Who is Dr. Maria Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, was an enthusiastic advocate for the rights of the child. After becoming Italy’s first female doctor, her interests turned to the education of children and she began her lifelong pursuit of studying child development. Her own educational method evolved over fifty years of work with children around the world. Dr. Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to education and her advocacy of the rights of the child.
Dr. Montessori believed that a truly educated individual continues learning long after the years spent in the classroom because of a motivation from within, a natural curiosity, and a love of learning. The aim of the Montessori philosophy is to provide a learning environment that enhances the development of intellectually reflective individuals who are personally integrated, caring, and ethical members of the community.
If you would like to read more about Maria Montessori and her work we suggest the following titles:
- Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard
- Montessori- A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard
- The Discovery of the Child by Dr. Maria Montessori
- The Advanced Montessori Method by Dr. Maria Montessori
- Montessori and Your Child by Terry Malloy