Indian Montessori Educators' Academy (IMEA)

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"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." – Dr. Maria Montessori 

Dr. Maria Montessori was a visionary educator and the first female doctor in Italy. She began her career in medicine, but her passion led her to work closely with children. Through careful observation, she discovered that children learn best when they are given freedom to explore, hands-on materials to work with, and a respectful environment. 

She believed every child has a natural desire to learn — and when placed in a calm, prepared setting, they grow into confident, independent, and joyful learners.

 In 1907, she opened her first school, Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House), in Rome. The transformation in the children surprised the world. Her method, now known as the Montessori Method, spread across the globe and continues to inspire educators and schools everywhere. 

Montessori education is not just a teaching method, it’s a way of understanding and respecting childhood.

What started as one small classroom in Rome in 1907 soon became a worldwide movement.

As word spread about how well children were learning in Dr. Maria Montessori’s classroom, educators and parents from around the world became curious. They visited her school, saw the calm and joyful children, and wanted to learn more. Maria Montessori was invited to speak in different countries, and she began training teachers who could carry her ideas forward.

From Europe to America, and later across Asia and Africa, the Montessori Method gained love and respect. Montessori classrooms began popping up in cities, villages, and even refugee camps — anywhere that people wanted to give children a more meaningful, respectful education.

Today, over 140 countries follow the Montessori approach in some form. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages, and thousands of teachers are trained every year to continue her mission of “education for peace.”

Maria Montessori came to India in 1939 — and ended up staying for nearly a decade. During this time, she trained hundreds of Indian teachers and worked closely with families, schools, and spiritual leaders. Her visit was more than a teaching tour — it became the foundation for Montessori education in India.

India holds a special place in Montessori history. It was here that she further developed her ideas on cosmic education — a way of helping children understand the bigger picture of life and their place in the universe.

Even today, her time in India is remembered with great respect. Many Indian Montessori schools still follow her original writings and training methods. Montessori training centers across the country are helping new generations of teachers discover how beautiful and powerful it is to work with children the Montessori way.

At Indian Montessori Educators' Academy, we’re proud to carry forward this legacy — blending authentic Montessori philosophy with the needs of modern Indian educators and families.