Dr. Maria Montessori, the pioneering mind behind the Montessori Method was born on the 31^st of August1870 in the town of Chiaravalle, Italy. Her father was an Accountant in the civil service, while her well-educated mother was, an avid reader who instilled in her love for learning, although her parents encouraged her to pursue in teaching – one of the few professions accessible to women at the time – Maria Montessori had different ambitions, she was determined to study Medicine, a profession then dominated by men.

Despite facing rejection during her initial interview at medical school, Maria remained resolute, confidently stating “I know I shall become a Doctor”.

True to her words she enrolled at the University of Rome in 1890 studying Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Two years later she entered the Faculty of Medicine, making history as one of Italy’s first female Doctors.

As a doctor, much of her work focused on serving the underprivileged; particularly the young children. However, her observation led to an even greater realization- as education was key to unveiling human potential.

Driven by this passion from 1904-1908 she lectured at the Pedagogic School of the University of Rome. She inspired her students with these profound words.

“The Subject of our study is humanity; our purpose is to become teachers.

Now, what really makes a teacher is love for the human child: for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission”

(Dr. Maria Montessori)

 Her groundbreaking journey in education formally began on the 6th of January 1907, on the feast of the Epiphany, when she opened her first “Casa de Bambini” or “House of Children”, while many guests doubted the success of her venture, Maria felt otherwise, declaring:

“I had a strange feeling which made me announce emphatically that here was the opening of an undertaking of which the whole world would one day speak”

 As she worked with the children, she introduced various activities and material for them to use carefully observing their engagement. She retained those that truly captured their interests leading her to a revolutionary discovery.

According to her Auto Education concept, she believed that children placed in thoughtfully designed environments could educate themselves. And reflecting on this realization, in 1914 she humbly stated:

“I did not invent the method of education; I gave some little children a chance to live”

 The extraordinary progress of the children in Casa de Bambini where even five-year-olds were reading and writing captivated educators worldwide. Within a year Kindergartens in Switzerland began adopting her methods, sparking the global spread of the Montessori approach.

In 1909, Maria conducted her first training course with around 100 students, laying the foundation for the Montessori movement. From that point onwards, she dedicated her life alongside her son Mario Montessori in lecturing and conducting training programs around the world. Her unwavering commitment to the Child Centered Education continued until her passing, leaving behind a legacy that forever transformed the way we nurture young minds.

Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision and dedication live on today, inspiring generations of educators, parents and students. Her timeless philosophy reminds us that education not just about imparting knowledge but about fostering a child’s natural curiosity, independence and love for learning.