Maria Montessori, MD
"The greatest sign of success for a teacher...is to be able to say, ’The children are now working as if I did not exist.’"
1870
Born in the town of Chiaravalle, Italy.
1896
Became the first female physician in Italy, upon her graduation from medical school.
Completed clinical observations and analyzed how children learn, concluding that they build themselves from what they find in their environment.
1901
Began studies in psychology and philosophy.
1904
Became professor of anthropology at the University of Rome.
1906 & 1907
Began work with sixty young children of working parents in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. It was there that she founded the first Casa dei Bambini, or "Children's House." Dr. Montessori's scientific observations of these children's almost effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, as well as their tireless interest in manipulating materials, ultimately became the Montessori Method of education. Every piece of equipment, every exercise, every method Montessori developed was based on what she observed children doing "naturally," by themselves, unassisted by adults.
1922
Appointed a government inspector of schools in her native Italy, but because of her opposition to Mussolini's fascism, she was forced to leave Italy in 1934.
1940
When India entered World War II, interned with her son, Mario Montessori, as enemy aliens, but she was permitted to continue to teach training courses.
1949, 1950, & 1951
Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
1952
Died in Noordwijk, Holland.
