, new administrators, specialists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Montessori approach, Discovering Montessori provides a strong foundation that builds confidence and effectiveness in supporting children's growth and development.

Our Administrator Add-On includes specialized leadership content throughout the in-residence course, culminating in a full administration-focused day on Fri., August 7.

Join us this summer and cultivate the principles that make Montessori education so transformative!

👉 Register by July 15: https://www.setonmontessori.org/discovering-montessori-online-paraprofessional-course

05/06/2026

During National Teacher Appreciation Week we are sharing deep appreciation for the countless ways Celma Pinho Perry and Carolina Gomez del Valle modeled, mentored, and molded us as Montessori educators and humans!

Memory Monday: As we kick off Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, we begin with deep gratitude for Seton’s early educators—the pioneers and legacies on whose shoulders we stand.

They shaped our understanding of the power of this work, the potential held within each person, and the joyful presence found in truly following the child. They modeled what it means to be an educator, and their legacy continues to guide us each day.

They also remind us to hold this work with lightness—to dance and play, and to find joy alongside our Montessori companions every day. For that, and so much more, we are deeply thankful!

05/01/2026

All those things you’ve heard about Montessori being more joyful? They’re true!
Purpose, wonder, and joy-filled work—all wrapped into one!

NOW is your moment to join the movement—and the fun. Submit your application by TOMORROW, May 1, to be part of our Summer Start Montessori teacher or administrator credential courses at Seton Montessori Institute.

To learn more and to start your application visit: www.SetonMontessori.org

04/22/2026

Congratulations to Seton Administrator Course graduate Catherine Loss on being named the 2026 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year! 🎉

Katie has served as principal of Lloyd Barbee Montessori School since 2012, where she helped launch and grow their Montessori program. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to children, community, and the promise of Montessori education in the public sector.

We are proud to celebrate Katie and the meaningful impact of her work!

Catherine Loss, principal of Lloyd Barbee Montessori School, was named the 2026 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year.