Rural cruceña professors of the department of Nariño - Colombia, vocation, conviction, and principles:

Irma Cecilia Palacios Arcos, Ida Victoria Bolaños Cerón

Abstract

This article discusses the practice of rural teachers in Colombia during the period of 1946 to 1994. The investigation is comprised of a general description of the work of the Normal schools and its foundations in formation, training, guidance, and improvement of new teachers. This hermeneutical study takes the experience of two teachers from Santa Cruz who dedicated a lifetime to the service of teaching and application of values, to the children of the communities where they practiced their profession. The training of these Normal school teachers unfolded in socio-cultural contexts where direct contact with peasant life is articulated, and a mutual understanding was developed that would lead to bonding with families and the sharing of multiple trades that were taught in the evenings and nights. This paper analyzes the life of two rural teachers, who through their training and dedication, dedicated their lives to primary education in Colombia during the 20th century, from a perspective of 35 years of service and commitment to the children of the community of La Cruz, Nariño. It focuses on the institutional and organizational changes that occurred as a result of their work in education.