Intergenerational transmission of values of Polish centenarian teachers

Educational impact on young generations is an inherent part of the teaching profession. The more it flows from the personal, year-long life experience of a teacher, the stronger it is. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the timeless principles of pedagogical work in the intergenerational messages of centenarian teachers (aged 100+) who remained professionally active till the end of their lives. The method used was a multi-case study (Stake, R.E. (2006) Multiple case study analysis, New York-London: The Guilford Press, pp. 26–39) with an interview and a document analysis. The results of the study show that the transmission of educational values provides grounds for forming the next generations of teachers. Its role and effectiveness grows with the age of the master because it becomes life wisdom. Regardless of the historical moment humanity is in, there is a canon of values, often functioning as the code of ethics for a given profession, passed on from one generation to another. The oldest generation watches over this transmission. Recognising the scientific importance of this transfer and the role of the oldest generation prevents such phenomena as social isolation or marginalisation of older people. It is also an important element of promoting the intellectual capital of the oldest generations. Such initiatives are in particular demand in the age of global ageing of societies.