Maria Montessori

“Maria Montessori was herself the personification of what her own ideal teacher should be – ‘one who combines the self-sacrificing spirit of the scientist with the love of the disciples of Christ.’” (Maria Montessori: Her life and work by E.M. Standing, 1962, p88)

Dr Maria Montessori was born in 1870.  Her medical background encouraged her visionary scientific approach to the classroom. She used observation and research methods in her work with intellectually disabled and economically deprived children.  When tested, these children passed state exams at the same level as normal children.  This accomplishment inspired her to apply these principles to teaching normal children where again she met with astounding results through the use of her specialized sensorial materials and a carefully prepared learning environment.  Her children developed both intellectually and socially beyond the expectations for children of their age.  Her highly acclaimed work led to revolutionary reform in child education.  She recognized the importance of preparing an environment that met the needs of the child.  Today, there are approximately 5,000 private and 200 public Montessori schools in the US as well as thousands of schools around the world. Read more . . .