
Montessori Education with Jesse McCarthy
A Montessori podcast for parents and teachers about raising children and educating students while bettering ourselves alongside them
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2025 • 57min
The Swearing Boy, and Other Stories with Sandra Girlato
As a teacher, what to do with a boy who’s cussing in the classroom? Sandra Girlato’s got a funny and super insightful story on that. As a parent, what to do with a child who won’t put on her shoes before leaving the house? Sandra got a story on that, too. How to get children to eat any kind of food? She's got one on that. How to help children care for others — genuinely, without lectures? She has a story around that, too. If you don’t know Sandra Girlato — mom; grandma; Montessori teacher; Director of Training at Canada’s Foundation for Montessori Education, the organization founded by the late Renilde Montessori, Maria Montessori’s youngest granddaughter — then it’s time to get to know her. Or at least to hear some of her awesomely insightful, and sometimes hilarious stories from over the last 30+ years of work with children.

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
Am I doing what's right for my baby?
“Remember that every day is a new day, and we can start again. Whatever you didn’t like from the day before just change it the following day.” Gaby Velazquez Gaby is a longtime mom, AMI Montessori trainer for ages 0-3, and the guest on our latest episode of The Montessori Education Podcast. A few of the topics/questions covered: ~“I just don’t have time — what do I do?” ~“Is my child behind language wise, and how do I aid him?” ~“Montessori at home — what’s that like?” ~”How do I help my child become a great eater?” “Did Maria Montessori herself have anything to say about early eating, e.g. baby-led weening?”

Mar 4, 2025 • 44min
The Montessori Assistant with Kate & Terry Millie
-What is a Montessori assistant -- what is his/her role? -What happens when an assistant disagrees with a head teacher or guide -- and what happens when real conflict arises between them? -Should assistants speak with parents, or is that solely the job of the head Montessori teacher or administrators? These and other big questions about assistants in the Montessori classroom are asked and answered in this super practical yet also deep discussion about the job of an assistant. Episode is especially for teachers and administrators (and curious parents) of children from birth through elementary.

Feb 2, 2025 • 19min
It's not about the chicken fingers
Sometimes what we think is the problem is not really the problem. Digging deeper into the things that might stress us out, that might bring on strong emotions. "The real preparation for education is a study of one's self." Maria Montessori "When you see good, collect yourself and absorb what you've witnessed. When you see what is ungood, allow yourself to feel the upset and then look within." -adaptation of Xunzi, student of Confucius

Dec 16, 2024 • 40min
Laid-back, Family-centered Montessori | with Bridget Dangel
Bridget Dangel, a seasoned Montessori educator and school owner from the Florida Keys, shares her journey in creating a relaxed, family-oriented school environment. She explores the positive impact of parental involvement and debunks myths surrounding Montessori education. Bridget emphasizes nurturing children's passions, using relatable examples to illustrate the joy of learning without pressure. She also discusses the unique dynamics of running a Montessori school and the importance of a supportive, collaborative community for fostering creativity and independence.

Nov 7, 2024 • 16min
Reforming the Reformers (The Lego Box)
We’re so focused on political life but what about our own personal lives? As Maria Montessori said, “We all need to be changed.” #children #parents #teachers #knowthyself

Sep 26, 2024 • 55min
Montessori Elementary School - Is It Any Good?
So many parents choose Montessori school for their children’s preschool and kindergarten years, but what about Montessori for elementary and beyond?

Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
Dads Talk Montessori and Parenting
What happens when you lose your cool on your child? How do you get along with your significant other when there is disagreement? Any concerns about Montessori? These and more questions discussed with four Montessori dads. From The Montessori Education Podcast with Jesse McCarthy | https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/dads-talk-montessori-and-parenting

Jun 26, 2024 • 11min
Treat Children Like Guests (Not As Suspect)
"A few days ago during pickup at our little schoolhouse, a mom shows up to get her daughter, who is 3 yrs old. ..." A story about how we treat children -- and how we might change things around for the benefit of us all

May 21, 2024 • 30min
For Toddler Parents | with Claudia Alvarez
Montessori OG Claudia Alvarez discusses the importance of Montessori education for toddlers, fostering independence and resilience in children, guiding children's development with preparedness and leadership, and navigating authenticity and parental guidance in a culture of fragility.