PDMC 

Practitioner's Class

 

The Foundation of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom

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Understand the Motivation Behind Behavior

Build Respectful Relationships

Set Limits with Kindness and Firmness

Foster Belonging and Responsibility

COURSE OVERVIEW

Building the Foundation

The Practitioner's Class is the comprehensive foundational course in Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, created by Jane Nelsen and Chip DeLorenzo. Using a Montessori child-study approach, participants explore the principles and practices of PDMC through discussion, experiential learning, demonstrations, and collaborative activities.

Designed for Montessori educators, the course provides a complete framework for understanding children's behavior and implementing Positive Discipline within authentic Montessori environments. Participants learn practices that foster respectful relationships, responsibility, cooperation, and a strong sense of belonging within the classroom community.

The Practitioner's Class also serves as the foundation for the Advanced Practitioner's Class and the PDMC Lead Practitioner Program.


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COURSE OUTCOMES

 

Using real classroom situations, both new and experienced educators and administrators will learn how to:

 

  • Create classroom environments that proactively reduce misbehavior.
  • Understand and respond effectively to challenging behaviors.
  • Develop student support plans using PDMC principles and tools.
  • Foster responsibility, independence, and cooperation.
  • Build stronger classroom communities based on belonging and respect.
  • Collaborate more effectively with colleagues and families.
  • Implement Positive Discipline tools with confidence and consistency.
  •  

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

 

This course is ideal for:

  • Montessori Teachers
  • Lead Guides
  • Assistant Teachers
  • School Administrators
  • Instructional Coaches
  • Educational Leaders
  • Practitioner’s Class Graduates
  • New Montessori Educators
  •  
  • This is the foundational course and the starting point of the PDMC Practitioner's Pathway.
  • Next Level: Advance to the Advanced Practitioner's Class (Level 2) to deepen your understanding and expand your Positive Discipline practice. 

Course Tuition

Early Bird Registration

$375

Early Bird Discount available until 3 weeks before the class starts.

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Regular Registration

$425

Standard tuition after the Early Bird registration period ends.

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SPECIAL PRICING

Group Discounts


Bring your team and save! Schools registering multiple participants are eligible for discounted pricing.

Participants Discount
3–5 10% Off
6–10 15% Off
11–20 20% Off
21+ 25% Off

Planning to Register Your Team?

For groups of 21 or more participants, please contact us to discuss customized pricing and private cohort options.

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CONTINUE THE PDMC PATHWAY

Advanced Practitioner's Class - Level 2

For educators who wish to continue their PDMC training, the Advanced Practitioner's Class builds on the foundation established in the Practitioner's Class through collaborative discussion, case studies, guided reflection, and practical application.

 

VIEW LEVEL 2 ADVANCED PRACTITIONER'S CLASS
TESTIMONIALS

What Educators Are Saying

 

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.”

FACILITATED BY

Chip DeLorenzo

For more than 30 years, Chip DeLorenzo has worked as a Montessori educator, helping students, teachers, school leaders, and parents build respectful, cooperative, and thriving communities. As co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom with Jane Nelsen, Chip is recognized internationally for integrating Positive Discipline principles with authentic Montessori practice.

Chip has presented workshops, conferences, and PDMC training programs for thousands of Montessori educators around the world. His practical, experience-based approach provides teachers with strategies they can apply immediately while remaining faithful to Dr. Montessori's vision of child development.

Chip served for more than 20 years as a Montessori teacher and Head of School at Damariscotta Montessori School. He has also worked extensively with Montessori adolescents, giving him a broad perspective across every stage of a child's educational journey.

Whether educators are new to Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom or looking to deepen their practice, Chip's thoughtful, practical approach helps schools foster classrooms built on mutual respect, responsibility, and joyful learning.

Montessori educator for over 30 years
Co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom
Former Montessori teacher (21 years) and Head of School (20 years)
International presenter and school consultant

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Ready To Register?

Join a community of Montessori educators exploring the principles and practices of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom.

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