Dr. Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was born on August 31st, 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. Both her mother and father were educated and encouraged their children in their studies as well. When she was 13, Maria pursued an education in engineering. Shortly after enrolling in the engineering program, Maria decided that her true passion was medicine, so she applied for medical school. Maria graduated with a medical degree in 1896, an astounding accomplishment due in part to the predominantly male field. Despite scrutiny, Maria broke societal norms and became one of Italy's first female physicians.

While already well accomplished, Maria’s ambition fueled her continued interest in education, and she began exploring the field by taking classes in scientific and educational theory. In 1900, Maria became a co-director of a training institute for Special Education teachers. She observed, experimented, and recorded which teaching methods were most effective. Her time as co-director led Maria to develop her own educational pedagogy which is now recognized as The Montessori Method.

In 1907, Maria was offered to open a full-time daycare for children aged 3-7 with special needs. In the Casa Dei Bambini, Children’s House, Montessori created a learning environment that aided in her students' success by offering materials that both interested and challenged the young learners. Within this prepared environment, Maria noticed that when given freedom of choice, children absorb knowledge from both their peers and surrounding stimuli.

In 1911, Dr. Montessori opened her first school in the United States and by 1916 there were over 100 Montessori schools. At that time, there were 187 English articles written about the Montessori method, and Maria was pronounced an "Educational Wonderworker." Dr. Montessori spent the rest of her life promoting children’s welfare and education for peace. Today, there are over 20,000 Montessori schools worldwide working to do the same.