Meaningful Montessori: Putting pedagogy into practice
10
1:00 AM - 2:00 AM
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:
- What Montessori is, and what it isn’t, when applied with integrity
- What strong Montessori practice looks and feels like day to day
- Why theory without practice (and practice without theory) falls short
- How meaningful Montessori supports children, educators, and communities
Who this webinar is for
- Montessori educators and leaders
- Centre owners and pedagogical leaders
- Educators curious about Montessori beyond the label
Speakers
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. This journey ultimately led me to Mana, inspired by the opportunity to give every child an extraordinary start to life.
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.
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10
1:00 AM - 2:00 AM