We celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th in support of women around the globe.
March is also Women’s History Month a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. So we thought it would be nice to feature two amazing women who contributed so much to education!
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, ’The children are now working as if I did not exist.’
--Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870 and was initially educated as a doctor but ultimately devoted her life to early childhood education. Montessori believed that each child is born with a unique potential to be revealed, rather than as a "blank slate" waiting to be written upon. Montessori’s theory that children should be leaders of their own destiny shaped the curriculum and mission of the preschool that she founded and the Montessori method that many educators utilize today.
“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.
--Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the most prominent African American women of the first half of the twentieth century. As a pioneer in education for African-American women she earned a scholarship to attend school, and formed a strong opinion that education was the true equalizer among the races. Mary returned to the south to become a teacher, and eventually founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls in Daytona, Florida, which later became the Bethune-Cookman College.
Consider supporting all the great women on your team with a Group Annual Subscription Package to boost continuing education and professional development. Also, consider starting or renewing your CDA certification.