• Joined MNW in 2021

• AMI Elementary Diploma, WMI, 2002

• M.Ed. Montessori Education, Loyola, 2002

• AMI Elementary Diploma, WMI, 2002

• Started teaching swimming in high school...and hasn't stopped teaching since!

• 4 years in various support roles in Montessori classrooms at both primary and elementary levels

• 12 years as an elementary guide, largely at the 6-12 level

• Served on the EAA Board of Directors for the full allotment of terms

• AMI Trainer beginning 2017

What I do at MNW
I am super excited to offer the blended format elementary AMI course.

What I like about MNW
I do not work on-site for most of the year, but I always feel included and part of the team. I appreciate the respectful and clear communication with and support of the students that I have observed from all members of the training center's team.

Commitment to ABAR work
I commit to continuing and deepening my learning and active un-learning, especially as it applies to our curriculum and the children we will serve. I aim for our work in equity, ABAR, and inclusion to be deeply embedded in our training work and our practical application of the AMI curriculum.

Favorite food?
Tacos.

Words to live by
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.

Cats or Dogs?
I have neither. But, we have many plants and ferments to keep alive and a garden in the warmer months.

Favorite thing to do in your free time
In my free time (hahaha!) I enjoy logging off! I love crafting, camping, reading, and live music. Around the house, canning, cooking, and baking bring me joy.

Favorite time of day
Dawn and dusk, mostly because I love the term crepuscular.

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Andrea Fleener is an AMI Elementary Trainer and is currently training adult learners at the undergraduate, degree completion, and graduate levels through partnerships with Alverno College and the Montessori Training Center of St Louis. Andrea holds AMI diplomas at both the Primary and Elementary levels, a B.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from the University of Kansas and a M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Loyola University in Maryland.

Andrea has over 12 years Montessori teaching experience at the 6-9, 6-12 and 9-12 levels as well as experience working as support staff in Montessori classrooms.  She has served on various Montessori task forces, is a past chair of the AMI-EAA board of directors and is an AMI examiner.  Andrea has worked with the staffs of public Montessori schools in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota and has offered workshops, mentoring and staff support both in the United States and internationally. She is a former member of the AMI Elementary faculty in China. 

Andrea is passionate about helping teachers bring the theory into practice and loves opportunities to mentor and support teachers.  She loves cooking, canning, camping and sewing.