Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was a pioneering physician and educator best known for the philosophy of education that bears her name. Today, her model for schools is a global standard, found in nearly every country. While her approach was considered radical in the early 20th century, its ‘revolutionary’ feel has only faded because her ideas have become so deeply integrated into general modern education.
Born in 1870, the year that Italy became a fully unified nation state, Maria Montessori had the advantage in life that her parents were enlightened progressives who believed in female education. She also had a maternal uncle who was a noted geologist and naturalist, and who also influenced and encouraged her in her schooling.
