Arkansas Montessori Movement and Alliance

106 years ago, Maria Montessori travelled to America for the first time for a brief lecture tour and visits with influential educational groups. On 8 December 1913 she spoke to a capacity filled Carnegie Hall on her method of education and created quite a sensation.

On the cartoon we see to the far right the imposing figure of Maria Montessori addressing the audience, with right behind her Anne George, one of her first international students who was to work closely with her for a number of years. On this occasion Ms George acted as Montessori’s translator. Sitting in the background we can see Sam McClure, who had been instrumental in arranging this promotional tour, and publishing many articles on Montessori education in his popular McClure’s Magazine.

The new National Geographic Historical Special is dedicated to the great women in history. We are delighted to share with you the picture of the issue devoted to Maria Montessori made in the heart of Rome.

“A woman who opened a path in the male world and promoted radical changes in the teaching of all the children. The firmness she showed in her progressive ideas and her tireless desire for improvement changed the world of education forever.”

montessoriadvocacy.org

Maria’s wisdom presented a learner centered vision 100 years ago. We are switching from a teacher centered environment to a learner centered environment in our culture. And so far Montessorians are leading the way. In our lifetime a paradigm shift is going to happen.

Arkansas is representing at the MPPI Advocacy Conference this year!

A big thanks to Lizzie Kotyankar and Heather Gray!

Our keynote Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen from Education Reimagined explaining the policy and system paradigm shifts we need to make learner centered education inevitable and irreversible.