Jean Baptiste, << zhahn `ba` TEEST, >> de la Salle, Saint (1651-1719), a French priest, founded the Institute of Brothers of the Christian School, a Roman Catholic religious order devoted to teaching boys. The order is commonly known as the Christian Brothers. His schools stressed practical skills and religious instruction rather than classical education. La Salle also pioneered teacher training colleges. His books on piety and on teaching methods were widely read.
La Salle was born in Reims. He was ordained in 1678. La Salle was struck by the ignorance of the lower classes. He tried to train teachers in Reims but became convinced that only a religious order of brothers could have the dedication to effectively educate the poor. La Salle set up his first community of Christian Brothers in 1684. At the time of his death, communities had been set up throughout France and in Rome. La Salle’s feast day is April 7.
