Maria Conte is a native Italian speaker, lifelong educator, and multi-talented instructor based in the Greater Boston area. With roots in a family of bakers and agriculturists on the island of Ponza, Italy, Maria’s journey began in the warmth of her family’s kitchen and blossomed through years of academic pursuit and a deep calling to teach. As a teenager, she worked in her family’s restaurant, cultivating a love for food, culture, and connection—passions that continue to shape her teaching today. With over 40 years of teaching experience in both Italy and the United States, Maria has worked with students of all ages—from preschoolers to adults—across a wide range of subjects, including languages (Italian, Spanish, ESL), art, wellness, cooking, and mindfulness. Her deep love for teaching and learning is matched only by her dedication to creating environments where students feel empowered to explore and grow.
Maria holds an M.A. in Italian Literature and Culture from Boston College, where she also studied Foreign Language Pedagogy and completed the Apprentice College Teaching Program. She earned a B.A. in Italian Studies, Spanish, and Art from the University of Massachusetts, and received formal Montessori training from the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center (NEMTEC). She is also Director II qualified by the Massachusetts Office for Children and holds certifications in TESOL/TESL/TEFL, Happiness, Relationships, Wellness Coaching, Yoga, and Psychology. Additionally, she completed specialized training in teaching modern languages to foreigners at the Università per Stranieri di Siena and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
Her educational journey began in Italy, where she earned degrees in Childhood and Elementary Education from the Institute Mater Divinae Gratiae.
In addition to her teaching, Maria is a skilled translator, offering professional translation services in Italian, Spanish, and English. Her sensitivity to language and culture enables her to provide accurate and thoughtful translations for both personal and professional contexts.
Maria’s teaching journey has spanned diverse educational settings—from Montessori classrooms and language programs to wellness workshops and cultural enrichment courses. She brings a compassionate, student-centered approach to each class, honoring the individual learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and personal goals of every student. Whether working with children, teenagers, or adults, Maria fosters confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Currently, Maria continues to inspire students in Italian, Spanish, ESL, culture, travel, arts & crafts, and cooking, offering a diverse range of lessons to students from all walks of life —young children to professionals and seniors— both academic and conversational settings—always ensuring a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Working in various schools and community programs throughout the Greater Boston area, as well as through private lessons, she also provides Health and Wellness coaching and professional translation services. As an independent artist and creative educator, Maria values freedom of expression, kindness, and the meaningful connections she builds with her students. Her approach is always warm, patient, and collaborative—qualities that consistently inspire trust and engagement in learners of all ages.
Her professional background includes a variety of esteemed institutions, such as: CIAO (Cultural Italian American Organization), the Pirandello Italian Language Center (PILC), the Dante Alighieri Society of Cambridge, Brookline Adult & Community Education, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, the former Boston Center for Adult Education and Boston Language Institute, Ohrenberger Community Center, Roslindale Community Center, CASIT (Centro Attività Scolastiche Italiane, Boston Public Schools, Boston Public Library, Boston College, I Am Books, UMASS Boston and various Montessori Schools. where she applied hands-on, child-centered educational methods.
Teaching Philosophy
As an educator with more than four decades of experience, I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and each student’s path is unique. My teaching philosophy centers on the idea that education is not just about transferring knowledge—it’s about fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth. I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel safe, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential.
I am deeply influenced by Montessori principles, which emphasize active, hands-on learning and the development of independence. In my classrooms, I encourage students to take ownership of their learning, to ask questions, and to approach challenges as opportunities for growth. I believe that every student—whether young or adult—brings a wealth of unique experiences and perspectives, and it is my role to guide them on their personal learning journey.
I also integrate elements of wellness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence into my teaching, understanding that learning is closely connected to emotional well-being. My goal is to help students not only develop academically but also build confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset that will serve them throughout their lives.
Whether I’m teaching languages, art, cooking, or guiding a student in wellness, my approach is always tailored to meet the individual’s needs. I view my role as a facilitator of growth, where each lesson is an opportunity for students to explore, make mistakes, and learn with joy. My commitment is to provide a supportive, balanced, and engaging experience that encourages every student to embrace learning as an ongoing, fulfilling part of life.
In Summary:
- Personalized Learning: Lessons are tailored to meet the unique needs, goals, and interests of each student.
- Holistic Approach: Wellness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence are integrated into the learning process.
- Montessori-Inspired: Students are encouraged to engage in self-directed learning, independence, and hands-on exploration.
- Lifelong Learning: Curiosity and a love for learning are nurtured, extending far beyond the classroom.
- Nurturing Environment: A safe, supportive space is created where students feel valued and motivated to grow.
- Language with Heart: Communicative, immersive techniques are used in language instruction, honoring each student’s voice, pace, and personal story.
- All Ages Welcome: Learners of all ages—preschoolers, school-age children, college students, professionals, and seniors—are taught with care and respect.
- Cultural Connection: Language acquisition is paired with deep cultural understanding and meaningful human connection.
- Multidisciplinary Wisdom: Whether in languages, art, yoga, cooking, or coaching, a holistic and compassionate perspective is brought to the classroom.
Here is Maria’s Linkedin page.
Gift certificates are available for any amount as requested. They can be applied to all of her programs. Please contact Maria about them!
Maria Conte Programs 