The great educator of the Middle Volga peoples of Russia N. I. Ilminsky

Abstract

Introduction. Enlightenment is an important part of the history of education. Imperishable examples of outstanding enlightenment figures serve as an example for new generations of teachers. The purpose of the article is to comprehensively reveal the activities and personality characteristics of the great Russian educator of non-Russian peoples of the second half of the XIX century, Nikolai Ivanovich Ilminsky (1822-1891/1892). Materials and methods. The leading research methods are the analysis of scientific and periodical literature, biographical and historical methods, as well as a regional and axiological approaches, which make it possible to identify the most valuable in the subject of research within a certain administrative and geographical framework. Results. Ilminsky occupies a special place in the history of education of non-Russian, primarily Middle Volga, peoples of Russia. He developed and put into practice the work of many schools for children of "small" peoples, a special education system named after him, the main components of which were teaching non-Russian children first in their native language with a gradual transition to Russian, the opening of national schools, the training of teachers from among the Middle Volga peoples and the publication of appropriate methodological literature. Discussion. Ilminsky's axiological and methodological views received a different, sometimes diametrically opposed assessment in the decades following his death. His pedagogical heritage is actively used in modern Russia, primarily in multiethnic regions. 2022 marks the 200th anniversary of his birth. Conclusion. The methodological legacy of Ilminsky needs further study for practical application in modern conditions of reforming the national school system. The personality of the great educator and internationalist can serve as an axiological model and example for the younger generation of Russian youth. Keywords: The Russian Empire, the enlightenment of non-Russian peoples, the Brotherhood in the name of St. Gurius, Ilminsky, Timofeev