Charlotte Cushman, CM
Charlotte Cushman, CM, is a distinguished Montessori educator, author, and consultant with over four decades of experience in child-centered education. Trained at the AMI Montessori Training Center in Palo Alto, California, she began her career teaching in private Montessori schools, developing a deep expertise in child development, curriculum design, and classroom leadership. Her commitment to educational integrity has guided her throughout her career, inspiring both students and fellow educators. As an author, Charlotte has published several influential works, including Montessori—Why It Matters for Your Child’s Success and Happiness, Your Life Belongs to You, Effective Discipline the Montessori Way, and Save Montessori from Social Justice: Woke Montessori Schools are Betraying the Teachings of Maria Montessori. Her writing focuses on helping parents understand Montessori principles, promoting positive child development, and offering practical guidance for educators. Charlotte’s efforts extend beyond the classroom to mentorship, teacher training, and consultation, ensuring the preservation and proper implementation of authentic Montessori education. Even after officially retiring from classroom teaching, Charlotte remains active in the field through consulting, public speaking, and advocacy. She participates in Montessori discussion groups, contributes to educational publications, and continues to guide educators and parents in understanding the transformative impact of Montessori pedagogy. Her lifelong dedication to children’s education, intellectual growth, and the Montessori philosophy has earned her recognition and respect across the global Montessori community.
• AMI Diploma, Montessori Teacher Education
• Montessori Training Center – AMI Diploma, Montessori Teacher Education
• Certified Member, Daughters of the American Revolution
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• Lyric Arts Main St Stage
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep respect for reason in all areas of my life and my resulting self-confidence. In my field, I attribute my success to my respect for child development, intellectual rigor, and a steadfast commitment to educational integrity. I firmly believe that trusting the natural learning processes of children—rather than forcing outcomes—fosters confident, focused, and capable students.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My professional philosophy has been shaped by the choices I have made based on Maria Montessori's pedagogy and decades of hands-on classroom practice. Rather than a single piece of advice, my approach reflects the cumulative wisdom gained through careful observation, reflection, and practice across generations of students.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering education to first develop a thorough understanding of child development before attempting to influence outcomes. Patience, careful observation, and respect for the learning process are essential, as meaningful education comes from guiding children’s growth, not controlling it. I would also advise them to read the books of Maria Montessori and my book, Montessori: Why It Matters for Your Child's Success and Happiness.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in education today is the erosion of authentic Montessori principles due to the infiltration of the social justice movement. My goal right now is to save Montessori from ideological decay by educating parents and teachers so that authentic Montessori education is restored. (For more information, please see authenticmontessorieducation.com or read Save Montessori from Social Justice https://www.amazon.com/Save-Montessori-Social-Justice-Betraying/dp/B0F1TPYP1X/ref=sr_1_8?sr=8-8.)
At the same time, there is a significant opportunity in the growing interest in classical, child-centered education among educators and parents who value depth, focus, and long-term developmental outcomes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My highest value is life itself which includes mine and all the people I love—my family and friends. I value intellectual honesty, respect for individual development, discipline, and nurturing natural growth. I believe that education should cultivate independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation, rather than emphasizing conformity or rote memorization. My enduring passion lies in Montessori education—both its philosophy and its impact on children. I find deep fulfillment in continued learning, writing, and engaging in thoughtful discussions about philosophical ideas and how education can best serve individual human development. My hobbies include knitting, quilt making, writing, and reading. And, last but not least, I love spending time with my family, especially at our cabin.
Locations
Cushman Books LLC
Anoka, MN 55303
Hill City, South Dakota
PO Box 65