As we count down the days to the The Montessori Event 2025, Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation, we look forward to one of the most inspiring aspects of this gathering—that of listening to Montessori Voices whose uniquely powerful stories … span multiple generations across the globe.

Charles Terranova

For Charles Terranova, the AMS 2025 Living Legacy, being a Montessori practitioner has included many roles, from classroom teacher to teacher educator, from school administrator to internationally acclaimed speaker. In all these roles, Charles’s mission has been “to foster understanding and the full implementation of Montessori, the most authentic interpretation of the philosophy,” which he believes is analogous to practicing and listening to classical music. With exposure and repetition, one develops a deep knowledge of the music and is able to anticipate what comes next. Charles believes it is the same for Montessori teachers: “It takes practice, sharing, and concentration—until the philosophy becomes second nature. It’s not necessarily the material; it’s the practice.”

We know that classroom teachers and school administrators work tirelessly to plan for and facilitate the day-to-day running of classrooms and schools, and sometimes it feels like there is little time or energy for assessing and reflecting upon what we do and why we do it, and, importantly, for renewing our commitment to our practice. Charles provides the kind of inspiration from which Montessori educators, regardless of their role and level of experience, can draw motivation and strength to continue the hard work. From a half century of dedicated Montessori practice, Charles offers invaluable lessons to classroom teachers, school leaders, and other practitioners on carrying on “the mission of peace, equity, and high-quality education for all.” As recognized by Munir Shivji: 

For over fifty years, Charles has worked to drive meaningful and unprecedented change for Montessori professionals, schools, and teacher training programs, while protecting the integrity of Montessori pedagogy and practice.

We are excited to bring you this opprtunity to partake of Charles’s experience, wisdom, and fifty-year legacy. Other featured Montessori Voices include:

Jud Bauerlein

Judi will share “the importance of nurturing a deep connection with the natural world and how this connection relates to peace” in her heartfelt talk, Montessori: A Pathway to Peace and Connection With Nature. 

Anita Hanks

Makomborero Carl Muropa

In his talk, Coraje + Pertenencia = Montessori (Courage + Belonging = Montessori), Makomborero will “explore joy as a transformative component of this 'home-grown African Montessori' philosophy, and the ways in which Montessori education allows us to interpret parts of us as adults that resonate with our childhood experiences.”

Dan & Amy Russo

In their talk, Strength in Community: A Family Montessori Journey, Dan and Amy will share their personal story of how their Montessori community “shaped not just their children’s education but also transformed their family, offering love, hope, and resilience when they needed it most.”

We look forward each speaker’s compelling story of their unique Montessori journey inspiring you to consider the steps on your own journey. Join us at The Montessori Event to partake of the wisdom and experience offered through Montessori Voices!