"The completion of the structure of which I have endeavored to lay the foundation and furnish the plan, must be the work of years - perhaps of an age..." (Ryerson, 1847, 191)
Why Study Ryerson?
Educators, as they continue to plan for the future of the 21st century, would benefit from a look at the past; for there are good examples and lessons to be learned there. This particular study (website) will look back to the contributions of Egerton Ryerson. Although his work in education is in the distant past, his influence and his passion are still applicable today.
The first reason to examine Ryerson is to gain a better sense of the structures put in place in the original education framework of Canada. Structures such as free public education, a unified curriculum, connection to the British past, separate Catholic Schools (while at the same time striving for unified schools), and a commitment to practical education all developed during the leadership of Ryerson. While he borrowed some ideas and met public expectations, he still oversaw the creation of the system.
A second reason to examine Ryerson is his emphasis on collaboration. Before writing his framework for education, Ryerson investigated the systems of Europe and America. He believed in taking the best that education research had to offer and employing it in school development. Utilizing educational research was definitely part of Ryerson's legacy.
Perhaps the most important reason to examine Ryerson is that he has the heart of an effective educator. From his early writings we are presented with a man deeply concerned about the student as a person; a person deserving of an education. This example should be celebrated and encouraged in all educators. It is Ryerson's heart for people and student development that make him worth studying.
The first reason to examine Ryerson is to gain a better sense of the structures put in place in the original education framework of Canada. Structures such as free public education, a unified curriculum, connection to the British past, separate Catholic Schools (while at the same time striving for unified schools), and a commitment to practical education all developed during the leadership of Ryerson. While he borrowed some ideas and met public expectations, he still oversaw the creation of the system.
A second reason to examine Ryerson is his emphasis on collaboration. Before writing his framework for education, Ryerson investigated the systems of Europe and America. He believed in taking the best that education research had to offer and employing it in school development. Utilizing educational research was definitely part of Ryerson's legacy.
Perhaps the most important reason to examine Ryerson is that he has the heart of an effective educator. From his early writings we are presented with a man deeply concerned about the student as a person; a person deserving of an education. This example should be celebrated and encouraged in all educators. It is Ryerson's heart for people and student development that make him worth studying.