In our continuing journey through the education-focused conversation between our editor-in-chief, Kirsten Lombard, and Marsha Familaro Enright of the Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute, we arrive at an exchange about two giants in the annals of education history: John Dewey (1859-1952) and Maria Montessori (1870-1952).

Marsha isn't just the founder of an institute, she's also operated a Montessori school in the Chicago area for some time. She's also taken the time to study critically and understand both Dewey and Montessori. That gives her valuable perspective on the respective work and approach of these two acclaimed individuals. 

Dewey, in particular, has been lionized by some and denigrated by others. All too often there seems to be a knee-jerk embrace of Dewey on the "Left" and an outright rejection of him on the "Right." Marsha's view is more thoughtful and nuanced, but she's able to help listeners sort out one or two crucial differences betwee the two.

Look for the next segment with Marsha (coming soon) to continue this portion of the discussion of Dewey, with Kirsten asking about Dewey's staunch resistance to factory-style education.