Building Montessori Foundations: Highlights from Practical Life and Philosophy
The first quarter of the SAGE Teacher Education Institute has been filled with purposeful work and meaningful growth! Our adult learners have been diving deep into Montessori philosophy and Practical Life, building the solid foundation needed to become thoughtful, prepared guides for the children they will one day lead. At each MSOSV campus, Sage Montessori instructors deliver hands-on training within a meticulously designed on-site training room. This setup enables real-time instruction and personalized feedback, equipping Montessori learners with the skills and confidence needed for classroom success. The training shelves are thoughtfully arranged
Cantera Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Jenn
Ms. Jenn joined Cantera Montessori in 2022 as an assistant and now leads our Elm community with warmth, creativity, and dedication. Her passion for early childhood education led her to pursue infant and toddler training—something she proudly calls one of her “obsessions”. She loves learning each child’s unique rhythm and finds so much joy in those “light bulb” moments, when children light up with pride and understanding. Supporting their growth is what inspires her every day. Outside the classroom, Ms. Jenn enjoys crafting, movie nights, and spending time with her family—where humor
Meet the Heart of Peak Ave Montessori!
At Peak Ave Montessori, our passionate and dedicated educators create a nurturing environment where children thrive. Each member of our team is committed to fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. From guiding tiny hands through their first discoveries to celebrating each milestone along the way, our staff works tirelessly to provide a warm and enriching Montessori experience. We believe in the power of strong relationships—between teachers, children, and families—because when we work together, we create a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. Stay tuned as we
SAGE Instructor Spotlight: Milinh Villanueva
With nearly 13 years of experience in Montessori education, Ms. Milinh is a dedicated guide, mentor, and lifelong learner passionate about supporting both children and adults on their Montessori journeys. She holds an AMS Primary Diploma from the Montessori Teacher Education Center and a Master’s in Montessori Education from Sarasota University. Currently, she is furthering her expertise through the AMS Instructor Academy, deepening her understanding of Montessori philosophy and adult learning theory. Ms. Milinh’s approach to teaching adults is rooted in the same Montessori principles she applies to children—respect, autonomy, and
Cantera Program Spotlight: Building Strong Parent Partnerships with Ms. Rocio
Building Trust Through Connection in the Infant Montessori Classroom In a Montessori environment, relationships are the foundation of a child’s sense of security and belonging. By fostering strong connections with both parents and children, we create a space where infants feel safe, understood, and ready to explore the world around them. Cantera’s Juniper Lead Guide, Ms. Rocio, believes that open communication and collaboration with families are essential to a child’s smooth transition into the classroom. “I’ve found that when parents and teachers work together, children develop a stronger sense of trust and confidence.
🌟SAGE Executive Director Spotlight: Colleen Noll🌟
As the Founder of The Montessori School of Silicon Valley (MSOSV), I’ve spent over 30 years as a Montessori educator, administrator, and teacher trainer. My passion? Developing confident, skilled Montessori guides! That’s why I launched the SAGE Teacher Educator Program, offering in-house training to nurture the next generation of Montessori leaders. I specialize in Practical Life, the foundation of Montessori education, where children gain independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Watching adult learners experience their own “aha” moments as they grow into skilled guides is the most rewarding part of my
Cantera Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Rocio
We’re thrilled to spotlight Ms. Rocio, our passionate Lead Teacher in the Juniper Room at Cantera Montessori! With over eight years of teaching experience, Ms. Rocio joined our team in 2024 and has since been a beacon of inspiration for both students and families. Her love for Montessori education is rooted in its transformative power to foster confidence, independence, and curiosity in young minds. There’s nothing more fulfilling for Ms. Rocio than seeing her students master skills with minimal guidance, igniting their journey of self-discovery. 🌱 When she’s not in the classroom,
Morgan Hill: A Community Where Families Grow Together
Morgan Hill is more than just a place—it’s a community built on connection, family, and a love for lifelong learning. Nestled in the foothills, Peak Ave Montessori offers a warm and inviting space where young learners can explore, grow, and thrive. For families looking for a nurturing environment to raise their children, both Morgan Hill and Peak Ave Montessori feel like home. One of the most special things about Morgan Hill is its close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere. Here, neighbors know each other by name, local businesses support one another, and families gather
Practical Life & Philosophy: Why We Start Here
Why Do We Start with Philosophy and Practical Life in the Sage Teacher Education Program? Have you ever wondered why Montessori classrooms feel so different? It all starts with how we prepare our teachers. Before they ever step into the classroom, Montessori educators go through extensive training—beginning with philosophy and practical life. We start with philosophy because understanding why we do what we do is just as important as how we do it. Our teachers study Maria Montessori’s life, her research on child development, and the principles that shape the Montessori approach. This
Bringing Montessori into The Home: Limit Setting
A Blog Series by Colleen Noll Blog 3 of the 5 Part Series In this blog series we have reviewed the Montessori philosophy in home including becoming a Montessori Parent, and setting up your Montessori home. In this blog we will continue to explore the philosophy around Limit Setting and Ground Rules in your home. Safety is the number one concern with children under the age of 6. Most of our rules in the home are connected to keeping children safe and free from harm. Natural Consequences As young as 3 months old and up