The 1913 Rome Lectures: First International Training Course, by Maria Montessori

Abstract

It is 2013 and the ideas of Maria Montessori on human development have spread far and wide around the world. The name is universally known in education circles and beyond, and there are countless schools that claim her name and method. Over a century of growth and expansion - with Montessori's philosophy resonating with many - millions of children have had the opportunity to be introduced to education via Montessori environments. Today Montessori is present in a vast number of countries, where it continues to grow exponentially and is increasingly being embraced as a tool for life - in order that our children may be better equipped to develop their potential. We saw a similar transformational movement one hundred years ago, when Maria Montessori was on the brink of major international success: with the English translation of her book The Montessori Method appearing the previous year, 1913 was to become the year in which the appeal of her innovative ideas would consolidate: she would give her first international teacher training course, and prepare for a promotional tour to the USA.