MYROSLAV STELMAHOVYCH AS PROMOTER OF UKRAINIAN ETHNOPEDAGOGY (following the letters to the young scientist)

Introduction. Ukrainian pedagogical science has its history and the priceless assets of its luminaries. Myroslav Hnatovych Stelmakhovych is one of the central, unique national scientific figures: teacher, school director, dean, academician, founder of folk pedagogy, and author of much, multifaceted and relevant scientific heritage. Myroslav Stelmakhovych is an ethno-educator, philologist, and a well-known native of the Lviv region, doctor of pedagogic sciences, professor, and an active member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, one of the bright representatives of the science of Prykarpattia. He deeply researched the traditions and trends in the development of the family ethno pedagogy of the Ukrainians. Purpose. The article aims to analyze the publications of modern scientists regarding the formation of ethno-pedagogy in terms of its role in the development of domestic pedagogical science. Method. Analysis of publications of modern scientists regarding the ethno-pedagogy development in the aspect of its role for the domestic pedagogical science development, correspondence method was used. Results. Myroslav Stelmakhovych's letters give an idea of the course of his life and activities: the academician shares with his addressee his current life and work plans, which highlights his hard work, high level of efficiency and perseverance, desire, despite his illness, to join the army as soon as possible. Names of the programs and special courses developed by M. Stelmakhovych to teach students to study and understand folk educational experience to raise the level of spirituality of future teachers and to revive folk traditions in the education system are also mentioned. Also, M. Stelmakhovych's letters record references to the publication of his pedagogical works – the books «Ukrainian folk pedagogy», and «Ukrainian family pedagogy» in the «Osvita» publishing house. Originality. We are convinced that our correspondence with M. Stelmakhovych regarding the development of the culture of the future teacher by the means of Ukrainian ethno-pedagogy will be useful in the preparation of methodological recommendations, the development of lectures on organization and the conduct of research work with pedagogical workers in the system of continuous education. Conclusion. Therefore, the observation of the epistolary heritage of Myroslav Stelmakhovych contributes to a deeper understanding of his activities as a Ukrainian teacher and patriot, a supporter of Ukrainian ethno-pedagogy, encourages familiarity with his scientific work, draws attention to the prospects for developing ethno-pedagogy in a democratic society as a pedagogy of national development, elevation, revival, and ethnic self-education.