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St. John Baptist de La Salle

St. John Baptist de La Salle (1651–1719) was a French Catholic priest who founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, dedicated to education. Recognizing the importance of accessible, quality education for all children, especially the poor, he emphasized training teachers and developing effective methods. His work transformed education in France and inspired worldwide efforts to improve schooling. De La Salle’s vision focused on fostering learning with compassion, discipline, and respect, making him a key figure in modern educational practices. His legacy endures through educational organizations committed to serving marginalized youth and promoting lifelong learning.