St. John Baptiste de La Salle

Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (John Baptist de La Salle) (born 29 April 1651 in Reims; died 7 April 1719 in Saint-Yon, Rouen) was a French priest, educational reformer, and founder of an international educational movement, who dedicated more than forty years of his life to the education of the children of the poor. In the process, he standardized educational practices throughout France, wrote inspirational meditations on the ministry of teaching (along with catechisms, politeness texts, and other resources for teachers and students), and became the catalyst and resource for many other religious congregations dedicated to education that were founded in the 18th and 19th centuries.

He is a patron of teachers and school administrators. His Feast Day is April 7.