Dr. Maria Montessori
August 31, 1870 – May 06, 1952
Dr. Montessori was a medical doctor and also studied the pedagogy of Education at the University of Rome.
In 1907 fate intervened and she was offered the opportunity to study and work with children by the Beni Stabili group that was developing the slum area of San Lorenzo in Rome. It was the children of this first “Casa dei Bambini” or “House of Children” who shaped Dr. Montessori’s idea and understanding of education. She came to realise that hope for the future of the child lay in their education.
Through her many observations of children she came to the understanding that it is nature that guides the child. There is no method to educate him and that education needs to be child centric. She believed that we need to create conditions for his growth and welfare so that he may follow nature’s plan for his development.
“The word “educate” has as many meanings as there are ideologies in the world and can be interpreted in many ways. One fact, however, is impressive. All those engaged in education agree that education must begin at birth.”
-Dr. Maria Montessori, Citizen of the World: Key Montessori Readings
Tania Stewart is an AMI-certified Teacher Trainer at the Primary 3-6 age level. With more than twenty years of professional Montessori experience, she brings a wealth of real-world, practical classroom wisdom to her courses. Tania leads with deep empathy for her trainees as well as for the young children whom her trainees will someday guide.
Prior to training teachers, Tania taught Primary 3-6 for fifteen years in Montessori schools in India and the United Kingdom. Her many years guiding classrooms full of children inform her work as a trainer of professional educators.
Alumni of Tania’s courses teach in respected schools across Asia. She serves as an AMI Examiner for Montessori courses in several countries. She speaks regularly at Montessori conferences and events.
Tania pursues a mission to achieve system-wide adoption of developmentally-appropriate learning environments and methods inside as well as outside the banner of Montessori.
An inukshuk, also spelled inuksuk, is a physical structure made of rocks or boulders that are placed on top of each other in a manner which makes it visible from great distances. They are traditionally built by the Inuit people and serve as markers for direction, safety or food. Many inukshuk are quite ancient, and some of the figures are of spiritual importance. An inukshuk in the shape of a person signifies safety, hope and friendship. In the Inuktitut language, the verb inukshuk means “to act in the capacity of a human”.
Source: Girard, John P. “The Inukshuk: A Canadian Knowledge Management Model.” KMPro Journal 2.1 (2005): 9-19
The vision and mission of Inukshuk Education is to serve as a foundation and direction for the education and development of children everywhere. We then hope that these children, rooted in their understanding of life and the interconnectedness between human beings and all aspects of nature, will eventually work for the betterment of all life across the globe.
Inukshuk was created to promote progressive, child-centered education methods among parents, schools and teachers. Our initial goal was to bridge the gap between teachers’ understanding and parents’ understanding of Montessori practices. One initiative led to another. Eventually, the main strategy for addressing parent understanding has become the training of classroom professionals who can both demonstrate Montessori methods confidently and also communicate Montessori objectives fluently.
Inukshuk Education partners with Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for certification of teachers and trainers, continuing education, and its worldwide network of progressive Montessori educators and institutions.
“AMI’s global network empowers teachers and communities through the holistic approach of Maria Montessori, helping all children become truly capable and productive individuals by focusing on their moral, behavioral, emotional, and intellectual development.” – AMI website
“The 30th edition International Montessori Congress, dubbed ‘Joyful Journey’, is a global celebration of growth, learning, and connection inspired by Montessori education. This event honors the legacy of Montessori while fostering innovation, featuring global speakers, dynamic workshops, and meaningful discussions. Connect with a worldwide community passionate about education and the transformative power of Montessori. The 30th International Montessori Congress will take place in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, from May 1 to 4, 2026.” – Montessori Congress 2026 website
Inukshuk Education partners with Indian Montessori Foundation (IMF) to promote wider adoption, stronger understanding, and deeper practice of child-centered learning practices across India. IMF hosted its 7th National Montessori Conference “Saparya” in Mumbai on 23rd – 24th January 2026.
“The Indian Montessori Foundation is a pan-Indian organisation founded with the vision of enabling children to reach their full potential through the principles of Montessori education leading towards a more harmonious and peaceful world. ” – IMF website
You must be logged in to post a comment.