College of education Portorož–Koper from its foundation in 1947 to dissolution in 1968

Abstract

The tradition of educating Slovenian teachers in Koper dates back to the period 1875–1909, when the so-called Imperial-Royal College of Education Koper operated here. After World War I and the annexation of the Littoral to Italy, as well as with the adoption of the Gentile Education Reform, Slovenian schools were prohibited, including Slovenian colleges of education. As a result, teachers in the Littoral did not receive education in the Slovenian language for twenty-five years. After World War II, the severe shortage of Slovenian teachers in the Littoral, particularly in Slovenian Istria, a branch of the College of Education Tolmin opened at the end of 1946 to organise teach education courses in Portorož. In early 1947, an independent college of education was founded here and moved to Koper in 1953. Apart from the archival materials, the article presents the testimonies of four still living teachers who taught at the College of Education Koper. All interviewees highlighted cordial relationships, both among teachers and between teachers and pupils, as well as plenty of mutual cooperation. A strong emphasis in teacher training was devoted to practical lessons, teaching observation, and presentations.