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Born
Maria Montessori was born in Chiaravalle, Italy on August 31st, 1870. -
Began schooling
Attends an all boys school to prepare for a career in engineering. -
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Medical school
Quickly realizing she wanted to pursue an career in medicine, Maria Montessori was admitted to the University of Rome. She graduated from medical school in 1896 and she was one of Italy's first female physicians. -
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Early career
In the beginning of her career, Maria Montessori mainly focused on psychiatry, equal rights for women, and philosophy. She worked at a psychiatric clinic and became a director at the Orthophrenic School. This is where she was able to put her theories to practice and observe the children. -
Gives birth
Maria Montessori gives birth to her son, Mario. -
Second degree
Maria Montessori begins working on her second degree. This degree was focused on education, psychology, and anthropology. She began working on pedagogy and went on to publish multiple articles and give numerous lectures on the subject. -
Casa dei Bambini
In 1907, Maria Montessori opened her first school, Casa dei Bambini. Located in a low income area of Rome, the school was designed to serve underprivileged children ages 3-7. Soon she noticed the improvement in behaviors, as well as interest in the desire and freedom to learn on their own. -
The Beginning of Teacher Training Courses
In 1909, Maria Montessori gives her first training course on the Montessori method to 100 students. The following year, two model schools open in Milan. During this time, Maria Montessori begins her work on the book "The Montessori Method." -
Montessori Method
The Montessori method gains popularity and is being used in schools across Western Europe. The first Montessori school opens in the United States. -
The United States
Maria Montessori runs her first international training program from her home in Rome. She welcomes students from all over the world! At this time, Montessori Educational Association is founded in the United States. Maria Montessori visits the United States where she lectures a crowd of 1,000 people. -
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International Training
Maria Montessori continues to teach internationally to teachers. She moved to Barcelona where she opens another Children's House as well as a teacher training institute. In 1915, Maria Montessori is invited back to the United States where she speaks at a conference in California that has 15,000 attendees! -
Schools
By 1916, there are over 100 Montessori schools open in the United States. -
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Lectures
Over the next few years, Maria Montessori continues to give lectures and training courses across Europe. She has published four books at this point. -
Mario Montessori
In 1925, Mario Montessori receives his Montessori diploma. -
AMI
In 1929, Maria and Mario Montessori co-found American Montessori Internationale. This is also the first year of the International Montessori Congress. -
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1930's
During the 1930's Maria Montessori spent her time continuing international training courses and lectures across Europe. In 1932, Maria Montessori spoke on Peace and Education at the second Montessori International Congress. She continued to hold these peace conferences until 1939 when she moved to India. Maria Montessori was invited by the Theosophical Society to teach a three month training program. -
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1940's
For the first half of this decade, Maria and Mario Montessori are confined to the compound of the Theosophical Society due to the war. While they are unable to leave the country, training courses are still given across the country. In 1946, they are finally able to return to Italy. Maria Montessori continues to travel across Europe and to India for training courses and school openings. In 1949, Maria Montessori is nominated for her first Nobel Peace Prize. -
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1950's
In the final years of her life, Maria Montessori was nominated for two more Nobel Peace Prizes. She continued giving lectures and even ran her final training course. Maria Montessori died on May 6, 1952.