The PDMC Practitioner Pathway
Gain practical tools, proven strategies, and inspiring insights to strengthen your leadership, improve classroom culture, and support the success of every child.
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Explore Training Programs“Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.”
Maria Montessori
Live Online Training
Self-Paced Learning Options
Whole-School Workshops
Coaching & Consulting Support
Choose Your Learning Pathway
Whether you're new to Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom or looking to strengthen school-wide implementation, our programs are designed to support educators, leaders, and teams at every level.
PDMC Practitioner's Class Level 1
The Practitioner’s Class is the foundational course for Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, by Jane Nelsen and Chip DeLorenzo.  The class uses a case study approach to discovering the principles and tools of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom. The class gives participants the opportunity to connect with other Montessori educators in an experiential setting to learn how to implement the respectful and time-tested classroom management approach that builds responsibility, independence, motivation, and empathy within classroom communities.
PDMC Advanced Practitioner's Class Level 2
The Advanced Practitioner’s Class (formerly the Master Class) is designed for Montessori educators and leaders who have taken the Practitioner’s Class. The goal of this course is to deepen participants’ understanding of the principles and practices of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom and to advance its consistent and effective implementation in classrooms and schools. Particular focus is given to understanding mistaken belief systems, collaboratively addressing misbehavior, and developing consistent practices among adults that promote security and social success for children.
Whole School Practitioner’s Class
Chip and his team hold live workshops for Montessori schools, both in-person and online, via Zoom. See the list of workshops and a brief description of each below. Email Chip on the Contact Us page to discuss arranging one of these course for your school.
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Video Workshops
The new Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom video course is now available. In collaboration with ClassrooMechanics, Chip has produced an online course that shares the magic of Positive Discipline specifically tailored to the Montessori environment. Click the image or a button below to get more information or to purchase the course.
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Specialized PDMC Courses
PDMC Conflict to Collaboration Class
This course helps Montessori educators and school leaders build strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with parents while maintaining clear professional boundaries and reducing stress.
It addresses common challenges such as unrealistic parent demands, emotionally charged communication, time pressures, and lack of trust in professional judgment. Participants learn practical strategies to reduce conflict, improve communication, and create consistent, school-wide approaches that support both teachers and families.
Learn MoreStrengthen Your Impact as an Educator
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Join a community of Montessori professionals committed to fostering belonging, responsibility, and respectful relationships through Positive Discipline principles.
How This Training Is Making a Difference
Hear how practitioners are transforming their classrooms through Positive Discipline.
Paulene Meert, Director, Sophia Montessori Academy
“Thank you so much for an incredible class!! I am so excited to share this with my staff and hope to someday have you come and speak to our school. Thank you also for starting this group and all your work! I was just telling my staff today that your work is everything I have always wanted for classroom management founded on Montessori’s work and have just done my best to piece together through trial and error and some big learning experiences.
Betsy Coe, Principal, School of the Woods, Middle & High School, Executive Director, Houston Montessori Center
“Chip and Jane have captured the essence of teachers facilitating student agency. Their book frames Positive Discipline from a Montessori perspective and offers real, relatable classroom examples. Every Montessori school and teacher education program should have this book as their reference.”
Jim Doe
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About your FACILITATOR
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For more than 30 years, Chip DeLorenzo has helped Montessori educators build respectful, cooperative, and thriving classroom communities. As co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom with Jane Nelsen, Chip is a leading voice in integrating Positive Discipline principles with authentic Montessori practice.
Since 1995, Chip has trained thousands of teachers, school leaders, and parents through workshops, conferences, and professional development programs worldwide. His practical, experience-based approach provides educators with effective tools they can implement immediately in their classrooms.
Chip served for over 20 years as Head of School and teacher at Damariscotta Montessori School and holds AMS certifications in Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary education. He has also worked extensively with Montessori adolescents, giving him a broad perspective across all stages of child development.
Whether you're new to Positive Discipline or looking to deepen your practice, Chip's expertise, warmth, and real-world experience make this training both inspiring and immediately applicable.
Frequently asked questions
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Is the book included?
What if I miss a session?
Do I need any prior experience?
Ready to Deepen Your Montessori Practice?
Join the Advanced Practitioner’s Class and strengthen your ability to create consistent, aligned, and emotionally supportive Montessori environments.
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