Maria Montessori (1870-1952) Founder of Montessori method of education

Maria’s parents expected her to become a teacher but she wanted to be an engineer. She then decided to become a doctor.

In 1896 she became the first female doctor in Italy. She began to work in a clinic with children with learning difficulties and mental illnesses. She came to the conclusion they didn’t need medicine but a better, kinder education including time to play.

She went on to become the director of a similar clinic. After the first year she renamed her school Casa dei Banbini - the Children’s House. The first mainstream Montessori school was born. Her first book The Montessori Method was soon translated into 20 languages.

She wanted to create an environment where the children could explore and learn at their own pace and encouraged the teachers to stand back and ‘follow that child’. She became a leader in education thinking all around the world.

3 of her thoughts.
The child who concentrate is immensely happy.
Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.
Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.

3 times she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize before she died aged aged 81.

Sources
Herhistory ISBN 978 1 78800 138 0 Katherine Halligan 2018
published by Nosy Crow
Wikipedia