De La Salle is the family name of a French priest, born into privileged circumstances, who believed it was important to provide christian education to the poor. In 1680, at 29 years of age, John Baptist De La Salle invited young men to join him in devoting themselves to the Christian education of youth.
On his death in 1719, there were 100 Brothers in France. He was canonised in 1900 and became the universal patron Saint of Teachers in 1950. Inspired by their Founder, the de La Salle Brothers developed into a worldwide Christian education community.