Can placing the child’s developmental needs at the center of the classroom help foster curiosity, independence, and a love of learning? What does it take to reimagine education systems to reflect these values?

Today’s guest is Dr. Larissa Parrilla, an educator with over two decades of experience in curriculum design, Montessori education, and innovative teaching methods. As a professor at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and curriculum coordinator at Instituto Nueva Escuela (INE) in Puerto Rico, Dr. Parrilla has been a pioneer in integrating the Montessori method into public schools, making this transformative approach accessible to communities traditionally underserved by such resources.


In this episode, Dr. Parrilla shares her journey from a traditional educator to a passionate advocate for Montessori education. We delve into the philosophy behind Montessori, which prioritizes children’s developmental needs and natural curiosity. Dr. Parrilla explains how INE has revolutionized public education in Puerto Rico by training teachers and implementing Montessori principles in classrooms. This includes removing the teacher’s desk to symbolize a shift in authority and creating environments where children can self-regulate, collaborate, and explore.

We also explore how the Montessori method integrates technology thoughtfully, supports social-emotional learning, and encourages a holistic approach to child development. Dr. Parrilla highlights the challenges of transforming educators’ mindsets and shares inspiring stories of children thriving in classrooms designed for their unique needs.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or someone curious about alternative teaching methods, this episode offers a compelling look at how education can be reimagined to prioritize curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning.