Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (/ləˈsæl/) (French pronunciation: ​[lasal]; 30 April 1651 – 7 April 1719) was a French priest, educational reformer, and founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He is a saint of the Catholic Church and the patron saint for teachers of youth. He is referred to both as La Salle and as De La Salle. La Salle dedicated much of his life to the education of poor children in France; in doing so, he started many lasting educational practices.