WHO IS SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE?

John Baptist de La Salle (16511719) was a French priest and educational reformer who founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers. He is considered the patron saint of teachers and is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the development of modern education. De La Salle was born into a wealthy family and received a high-quality education himself. However, he felt called to dedicate his life to helping those who were less fortunate, particularly young people who lacked access to education. He was ordained a priest in 1678 and began working with poor boys in his parish, teaching them basic reading and writing skills.

Over time, De La Salle developed a new approach to education that was focused on providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their social status or background. He believed that education should be practical, relevant, and grounded in the needs and experiences of the students. He also emphasized the importance of training teachers and providing ongoing support and professional development. De La Salle's approach to education was groundbreaking in its time and has had a lasting impact on the field of education. Today, the De La Salle Brothers operate schools and educational programs in more than 80 countries around the world, serving students of all ages and backgrounds. De La Salle's legacy continues to inspire educators and advocates for social justice around the world.