The Child Is the Teacher: A Life of Maria Montessori

Many have written on Maria Montessori’s pedagogical method of individualized learning; following five years of research, De Stefano (Oriana Fallaci: The Journalist, the Agitator, the Legend) focuses instead on Montessori’s remarkable life. Born in Italy in 1870, Montessori defied her times, and De Stefano describes how a determined Montessori, despite the misogyny of the time, became a doctor. While working at the Orthophrenic School, Montessori began to teach children with intellectual disabilities. From observing these children, she developed her pedagogical methods by expanding upon the theories of special education expert Édouard Séguin. When Montessori discovered she was pregnant, she refused to marry and left her son with others to focus on her work (eventually, mother and son reunited). To establish her schools and find disciples who would promote her teachings, Montessori used every opportunity available to her, De Stefano says, such as attracting patrons, writing books, appealing to the Catholic Church, and even requesting financial assistance from Mussolini. She trusted very few and found herself torn between her ideals and ambition, the author contends.