Each year, the Montessori Australia Living Legend Award will honour an individual for their lifetime of dedication and service to the Montessori Movement. This person will have had several if not many impactful roles in Montessori: for example, as a school or program administrator, teacher, author, researcher, mentor, presenter, lobbyist, education activist, board director, committee member, and/or community leader.

We invite educators, leaders, staff, trainers and parents from all schools and centres to nominate a Living Legend who is a respected model of Montessori values such as grace and courtesy, respect, integrity, responsibility, enthusiasm, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness. Candidates will be appreciated based on the following criteria: personal attributes and their adherence to Montessori values; years of Montessori experience and their role as an educator, including their inspiration and noteworthy accomplishments and contributions; and their wider world work in advancing the cause of Montessori education, including their organisational involvement and volunteerism.

This award celebrates an individual or organisation who:

• has been visionary in advancing Montessori pedagogy.
• has developed new and innovative ways of implementing Montessori philosophy in their work, whether it be in education, eldercare, research, or advocacy.

It seeks to honour the work of individuals in a variety of arenas to increase access and equity by advancing Montessori education in the public school sector, intergenerational communities, eldercare, and service delivery to remote and regional Australian communities or marginal areas that are under-resourced in Montessori education, or in areas of research or advocacy.

The Barbara Stephen Equity & Social Justice Award

This award celebrates an individual or organisation who has: 

• dedicated their career to promoting social justice and made significant contributions to marginalised or low socio-economic communities.
• served as a volunteer to contribute to the social progress of the Montessori Movement.
• worked to eliminate systemic barriers to access education and have made a significant impact on improving the lives of children and families in low socio-economic communities.
• made significant contributions to promoting Montessori education within Australian Indigenous communities, working in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure that Indigenous children have access to culturally appropriate Montessori education and have made a significant impact on improving educational outcomes for Indigenous children.
• increased access and equity by advancing Montessori education in the public school sector, intergenerational communities, eldercare, remote and regional Australian communities or marginalised areas that are under-resourced in Montessori education in the early years.
• made advances in raising the profile of Montessori education with service, culturally approved resources and/or research.

The Willemien Duyker-de Vries Community Service Award

This award recognises a Montessorian who has made significant contributions to their local or global communities through their work in Montessori education or advocacy. This award could also recognise Montessorians who have worked to bring Montessori philosophy to underserved or marginalised populations.

Montessori Australia recognises those who generously contribute resources to the sustainability and development of the services provided by Montessori Australia. The resources can involve sponsorships, volunteer time, and donations of goods and services.

This award celebrates an individual or organisation that has advanced and developed Montessori pedagogy. They hold a passion for authentic practice in promoting and growing Montessori in Australia (and/or the world) and have demonstrated exceptional excellence in their field, whether it be in Montessori education, research, or advocacy. This contribution should be sustained over time (minimum of 3 years).

The Josy Ludwig “Quiet Achiever” Award

This reward recognises the unsung heroes of Montessori education: those who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of our children. Imagine a simple yet heartfelt Montessori educator award that celebrates the tireless efforts of classroom teachers or support staff who have devoted themselves to the betterment of their students. These are the everyday educators who have not necessarily made ground-breaking innovations or achieved extraordinary feats, but have simply poured their hearts and souls into their work, helping children grow into the amazing adults they are meant to be. These are the educators who are loved by their community and cherished by their students and parents. Let us come together to honour them and show our gratitude for their selfless service. Let alumni students, parents, and administrative staff nominate these heroes and have their impact recognised and celebrated. 

This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in the Montessori education sector. This prestigious award honours professionals who have made significant contributions to advancing Montessori principles, fostering holistic child development, and promoting organisational excellence within Montessori schools and organisations. From visionary directors to innovative business leaders supporting Montessori education, this award recognises individuals who excel in strategic planning, resource management, and creating nurturing learning environments rooted in Montessori philosophy. By honouring their dedication, creativity, and impact, the Business and Administrator Award aims to inspire and empower Montessori leaders to continue driving positive change and shaping the future of Montessori education.