Meaningful Montessori: Putting pedagogy into practice
Mana
01:02:10
Montessori is one of the most widely recognised but also most misunderstood approaches in early childhood education. Too often, the name is used without the depth of understanding or daily practice that gives the pedagogy its power.
In this relaxed, podcast-style webinar, Hayden Rolls (Head of Partnerships, Mana) is joined by Jessica Langford, Community Coordinator at SA Montessori for a thoughtful conversation on what meaningful Montessori looks like in practice, and how the holistic combination of pedagogical theory and applied practice contribute to outcomes for children.
In Jessica's role at SA Montessori, she mentors over 100 educators and has developed nationally recognised resources like Montessori & the NQS and Montessori & the EYLF, now used in more than 170 centres across Australia. She recently received a 2025 Innovator Award from Montessori Australia for her contributions to Montessori education through teaching, leadership, and innovation.
Lightly guided and intentionally conversational, this session offers space for nuance, reflection and the realities of leading Montessori practice in today’s ECE landscape.
Whether you’re deeply embedded in Montessori or questioning what meaningful implementation really requires, this webinar is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the purpose behind the pedagogy.
This session will explore:
- Where Montessori truly comes from, and what it’s really about beyond materials, shelves, and activities
- Common parent misconceptions about Montessori and practical ways educators can explain the Montessori difference with confidence
- The key mindset shifts educators experience when entering Montessori training and practice
- How Montessori compares with Reggio Emilia, including the core differences between the two and guidance for educators deciding how to work with (or across) different philosophies
Who this webinar is for
- Montessori educators and leaders
- Centre owners and pedagogical leaders
- Educators curious about Montessori beyond the label
Speakers
Jessica Langford
Owner & Community Coordinator, SA Montessori
Jessica Langford is owner of SA Montessori's Rosemont House Montessori, Lilliput Village Montessori, Little Oxford Montessori and Echoes Montessori. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Diploma of Montessori (0-6), Diploma of Positive Psychology, Diploma of Montessori (0-3). Jessica’s SA Montessori ‘career’ started very early indeed – at the tender age of two she was one of the students in Jescott’s inaugural class, taught by her mum Barbara Langford. Jessica has been immersed in Montessori her entire life and is passionate about mentoring others in how this amazing philosophy can transform lives for the better. Jessica obtained her Diploma in Positive Psychology in order to better support and foster the holistic well-being of all of the members of the SA Montessori family – from our youngest children to our team members and parents.
Hayden Rolls
Head of Partnerships, Mana
My journey into education began with my first career as an OSHC Educator, where I discovered a passion for mentoring children. I then went on to study a Bachelor of Business Leadership and Commerce at Macquarie University, before joining Deloitte's strategy consulting team, with a focus on the education sector. A key highlight was leading the implementation planning for the Mental Health in Primary Schools Program across Victoria. Following this, I completed my Master's in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne, where my research centred on positive education for children. My research was published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, in collaboration with Smiling Mind (one of Australia's leading digital mental health providers for youth). This journey at the intersection of early education and technology ultimately led me to Mana - where our AI native child development platform seeks to empower educators and families to give every child an extraordinary start to life.
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Meaningful Montessori: Putting pedagogy into practice
01:02:10