Maria Montessori

About

Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator renowned for developing the Montessori method, an innovative educational approach emphasizing self-directed learning and hands-on activity. Born on August 31, 1870, in Chiaravalle, Italy, Montessori defied traditional gender roles by pursuing a career in medicine, becoming one of Italy's first female physicians in 1896. Her work with special needs children led her to develop educational materials that encouraged independent learning. In 1907, she opened the Casa dei Bambini in Rome, where her methods quickly gained recognition. Montessori's educational philosophy focuses on creating a "prepared environment" that fosters intrinsic motivation and autonomy in children. Her method includes specially designed materials for sensory learning and encourages children to explore at their own pace. Montessori traveled extensively, lecturing and establishing teacher training programs worldwide. She was also a prominent advocate for women's rights and peace education. Her legacy continues to influence education globally, with Montessori schools spreading across the world. Montessori passed away on May 6, 1952, in the Netherlands, leaving behind a lasting impact on educational practices.