European Projects
EMC at ACAδIMIA in Iceland: A Creative and Inclusive Teacher-Training Gathering in Reykjavík
Dec
A Nordic Setting for Innovation in Education
Iceland is a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic known for dramatic landscapes, glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls. A republic just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers both the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter — a fitting setting for creativity and inspiration in education.
EMC Participation in the EU-Funded ACAδIMIA Project
This month, Sarah and Halvor represented the European Montessori College (EMC) at ACAδIMIA — the European Teacher Academy for Creative & Inclusive Learning, hosted in Reykjavík.
ACAδIMIA is an EU-sponsored initiative promoting innovative, child-centred teaching methods, including elements of Montessori, theatre and drama in education, creative computing, gamification, and other inclusive approaches that support diverse classrooms across Europe.
The ACAδIMIA partnership is developing a joint curriculum for creative methods in inclusive, multicultural classrooms and organising coordinated teacher-training activities: online workshops, summer campus, e-learning and blended courses, plus classroom-based training. The project is also piloting new mobility and training schemes and building a professional Community of Practice to foster peer learning and exchange.
An academic publication will be released soon, documenting the impact of these methods and highlighting strategic partnerships that support the long-term sustainability of the academy. ACAδIMIA is currently supporting approximately 900 teachers and 10,000 students directly, with plans to expand further in the coming year.
➡️ Learn more about EMC’s involvement in EU-funded educational projects: EU Projects Page
Our Workshops in Reykjavík
During our visit, we delivered and practised two initiatives:
MonTech — Montessori + Technology
On day one, we worked with partners on the MonTech approach, developed in collaboration with the University of Girona. MonTech applies Montessori principles to the creative and constructive use of technology in learning environments, pairing digital tools such as Scratch and Makey Makey with screen-free, hands-on activities. This enables learners to move from concrete exploration to abstract understanding in a developmentally appropriate way.
Sarah’s new book, Montessori in the Digital Age, served as a focal point for discussion and demonstration of MonTech activities with our Icelandic colleagues.
SEDIN — Creative Inclusion Without Needing Montessori Training
On day two, we trained trainers in the SEDIN method, a drama-based, creative approach to inclusive teaching that any educator can use, without requiring Montessori certification.
SEDIN brings movement, drama, respect, and cultural sensitivity into daily lessons, supporting the integration and belonging of migrant and refugee children. Through playful work with grammar, maths, science, and cosmic themes, the group explored how creativity and inclusion can transform classroom dynamics. The energy, openness, and collaboration from our new colleagues were inspiring.
Continuing Our Collaborative Work
EMC will continue its involvement with the ACAδIMIA project throughout the coming year, travelling to additional partner countries and contributing to the development and dissemination of creative, inclusive learning practices.
While our ideal is that every teacher receives in-depth Montessori training, we believe strongly in sharing Montessori-inspired methods widely.
Explore our Montessori teacher-training programmes:
Montessori Training at EMC
A warm thank you to our partners and to all the dedicated teachers who joined us in Reykjavík for their hard work, creativity, and openness. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
