online workshop series
Montessori School Governance
Workshop Series
Three online sessions covering everything board members and school leaders need to know
Postponed to 2026 – new dates coming soon!
Ready to build an effective Montessori school board?
Why Attend?
Montessori schools are complex, dynamic, integrated ecosystems with students, teachers, parents/carers, leaders and board directors working towards a shared purpose. This specialised, online workshop series will focus on the role of school leaders and board directors using a Montessori lens to build an effective board and
negotiate crucial conversations.
What You’ll Learn
How to Build an Effective Board
Basic ideas and materials to help build an effective board.
- The decision-making work of the board
- Montessori as a distinct approach to board governance
- Board action plans
Walk like a Montessori Director
Governance beyond the basics.
- Cultural Red Flags
- Difficult and crucial conversations
- The Boardroom as a Prepared Environment
- Board Culture: Freedom and Responsibility
- Developing a Director’s mindset
- Skills sets
Directors' Dragons Den
Montessori governance challenges.
- Board challenges, including complaints and grievances
- Conflict of interest
- Tricky case studies
6 HOURS of online, specialised Montessori governance training!
Templates and resources will be provided.
Presented by
Dr Karen Bennetts
Following a career in government and corporate organisations, Karen became involved with Montessori education in 1993 when her first child began in a Montessori toddler program. She subsequently undertook state teacher training at primary and secondary levels as well as Montessori training from birth to adulthood, including AMI 3-6 and AMI 6-12 Diplomas and the AMI-NAMTA Orientation to Adolescent Studies. Karen has worked as a Montessori teacher, principal, advisor and researcher. She has a PhD in Montessori leadership and is currently an SMTC Trainer for the AMI Administrators Certificate Course. Karen began her governance career two decades ago. She is now Board Director and Company Secretary at SMTC as well as Board Chair of Mansfield District Hospital. Karen is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. She was granted a State Fellowship Award by the Australian Council of Educational Leaders in 2016 for her significant contribution to education.
Session Details & Prices
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 1
How to Build an Effective Board
Basic Ideas and Materials to Help Build an Effective Board.
- The decision-making work of the board
- Montessori as a distinct approach to board governance
- Board action plans
Session 2
Walk like a Montessori Director
Governance Beyond the Basics
- Cultural Red Flags
- Difficult and crucial conversations
- The Boardroom as a Prepared Environment
- Board Culture: Freedom and Responsibility
- Developing a Director’s mindset
- Skills sets
Session 3
Directors’ Dragons Den
Montessori Governance Challenges
- Board challenges, including complaints and grievances
- Conflict of interest
- Tricky case studies
MSCA Members
Attend All Three Workshops
$
350
Per person.
-
GST inclusive.
-
6 HOURS of online, specialised Montessori governance training!
Best Value
Non-Members
Attend All Three Workshops
$
470
Per person.
-
GST inclusive.
-
6 HOURS of online, specialised Montessori governance training!
We recommend attending the live workshops to gain the most from the experience and expertise available.
However, we know that isn’t always possible, so the recordings will be made available to ticket holders.
MSCA is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
(ABN 42 636 033 899)
© 2025 Montessori Schools and Centres Australia Ltd. All Rights Reserved.