Implementing the Montessori Method

Experts provide a comprehensive overview of how Montessori education supports children’s development across the life continuum.

This book shows the importance of Montessori education as a developmental, individualized, and learner-centered model that supports student learning from birth through adolescence. Chapters offer profiles of Montessori classrooms with insight into how the materials in the learning environment, the adult educators, and the curriculum help learners flourish by building character, physical skills, and intellectual capacity.

The text includes vignettes for each classroom level demonstrating the Montessori pedagogy in action, as well as alignment to research confirming the effectiveness of this holistic instructional approach. Montessori education is a well-defined and self-sustaining movement. The book provides readers with insight from Montessori alumni, along with resources and links to organizations that support the Montessori constellation.

Readers can use this book:

• In teacher education programs with undergraduate and graduate students to show connections to human development and research-based instructional practices.
• With students enrolled in Montessori training programs to support their understanding of the Montessori curriculum as being both comprehensive and integrated across the learning continuum (infants, early childhood, elementary, secondary classrooms).
• As a useful tool to support families enrolled in Montessori schools to better understand their child’s development and the benefits of this educational model beyond the classroom.
• To inform state and local policymakers of Montessori education as an empirical solution and proven option for families to meet the needs of all children.

Trisha Thompson-Willingham has Montessori training at three levels and 30 years’ experience as a guide, special educator, literacy specialist, principal, board member, and state group leader. Susan Zoll is a researcher, consultant, and advocate of Montessori education, and recipient of the American Montessori Society’s Impact Award. www.dr-susan-zoll.com

“These glimpses into classroom life not only ground theory in lived experience but also challenge widespread misconceptions about Montessori education.”
—From the Foreword by Erica Moretti, associate professor, FIT State University of New York

“You're holding a treasure. This authoritative guide reveals what education can be—painting a vivid picture of the Montessori Method in practice from birth through adolescence. Developmentally wise, holistic, and rooted in science, the Montessori Method is as relevant today as it was a century ago. Here, two of its most knowledgeable practitioners illuminate exactly how this transformative approach informs all aspects of educational practice, from curriculum design to the physical setup of the classroom and school culture.”
—Angela Duckworth, co-director, Behavior Change for Good Initiative, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

“Backed by research and decades of educational insight, this book demonstrates how Montessori education empowers students to thrive at every stage of human development—academically, socially, and emotionally. It is a clear and compelling resource for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about learner-centered teaching.”
— Munir Shivji, executive director, American Montessori Society

“I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to understand how Montessori education supports children’s growth and full development from birth through adolescence. Through vivid classroom stories, research insights, and reflections from Montessori alumni, it beautifully illustrates how Montessori environments cultivate curiosity, independence, and compassion. Grounded in both evidence and lived experience, it affirms that Montessori is not just an educational method but a lifelong approach to human development and potential.”
—Judith Cunningham, chief strategic officer, Montessori Model UN, NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC

“This book is a great read for parents and teachers new to Montessori education. It highlights Maria Montessori's logical, comprehensive, and well-considered approach toward education that supports knowledge and skills, but at the same time helps children build strong characters and personalities. It is the sum of all parts, the sum of all different components that make Montessori such a strong educational method.”
—Chris Willemsen, business unit manager, Nienhuis Montessori, the Netherlands

“Implementing the Montessori Method is comprehensive and detailed, and yet a joy to read. Thompson-Willingham and Zoll will take you by the hand and walk you gently through the full journey of a Montessori child, pointing with awe and wonder at the sights along the way. This book is a must-read for anyone who’s ever encountered a Montessori school and wondered, ‘What are they doing in there? And why?’”
—Corey Borgman, director of education and outreach, Montessori Science Program, University of Virginia

“This book beautifully connects the timeless foundations of Montessori education with the realities of today’s classrooms. It shows how Maria Montessori’s intentional, learner-centered approach continues to shape modern teaching. It offers a clear, compelling synthesis of history, theory, and practice that feels both deeply grounded and refreshingly relevant.”
—Amy Schmidtke, director of educational practice, Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska, and editor of The Intentional Teacher

“The authors reinspire the essence of Montessori education with profound depth and enduring relevance in our theory. Through their thoughtful integration of contemporary research and Montessori principles, they reaffirm that when evidence and philosophy converge, our practice is both renewed and strengthened for today’s diverse educational landscape.”
—Carrie Horwitz Lang, director of Montessori, clinical assistant professor, Loyola University Maryland, School of Education

“This book is a rich and timely reminder of the power of Montessori education across every stage of life. Thompson-Willingham and Zoll beautifully highlight the lifelong impact of the approach through alumni reflections, the often-overlooked planes of development (adolescence and beyond), and the essential role of the trained Montessori guide. This book showcases why Montessori belongs at the heart of all teacher preparation programs.”
—Jihane Mrad, director of thought leadership, Trust for Learning