Mana

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
