Exploring Early Childhood Education: A Conversation with Montessori Expert Heidi Morrison

What is the Montessori way of life? Ever wondered how to connect your teaching practices across ages?

In this engaging podcast episode, you’ll discover insightful perspectives from Heidi Morrison, a seasoned educator and senior director at Higher Ground Education. Heidi’s 20+ years in Montessori schools have shaped her expertise in mentoring early childhood teachers and developing professional training programs. From guiding classrooms to nurturing young learners' confidence and independence, Heidi’s journey reveals the power of Montessori principles.

The conversation dives into Heidi’s unique approach, inspired by her early experiences in traditional education in India and her discovery of Montessori’s child-centered methods. You’ll learn about Montessori’s fascinating history, how it emphasizes observing children, and the importance of being a guide rather than a traditional teacher. From the iconic pink tower to language development strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can elevate your teaching while keeping the joy of learning alive.

Through personal stories and practical tips, Heidi and Vielka discuss the delicate balance between structure and creativity in education. They explore how to support diverse learners, the role of self-reflection in teaching, and the Montessori philosophy of prioritizing process over product. Whether you’re a music teacher, early childhood educator, or simply passionate about nurturing confident young minds, this conversation offers inspiring takeaways to help you grow in your practice.

About Heidi

Senior Director of Programs at Higher Ground Education 

Heidi Morrison has spent the last 20+ years in the Montessori world. She earned a master's degree in early childhood education from Mercy College, New York, and a bachelor's degree in psychology. She also holds a Montessori Primary (ages 3- 6) certification from Association Montessori Internationale and Orton Gillingham Multi-Sensory training. 

Heidi spent a decade teaching in Montessori schools in New York before transitioning into various leadership roles, including Director of Admissions, Director of Early Childhood and Head of School. She has been involved with startup Montessori schools as well as very established ones in her career. She consulted with several Montessori schools to develop Parent-Child classes and has led countless parent education events on topics ranging from Toilet Learning, Mindfulness and Managing big emotions in children, to Literacy development in early childhood.

In her most current role at Higher Ground Education, she trains and mentors early childhood teachers at 115 Guidepost Montessori schools across the US and Europe. She develops and runs professional development trainings based on the needs of the teachers she is mentoring and coaching. She is passionate about introducing families to a Montessori way of life and her favorite role in her career has been teaching children to read! 

In her free time, Heidi enjoys yoga, reading, and hiking the beautiful Colorado mountain trails with her husband, their three children, and their very energetic dog.

Look for Heidi at the SXSW EDU 2024 Conference on March 6, 2024, where she is a panelist discussing  Design for Learning: How Environment Influences Experience.

Resources:

• The Prepared Montessorian:

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus