Sturm was born in Luxembourg, and at the age of 15 he studied with the Brothers of the Common Life (devoted to the furtherance of a higher culture), a community of educators who also taught Erasmus (in the mid 1400s). At this point in his life the foundations of Sturm’s principles were formed, which many believe to be have affected the history of the educational development throughout Europe. Although Sturm went to Paris to study medicine, he abandoned this for the life of a lecturer and teacher.

In 1536 Sturm was asked to assist the University at Strasbourg in the reorganization of their educational system, to which he agreed. Sturm devoted himself to both elementary and higher branches of education. His efforts at Strasbourg made this the most important educational centre in Europe. Sturm’s goal (a revolutionary goal at that) was to “give every man of every rank an equal chance of success in the intellectual battle of life” (online). Interestingly, on or before the year of 1564 he achieved success in this task. Hence, Gymnasia was established and poor students were provided board as well as education. Elementary and higher education were co-ordinate, and the complex question of public education was regarded as a whole. He has been called the German Cicero, and has arguably exerted a more powerful influence on education than any single person.

Sturm was an educational reformer in the 16th century. Studying educational reform and the work of Sturm makes one wonder how much has really reformed since his time.

Publications

Book of the Right method of Founding Schools for Literary Education