Samantha Gleisten

Samantha Gleisten currently serves as an Innovation Think Tank Fellow at the American Montessori Society and has been the Innovation and Educational Technology Coordinator at Rogers Park Montessori School since September 2008. In this role, Samantha guides students and teachers in utilizing various tools and technologies to enhance hands-on, project-based learning. Additionally, Samantha has held positions such as Director of Learner Experience at Bit Space, where Samantha develops professional development programs for teachers, and Curriculum Specialist, creating makerspace curricula. Samantha's extensive experience in curriculum development spans multiple organizations, including Teach Away and Chicago Public Schools, and includes diverse subjects from inquiry-based science to topics on diversity and inclusion. Educational qualifications include a Montessori Certification from Seton Institute and a Master's in Journalism from Columbia College. Samantha has also contributed to the field through freelance writing and research, including work with the University of Pennsylvania's Children's Media Lab.