Catholics and teacher training at the turn of the 20th century. The contribution of journals published by La Scuola in Brescia

This essay brings to light the role of periodicals produced by La Scuola publishing house (which is still in operation today) in the training of elementary school and women infant school teachers. It first offers an analysis of the political-educational debates and pedagogical and cultural context informing the decision, in 1893, to found a Catholic journal for elementary school teachers – «Scuola Italiana Moderna» – initially set up in Milan, where it was published by Antonio Vallardi. Following a review of the first decade of this periodical’s existence, the paper documents its subsequent evolution under the publishing house La Scuola, which was founded in Brescia in May 1904 by leading exponents of the contemporary Catholic movement. The focus of the essay next shifts onto the publishing company’s decision, in 1913, to expand its sphere of influence by launching a journal for women kindergarten teachers entitled «Pro Infantia». The insights offered here are based on in-depth analysis of all the issues of these two periodicals, from their founding up to the introduction of the Gentile reform, when they were confronted with radical changes in the Italian school system. Overall, the paper brings into focus the role of these two journals in disseminating educational perspectives and models, furthering the professional development of teachers, supporting teachers’ battles for recognition of their rights as workers, and transmitting ideals and values, thereby demonstrating their importance within the reconstructed history of Italian educational institutions and its protagonists.