Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.
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.
Join Nicole and Biff as they engage with leading voices like Garrard Conley, who explores identity and inclusive education; Lisa Ling, award-winning journalist uncovering untold stories that shape families and schools; Donovan Livingston, educator and spoken word artist advocating for educational equity; Sharon and Chelsea Maxwell, a mother-daughter duo addressing intergenerational learning and social change; and Jay Van Bavel, a neuroscientist examining how group identity and psychology influence learning and society.
Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.
Sponsored by:
American Montessori Society
http://www.amshq.org/montessori
Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
Montessori Deep Dive: Educating Teachers Who Shape the Future Worldwide
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What happens when Montessori moves beyond the classroom — and begins transforming the adults who guide it?
In this Montessori Deep Dive, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman sit down with educator and global teacher educator Natasha McKenzie, whose journey into Montessori began unexpectedly in an international classroom and grew into a career supporting educators across continents.
Drawing on decades of international experience, Natasha shares how Montessori adapts across cultures while maintaining its core philosophy — and why preparing teacher educators may be one of the most important investments in the future of education.
In this episode, they explore:
- How a single classroom observation can change a life’s path
- Montessori education across cultures and global communities
- The transformation from teacher to instructor
- Adult learning, mentorship, and educator development through AMS Instructor Academy
- Building authentic connection and community — even online
- Why relationships remain the foundation of Montessori everywhere
At its heart, this conversation reveals that Montessori isn’t just a method for children — it’s an evolving philosophy that continues to shape educators, communities, and learning worldwide.
Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org
Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.
For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/
And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood
