Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was an Italian physician and educator who became one of Italy’s first female medical doctors after graduating from the University of Rome in 1896. She began her work with children through medicine and scientific observation, then developed her educational approach after opening the first Casa dei Bambini (“Children’s House”) in Rome in 1907. Her method emphasizes children’s independence, purposeful activity, and learning within a carefully prepared environment.

Montessori presented her ideas in books including The Montessori Method (1912), Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook (1914), The Discovery of the Child, and The Secret of Childhood (1936). She also wrote The Advanced Montessori Method, Education for a New World, To Educate the Human Potential, and The Absorbent Mind.