The closing of normal schools in Mato Grosso (1937–1947)

Abstract

This text analyzes the representations constructed regarding normal education in light of the closure of normal schools in Mato Grosso from 1937 to 1947. The selected timeframe is based on the termination of activities at the Pedro Celestino Normal School in late 1937 and the resumption of normal education in 1947. The question arises as to how the extinction of normal schools was portrayed in the official documents issued by the state administration. The theoretical framework for this study is based on the concept of representations developed by Roger Chartier (1990), as well as the approach of António Nóvoa (1995) on teacher professionalization. For the elaboration of this article, decrees and governmental messages found in the Public Archive of Mato Grosso were consulted. The narratives present in the public documents sought to portray that the decision to close the teacher training institution would provide a favorable scenario for the development of state education.