Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom
Supporting Montessori practitioners and schools through training, coaching, consultation, and practical resources that foster respectful relationships and collaborative school communities.
VIEW COURSESWHO WE ARE
Our Story
Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom (PDMC) grew from a collaboration between Jane Nelsen and Chip DeLorenzo. Jane, author of the Positive Discipline series, has inspired generations of parents and educators through her writing and training programs, encouraging respectful relationships and mutual respect. Drawing on Chip's experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, they explored how the principles of Positive Discipline naturally complement Montessori philosophy, leading to the publication of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom.
What began as a collaboration has grown into an international community of Montessori educators, school leaders, and trainers dedicated to bringing the principles of PDMC to schools around the world. Today, PDMC offers courses, school partnerships, coaching, consulting, and practical resources that help educators build respectful relationships, collaborative classrooms, and connected school communities.
Our mission is to empower Montessori educators with practical, research-based Positive Discipline tools that foster respectful relationships, strengthen classroom communities, and inspire lifelong learning.
Respect Is the Foundation of Learning
We believe that respectful relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning. When educators combine Montessori principles with Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroo, they create environments where children develop responsibility, independence, empathy, and a genuine sense of belonging.
MEET THE TEAM
The People Behind PDMC
PDMC is led by a small team of experienced Montessori educators who share a commitment to supporting teachers, school leaders, and school communities through training, coaching, and consultation.
Founder
Chip DeLorenzo, M.Ed.
Chip DeLorenzo is the founder of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom and co-author, with Jane Nelsen, of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom. An AMS-credentialed Montessori educator in Early Childhood and Elementary I–II, he has served as a classroom teacher and guide from Early Childhood through adolescence, and for 20 years as Head of School at Damariscotta Montessori School in Maine. Since 2006, Chip has worked with Montessori schools and organizations throughout the United States and internationally as a teacher educator, presenter, consultant, and leadership coach, supporting schools in the thoughtful implementation of Positive Discipline in the Montessori classroom.
Trainer: Netherlands
Jetteke Choi
Jetteke Choi is the Upper Elementary Team Leader at Casa Bilingual Montessori School and a PDMC Trainer in the Netherlands. She holds a master's degree in Orthopedagogy, a Primary School Teaching degree (PABO), a Montessori teaching credential, and has completed a school leadership program. Jetteke is passionate about supporting the growth of children, educators, and school communities through Positive Discipline and Montessori education, fostering respectful relationships and collaborative learning environments.
Trainer: Netherlands
Jotte den Dulk
Jotte den Dulk is a Montessori educator at Casa Bilingual Montessori School, a PDMC Trainer, and a documentary filmmaker. She holds degrees in audiovisual media, primary education (PABO), and a master's degree in Crossover Creativity from Utrecht University of the Arts (HKU). Drawing on her experience in education and filmmaking, Jotte brings a thoughtful and creative perspective to supporting educators, families, and school communities through Positive Discipline and Montessori education.
OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY
A Growing International Community
Since 2006, Chip has partnered with Montessori schools, associations, and organizations throughout the United States and around the world, providing workshops, keynote presentations, school training, and consultation. The interactive map below highlights many of the schools that have participated in PDMC training, reflecting our growing network of Montessori communities committed to fostering respectful, encouraging, and collaborative learning environments.
MONTESSORI SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The PDMC Community
We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Montessori schools and organizations around the world, supporting educators in the thoughtful implementation of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom.
Brooklyn Montessori Day School ~ Brooklyn, NY
Winfield Children's House ~ Falmouth, ME
Cornerspring Montessori School ~ Belfast, ME
New Hampshire Montessori Association
North American PDMC Community
View Our International School Partnerships
Montessori Organizations We’ve Worked With
LEARN MORE
Explore PDMC
Explore courses, school training, coaching & consulting, and practical resources developed specifically for Montessori educators and school communities.
