By Emily Tucker
Isthmus Montessori Academy Public
At its annual public meeting, leaders of Isthmus Montessori Academy Public (IMAP) highlighted international opportunities that allow upper elementary students to expand their skills in global citizenship. As a former international nonprofit leader focused on humanitarian issues and a parent of a kindergartner, one initiative in particular stood out: this year, fifth- and sixth-grade student leaders are preparing to participate in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
For more than 50 years, Model United Nations programs worldwide have helped students learn about the work of the UN by simulating its processes while cultivating essential life skills such as negotiation, diplomacy and consensus-building. In 2006, educator Judith Cunningham founded Montessori Model United Nations with encouragement from the Dominican Republic’s UN Ambassador Francis Lorenzo. The program was created specifically for Montessori upper-elementary and middle school students, offering them a meaningful opportunity to engage in global peace education.
Maria Montessori — the Italian physician, educator and founder of the Montessori philosophy — was an advocate for peace and international cooperation. Her work in global peace forums and her involvement in the founding of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) reflect the movement’s long-standing connection to international engagement. Following this model, IMAP ensures that its programs are grounded in respect for human dignity and global responsibility.
While traditional Model UN programs focus on debate, competition and awards, MMUN emphasizes building consensus through collaboration and empathy. This year, six IMAP student delegates will represent Nigeria and Brazil at the MMUN conference. They benefit from mentorship by IMAP educators who are originally from those countries, enriching their understanding with lived cultural perspectives.
Students take on the roles of UN delegates and engage in a year-long preparation process. With weekly check-ins and guidance from Rebecca Furmanick, community and employment coordinator and MMUN program lead at IMAP, as well as Melissa Droessler, director of curriculum and instruction, participants research real-world issues and human rights challenges from the standpoint of their assigned countries. Through guided dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, they deepen their understanding of history and cultural context, strengthen research and writing skills, and build confidence in public speaking while working together toward peaceful solutions.
Participation in MMUN is fully integrated into the school day to ensure equitable access, recognizing that not all learners are able to attend after-school programs. Students also engage in collective fundraising efforts for their trip to Thailand so that all delegates can attend, reinforcing the school’s commitment to inclusion and shared responsibility.
Through this experience, IMAP learners are not only studying international systems — they are actively practicing the skills of diplomacy, collaboration, and compassionate leadership that define global citizenship. At a moment when the world urgently needs thoughtful, globally minded, and empathetic leaders, experiences like this are not just enriching — they are essential.
