Jerzy Brinken (1908–1991) – a Teacher, Geographer and Community Worker: A Contribution to the Biography

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to present the life and socio-educational achievements of Jerzy Brinken (1908–1991). The research subject is taken in a biographical perspective distinguishing the most important dimensions of Jerzy Brinken’s activity. On the basis of source materials (manuscripts, published sources), subject literature (mainly memoirs) and of the conducted text analysis, his private and professional life was reconstructed. The study of these materials allowed to show Brinken’s fate, draw his professional achievements, and describe the basic areas of his social activity. The analysis and interpretation of the available sources and studies induce to conclusion that Jerzy Brinken played one of key roles in the organization of secondary schools in Szczecin in a pioneering period, as well as in creating a scientific and cultural life. His pre-war and war teaching experience enabled him to conduct effective work with teachers in the scope of their training and improvement. Jerzy Brinken has long-lasting merits in the field of science popularization, especially in geography. The richness of Jerzy Brinken’s life and multidimensional nature of his activity convince that his figure and his achievements should find their commemoration not only in the form of a scientific article but also of a historical-pedagogical monography.

Keywords

• jerzy brinken
• nauczyciel
• geograf
• społecznik
• oświata
• okres pionierski
• szczecin