Rethinking School: Ulcca Joshi Hansen on Equity, Technology, and the Future of Learning

American Montessori Society (AMS)

18 July 2025

What if our education system isn’t broken—but just built for a different era? In this episode, Ulcca Joshi Hansen—author of The Future of Smart, Chief Program Officer at Grantmakers for Education, and host of the Future Smart podcast—shares why true educational equity requires more than better technology or expanded curriculum. It requires a fundamental shift in how we define learning and human potential. Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman talk with Ulcca about: Why “bolting on” solutions to a factory-model school system isn’t enoughThe promise of holistic, relationship-driven educational models—including MontessoriThe role of philanthropy in transforming education for the long termThe cognitive risks and opportunities posed by technology and AI in schoolsLessons from her candidacy for Denver School Board and her work with funders nationwideWith clarity, warmth, and a systems-level view, Ulcca invites us to imagine an education future that’s truly built around how children grow, learn, and thrive. For more from Ulcca Joshi Hansen: The Future of Smart Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-smart/id1620910055 Her book: “The Future of Smart: How Our Education System Needs to Change to Help All Young People Thrive” https://www.amazon.com/Future-Smart-Education-System-Change/dp/195492013X/ Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org 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 Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org