This volume in the Classics of Western Spirituality makes available to a broad readership a selection of the core writings of John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1719), a French priest and educator who changed the face of education in his time and whose reforms continue to influence the ways we educate our children today. Born to a wealthy family, de La Salle turned his attention early on to the education of the poor and the marginalized and, at the same time, unwittingly founded a new type of religious community: Brothers who were teachers and active religious. Through his dedication to the vocation of teaching, de La Salle instituted several procedures that are still in practice in public and parochial institutions. ―student cooperative learning ―tuition-free attendance ―involvement of parents ―student service and ownership De La Salle's spirituality for educators, which melds prayer and action, compassion and practicality, can be read afresh in every age: it transcends time and place. † Carl Koch, who holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Michigan, is director of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership Program at Viterbo University and program coordinator for the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. He is the author of over thirty books. Jeffrey L. Calligan, F.S.C., is US-Toronto Regional Director of Religious Life Studies for the Brothers of Christian Schools. He has given seminars and retreats on Lasallian spirituality all over the world. Jeffrey Gros, F.S.C., is associate director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. He holds a Ph.D. in theology from Fordham University.