Amsive

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:

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

Elizabeth Tingle never planned to become a Montessori teacher, but her path seems to have led her there all along. With decades of experience behind her, Elizabeth Tingle discovered that Montessori aligned perfectly with the values she’d been teaching by for years.

Hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier talk with Elizabeth about:

  • Elizabeth Tingle’s early calling to teach and how a fifth-grade teacher inspired her to embrace every child’s uniqueness
  • The challenges and insights from 14 years working with students facing significant emotional and behavioral needs
  • How Montessori philosophy resonated with her belief in personalized, respectful education
  • The transition from token-based behavior systems (like earning points or prizes) to intrinsic motivation, and the importance of regulation, trust, and flexibility in learning
  • Why understanding behavior as communication is key to unlocking student potential

Elizabeth’s story is a testament to how deep respect for the individual child, and a willingness to adapt, can lead to transformative teaching and learning.

Elizabeth Tingle

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.