Adam Crooks (1827-1885) was the first Minister of Education, an appointment he received in 1876 after Ryerson’s retirement. The shift from Chief Superintendent to Minister meant that Crooks would be directly responsible to the Legislature, rather than report to the Provincial Secretary as Ryerson had done.

Though Hodgins might have seemed the likely choice as a replacement for Ryerson, Crooks was considered the best candidate for the position of Minister because of his prominent career as a lawyer and politician.

Educated at Upper Canada College, he also had several degrees including a degree in Law from the University of Toronto. After a number of years of practicing law as a senior partner, Crooks won a prominent place in the Liberal cabinet, first as Attorney General in 1871, and in 1872 as Provincial Treasurer. These portfolios gave Crooks the experience he would need to bring prestige and seniority to the new cabinet position of Minister of Education.

Click to see a larger image (117K)
Adam Crooks, [ca. 1880]
Heward family fonds
Cabinet Card
Reference Code: C 35-1, album 7, p. 14
Archives of Ontario, I0022927

Crooks can be seen in the photograph of the legislature below.

While Ryerson's primary focus had been the creation of a strong elementary system, Crooks' strong connection to academia resulted in him becoming an advocate for secondary and post-secondary education.

In regards to matters of the department, Crooks took upon himself only what required the action or policy of government, leaving much of the management of the department under the control of Hodgins as Deputy Minister. This is evident in the regulations below, set by Crooks, outlining the responsibilities assigned to the various officials in the Education Department.

Click to see a larger image (175K)

Click to see a larger image (130K)

Regulations respecting the work of the Education Department, 1879
Department of Education printed forms, circulars, forms, pamphlets, regulations, directives and memos
Reference Code: RG 2-26, box 3, p.140
Archives of Ontario

Although there were few dramatic changes in education policy under Crooks’ administration from 1876 to 1883, he is credited for introducing the county model school system and stricter certification requirements for teachers. Crooks' significance is not so much in what he accomplished, but the prestige and recognition he brought to the new position as Minister of Education.

Laying the Groundwork | A Centre for Learning | Public School Boards | Schoolhouses
Raising the Standards | Curriculum | Fostering Patriotism and Good Citizenship
Education for Life | From Blackboard to Web | Sources and Resources | Ministries and Ministers

Previous | Home | Next