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Educating the Human Potential

The American Montessori Society Podcast

Journey into the future of learning with two pioneering educators as they unlock the secrets of human potential through captivating conversations on education’s biggest challenges.

Explore “Educating the Human Potential,” where Educational Psychologist Nicole Coman and renowned Montessori Educator William “Biff” Maier guide you through transformative discussions that are reshaping how we think about education. This podcast from the American Montessori Society sparks insightful conversations about the future of learning, featuring thought-provoking discussions with educational and cultural trailblazers.

Educating the Human Potential challenges the status quo in education—because how we learn shapes society itself. Each episode dives into the critical issues shaping education today, blending research, lived experience, and bold ideas. Whether it’s rethinking classroom models, exploring the psychology of learning, nurturing curiosity and resilience in children, or unpacking social and cultural forces at play in education, Educating the Human Potential delivers engaging, accessible conversations for parents, educators, policymakers, and lifelong learners alike.

All Episodes:

A Life Devoted to Children: 55 Years of Montessori with Charles Terranova

Season 1 | Episode 22

November 17, 2025

Embrace the Shake: Phil Hansen on Turning Limitations into Creativity

Season 1 | Episode 21

November 3, 2025

Montessori Deep Dive: Teacher Cassandra Duggan on Her Homeschool Roots, Traditional Classrooms, and the Freedom to Learn

Season 1 | Episode 21

October 20, 2025

Lift Off in Education: Donovan Livingston on Hip-Hop, Belonging, and Thriving

Season 1 | Episode 19

October 6, 2025

Inside the Fisher-Price Play Lab: Why Fisher-Price Embraced Montessori and Returned to Wood

Season 1 | Episode 18

September 16, 2025

Building Trust: Why Parent-School Communication Matters

Season 1 | Episode 17

September 2, 2025

From Loss to a Life of Creativity: Graffiti Artist Erik Wahl and Tasha Wahl on Life as Your Art Studio

Season 1 | Episode 16

August 18, 2025

The Real Maria Montessori: Historian Erica Moretti on the Woman Behind the Method

Season 1 | Episode 15

August 4, 2025

Rethinking School: Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen on Equity, Technology, and the Future of Learning

Season 1 | Episode 14

July 18, 2025

Let Kids Be Kids: Olympian Dominique Dawes on Intrinsic Motivation, Healing, and Rethinking Youth Sports

Season 1 | Episode 13

July 3, 2025

The Future Is Human: Eric Rodriguez on Technology, Montessori, and the Power of Purpose

Season 1 | Episode 12

June 23, 2025

Montessori Deep Dive: One Teacher’s Journey to Montessori

Season 1 | Episode 11

June 9, 2025

A Boy Erased: Garrard Conley on Surviving Conversion Therapy and Growing Up Gay in the Bible Belt

Season 1 | Episode 10

June 2, 2025

Leading with Purpose: Anita Hanks and the Future of Montessori Education

Season 1 | Episode 9

May 19, 2025

From Burnout to Balance: Suneel Gupta on Small Adjustments with Big Impact

Season 1 | Episode 8

May 5, 2025

Life After Montessori: High School Seniors Reflect on the Impact of Their Early Education

Season 1 | Episode 7

April 28, 2025

The Joy of Foraging: Alexis Nikole Nelson on Food, Nature, and Her Montessori Roots

Season 1 | Episode 6

April 7, 2025

The Power of Social Identity with Dr. Jay Van Bavel: How Groups Shape Learning, Bias, and Belonging

Season 1 | Episode 5

March 24, 2025

Why Rules Fail: The Montessori Approach to Raising Disciplined Children

Season 1 | Episode 4

March 11, 2025

Raising Kids in a Hypersexualized Digital World with Dr. Sharon Maxwell & Chelsea Maxwell

Season 1 | Episode 3

March 3, 2025

Lisa Ling on Journalism, Curiosity, and the Power of Storytelling

Season 1 | Episode 2

February 19, 2025

Introducing Educating The Human Potential

Season 1 | Episode 1

February 6, 2025

Most Recent Episode

What shapes a lifetime in education—and what keeps someone devoted to it for more than half a century? In this episode, longtime educator and AMS Living Legacy honoree Charles Terranova looks back on 55 years in Montessori, sharing the unexpected twists, transformative mentors, and unforgettable children who defined his journey.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coleman speak with Charles about:

  • How a chance visit to a Montessori classroom changed the course of his life
  • The influence of early mentors who modeled humility, humanity, and deep respect for children
  • Why observation, experimentation, and prepared environments remain central to authentic Montessori practice
  • Ways language, tone, and presence shape children’s confidence and concentration
  • The shifts he’s witnessed across decades in education—and why child-centered learning still feels revolutionary
  • Powerful stories from his own classrooms that reveal the courage, curiosity, and vulnerability of young learners

With warmth, humor, and remarkable honesty, Charles invites us to consider what children truly need from adults—and how the smallest interactions can have lifelong impact. His reflections remind us that education is both a science and an act of love, and that every classroom holds the potential for transformation.

Charles Terranova is an educator, teacher instructor, storyteller, and beloved figure in the Montessori community.

Charles Terranova

LISTEN ON:

Nicole Coman
Nicole Coman (she/her) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. As a licensed educational psychologist, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in school psychology and child development. Her experience with educational practices, Montessori education, and child development allows for an ever-captivating and insightful dialogue.
William “Biff” Maier
Biff Maier (he/him) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. Biff is an AMS Living Legacy, a former Montessori head of school, and a former teacher education program director. These deep-rooted connections with Montessori education, his passion for Montessori principles, and his legacy within AMS make him the perfect addition to our podcast team.