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

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 lifeThe influence of early mentors who modeled humility, humanity, and deep respect for childrenWhy observation, experimentation, and prepared environments remain central to authentic Montessori practiceWays language, tone, and presence shape children’s confidence and concentrationThe shifts he’s witnessed across decades in education—and why child-centered learning still feels revolutionaryPowerful stories from his own classrooms that reveal the courage, curiosity, and vulnerability of young learnersWith 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.Contact Us: [email protected] 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 Contact us: [email protected]

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.