The Montessori Method: A Historical Timeline

1886: Maria graduates to great public acclaim from the University of Rome School of Medicine. She is the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree. Maria studied anthropology, biology, and psychiatry. As an early feminist, she represented Italy at the 1896 Women's Conference in Berlin where, among other things, she advocated for equal pay.

 

1896-1907: Dr. Montessori's work brings her into close contact with children. During this period, the Italian Minister of Education appoints her as the Director of Scuola Ortofrenica. This institution was dedicated to the care and education of young children that were considered "cognitively challenged". Through the development of the Montessori Method, many of these 8 year old students were able to pass standard testing with above average scores.

 

1907: Dr. Montessori opens Casa dei Bambini or Children's House, for children ages 3 - 6 years in one of the poorest neighborhoods in San Lorenzo, Italy.

 

1913: Dr. Montessori makes her first visit to the United States. The Montessori Educational Association is founded by Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel.

 

1915: At the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition in San Francisco, Dr. Montessori recevies international attention with her "glass house" schoolroom exhibit. During this visit, Dr. Montessori leads a teacher training course while in the states.

 

1916-1929: Dr. Montessori moves to Barcelona at the invitation of the government. Throughout these years she lectures and opens training courses for Montessori teachers in Barcelona, Milan, Amsterdam, London, Netherlands, and many others. In 1925, Dr. Montessori's son, Mario, completes the Montessori training course and receives his Montessori diploma.

 

1929: The first Montessori Congress is held in Denmark. Dr. Montessori and her son found the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which is headquartered in Berlin.

 

1939-1940: Dr. Montessori and Mario travel to India to host a series of teacher training courses. When Italy enters World War I, they are both detained and not permitted to leave the country until the end of the war.

 

1947: Dr. Montessori starts a training center in London and continues to spend time in India.

 

1949: Dr. Montessori is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

1950: Dr. Montessori is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

1951: Dr. Montessori is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The last training course led by Dr. Montessori is held in Innsbruck, Austria.

 

1952: Dr. Maria Montessori dies in the Netherlands on May 6th, assured that her legacy will be continued through the work of the Association Montessori Internationale.