Maria Montessori Biography

Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who developed the approach of education that carries her name. She opened the first Montessori school over a century ago in Rome, and today there are several schools all over the world which follow her way of teaching. As an educator Montessori felt that the education system for children during her time was too rigid. She believed that children would thrive and learn better in an environment where they were educated according to their psychological and intellectual capabilities and allowed a degree of independence. The foundation for Maria’s future career had been laid when as a child she was encouraged to study and observe the world around her. Her mother was well educated for her times and she motivated her daughter to do well in life. Maria was bright as a student and held high aspirations for her future. Her father wanted her to become a teacher but Maria had set her eyes on becoming a doctor. Medicine was primarily a male dominant field during the late 19th century and she was often discriminated against being a woman. Nevertheless, the gutsy lady completed her education and embarked on a career as an educator eventually developing the educational approach which came to be known as Montessori education.