Montessori was a woman ahead of her time. In a time when women traditional roles as home makers, nurses or teachers, Montessori studied and became the first woman to practice medicine in Italy. A visionary in the field of education, she developed a new model of children education. In this new form of education - the discovery method - children were encouraged to learn by experiencing education materials, rather than by instruction.
Recognition
For her contribution in the field of education and peace, Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize six times in the following years - 1949, 1950 and 1951.Dr. Maria Montessori's legacy and work were honoured in her birth country and she appeared on the Italian currency.
Well Loved
Montessori education celebrated a centenary of success in 2007. Her ideas are universally appreciated by families from diverse language, history and cultural backgrounds.
Notable Montessori children include:
- Larry Page and Serge Brin, founders of Google.com
- Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, music producer
- Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com
- Prince William and Prince Harry, British royalty
- David Blaine, magician
- Dakota Fanning, Academy Award nominated actress
- Helen Hunt, Academy Award winning actress
- Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia.com
