This philosophy is still used today and fosters self-efficacy and independence for children with special needs.
The Montessori Method in Action Compared to Pedagogical Special Education Practices of Today
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Montessori went beyond most educators, being an academic scholar who taught at a university and promoted educational methods now used worldwide. She faced prejudices because she was a woman and survived a time of world wars. This did not deter her fight.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Here are some ideas on how to get started with your own personal special education advocacy in Figure 2:
Figure 2
Advocacy Engagement Pyramid
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Conclusion
Maria Montessori’s impact on special needs education has stood the test of time and has mainstreamed to everyday teaching in classrooms around the world. Her methodologies, which emphasized the importance of the child and how they learn, revolutionized the way every teacher teaches. She was a model example of advocacy on all levels. She fought for inclusive rights and justice for the youngest learners.
Teachers can continue her work by advocating as she did. If teachers plan and decide the levels of advocacy they can realistically participate in, it might lead to growth and participation at other levels. Any form of educational advocacy is welcome when it addresses learners’ needs and champions their rights, especially those of the most vulnerable.
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