29 June 2026

Seeing Potential: How Great Teachers Change Lives with Clint Pulver

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast

About

What if the moments that change a life are often small, intentional acts of belief?

In this inspiring conversation, Biff and Nicole are joined by Emmy Award-winning speaker, drummer, and bestselling author Clint Pulver to explore how mentorship, connection, and presence shape the stories children and adults tell about themselves. From the teacher who handed him his first pair of drumsticks to years spent studying workplace culture, Clint shares why people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Together, they discuss:

• The teacher who transformed Clint's life by recognizing his gifts

• Why mentorship matters more than management

• The importance of balancing high standards with deep connection

• How educators can help children discover their potential and worth

• The power of simple praise and intentional moments

• Questions school leaders should ask to strengthen culture

• Why presence always comes before performance

• How parents can create meaningful connection in everyday life

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder: life-changing moments rarely come from control or correction. They come from relationships. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in the workplace, people flourish when someone believes in them enough to walk beside them. Sometimes all it takes is one person—and one moment—to change the course of a life.

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood