Maria Montessori

born 1870, died 1952

Not only was Maria Motessori the first woman in Italy to attend
the University of Rome and the first to recieve a medical degree 
(1896), she is also one of the most important modern educationalists. 
Her early work in medicine was with mentally disabled children and
adults. She achieved remarkable results educating those who were
generally thought to be educationally hopeless. Her "Montessori
Method" stressed development of a child's initiative by allowing
more freedom of action. The teacher acts as a guide rather than
a director. She travelled and lectured widely, gaining
international recognition and reknown. Montessori principles still
form the backbone of many American pre-schools, and Montessori
Schools are still a popular school option.