Profesor Czesław Majorek jako nauczyciel, humanista, uczony i człowiek

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present, at least in general outline, the figure of Professor Czesław Majorek, as a teacher, a scientist and a person, whom I met nearly half a century ago, in the beginning of 1950s, when he was a student of the pedagogical secondary school in Tarnów. He was born in 1938; he was educated in Tarnów and Gdańsk, where in 1963 he graduated from pedagogical studies. In 1968 he obtained Doctoral degree in Humanities, and in 1975 – the degree of Doctor Habilis in Humanities, in the field of history of education and history teaching. In 1986 he was awarded the title of professor extraordinarius of Humanities, and in 1997 – the title of professor ordinarius. His achievements in pedagogical and scientific work were undoubtedly due to his high competence in research and teaching. Raised in rural environment, trained to be a teacher since he was 14, he passed all stages and types of the post-war pedagogical schooling (pedagogical secondary school, teacher training studium and the higher pedagogical school). Professor Majorek was a person of great self-discipline, great power of character and unusual strength of will. He required a lot from his inferiors, but most of all – from himself. He was a sensitive man, kind towards people, their problems and needs. His personality traits were reflected in the style of his scientific works, characterized by a matter-of-fact approach and far reaching objectivism. He was a scientist of broad research interests. He was not only an excellent specialist in the history of modern Polish education, but also a valued expert on history teaching and civil education. In the international forum, he was a personality well-known to and respected by both historians of education and history pedagogues. An important sphere or Professor’s activity was educating new scientific staff. He supervised about 150 Master theses in history and pedagogy, and promoted 12 doctors. He frequently acted as the reviewer in doctoral and habilitation procedures. He reviewed many professorship applications, also in the USA and Australia. It must be noted with satisfaction that on June 6, 2006, a solemn ceremony took place, during which the Secondary Schools Complex in Ryglice received the school banner and the name of Professor Czesław Majorek.