Doctor Montessori was an Italian physician and educator, born in 1870. She is best known for her educational philosophy and method, which focused on allowing children to learn through their own experiences. Maria Montessori was the first woman to receive a medical degree in Italy and she opened the first Montessori school in 1907. Her educational methods have been adopted by schools around the world and she is considered one of the most influential educators of the 20th century.