As families head into a busy season of gatherings, late nights, and less structure, many parents quietly wonder how to protect their kids from early substance use. In this episode, host Sam Shapiro talks with educator and author Jessica Lahey about what really keeps kids safer, why early use matters so much, and how parents can stay connected and influential in the years that count most.
Stanford professor of education and expert Dr. Denise Pope calls AI an “alarm bell” for a necessary education reform. She argues the solution to today’s challenges is Authentic Assessment—engaging, real-world projects that are so interesting, students want to do the work. Listen as she defines the core human skills (like compassion and empathy) that technology can never replace, and how to talk to your child about family values in the age of AI.
Our children are growing up in a world that’s louder, faster, and more distracted than ever. Meditation teacher Jess Morey joins Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to talk about what kids and teens are really seeking beneath all the noise — safety, connection, and belonging — and how mindfulness can help families cultivate calm, compassion, and resilience together.
What should schools teach when AI can do so much? Choate’s Jenny Elliott joins Sam Shapiro to share why friction, creativity, and human connection are more essential than ever.
Discover The AI Revolution & Education: 10 Crucial Transitions, a free guide for parents and educators on preparing students for an AI-driven future. Learn actionable strategies, expert insights, and real-world examples to help schools adapt and equip children with the skills they need to thrive.
A moving conversation with poet and parent educator Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer on the practice of self-compassion—why it’s vital for parents, how it shapes our children’s growth, and what the latest research reveals about its profound emotional and physical benefits.
A growing body of research highlights executive function as one of the strongest predictors of student success. More than just academic content, schools that prioritize self-direction, goal-setting, and metacognitive growth are giving students the tools they need to thrive—in college, in careers, and in life.
What if summer wasn’t just time off—but time well used? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Marin Montessori Head of School Sam Shapiro talks with Dr. Christina Carroll, an Elementary Guide and educational researcher, about how families can rethink the summer months as a powerful opportunity for curiosity-driven learning.
What’s really happening inside the adolescent brain? Leading expert Laurence Steinberg joins Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori, to explore the science behind teenage risk-taking, learning, and resilience. Discover how Montessori education aligns with what research tells us about helping teens thrive.
In December, our community faced an unexpected challenge when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami warnings. Amid the uncertainty, our students and staff exemplified calm and resilience, turning a potential crisis into a testament to our Montessori principles. This experience underscores the importance of fostering a culture of trust, preparation, and independence. To further support our community, we’ve developed Montessori-aligned safety tips tailored to each developmental stage, empowering children to navigate challenges with confidence.
