03/15/2022
This women's history Month, we celebrate and give tribute to Dr. Maria Montessori - A woman of courage, strength, and perseverance. I admire her dedication to making the world a better place through education and establishing her own voice for all to hear and follow. A little history...
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator, acclaimed for her educational method that builds on the way children learn naturally.
She was one of the first female doctors in Italy and started her career with a focus in psychiatry. It was through this focus that she came to work with children at a mental institution. Through her observation, persistence, and innovative thinking, the majority of the children caught up with their peers in an ordinary classroom. This led Montessori to take a more keen interest in education.
After pursuing further academic work in educational philosophy and anthropology, Montessori had the opportunity to work at a children's day nursery for severely under-served children. Using scientific observation and experience gained from her earlier work with children, Maria designed learning materials and a classroom environment that fostered the children’s natural desire to learn and provided freedom for them to choose their own materials.
To the surprise of many, the children in Maria’s programs thrived, exhibiting concentration, attention, and spontaneous self-discipline. The Montessori Method began to gain traction, and by 1910, Montessori schools were being established around the world, including in the United States where the first Montessori school opened in New York in 1911.
Not only was Maria Montessori a pioneer in education, she also campaigned vigorously on behalf of women’s rights. She wrote and spoke frequently on the need for greater opportunities for women, and was recognized in Italy and beyond as a leading feminist voice.
Thank you Maria Montessori for paving the way for our future and inspiring educators and parents worldwide to create a better world for our children!