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Birth
In Chiaravalle, Italy -
Moved to Rome
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Decided to study Medicine
She was determined to become a doctor despite her parents wishes to teach. -
Earns Degree in Medicine
First female physician in Italy -
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Studying and Lecturing in Pedagogy
Audits pedagogy classes at University of Rome. Also volunteered in the psychiatric department. This work initiated a deep interest in the needs of children with learning disabilities. -
Gave birth to first son Mario
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Appointed Director the Orthophrenic School at University of Rome
This was a new training institute for special education teachers. Maria approached the task scientifically, carefully observing and experimenting to learn which teaching methods worked best. Many of the children made unexpected gains, and the program was proclaimed a success. -
Begins Second Degree
Studied educational philosophy and anthropology at the University of Rome. -
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Lectures in Anthropology and Biology at University of Rome
Incorporated observations of elementary students into her lectures. Formed the basis for her book Pedagogical Anthropology. -
Opening of Casa dei Bambini
Montessori was asked to open a school for the "unruly" children in the San Lorenzo district. She came to realize that children who were placed in an environment where activities were designed to support their natural development had the power to educate themselves. This school attracted visitors from all over the world who could not believe the results of this teaching method and its popularity began to grow. -
Gave first training on Montessori Method
Montessori gave the lecture to only about 100 students. Her notes from this period provided the material for her first book published that same year. It was soon translated into 20 languages. -
Resigns from University of Rome
Resigns her teaching post at the University of Rome and gives up her private medical practice to concentrate entirely on education. -
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International training courses
Held international training courses in Rome -
International Travel
Begins traveling internationally to lecture and hold trainings. -
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Lived in Barcelona
Fled the Spanish Civil War to England and then Amsterdam -
Founds Association Montessori Internationale
Founded the association with her son Mario. It was headquartered in Berlin until 1936, then Amsterdam. -
Impact of the War
The Nazis systematically destroy the Montessori movement in Germany, closing all Montessori schools. The fascist system in Italy closed all schools the following year. -
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Extended Stay in India
Travels to India with her son Mario to begin a 3 month training course. They were both detained at the start of World War II and couldn't leave the country until it ended in 1946. In India, Montessori began the development of her approach to support the 6-12 child through 'Cosmic Education'. -
Returned to Netherlands
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Revival of Montessori Society
Montessori establishments begin to reopen after being shut down due to the war. -
First nomination for Nobel Peace Prize
Also nominated in 1950 and 1951 -
Passes away at age 81
Montessori died in Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands. She continued to travel and lecture up until 1951, and gave her last training in Austria. -