Joseph Irwin began to teach in British Columbia in 1882. He was assigned to take charge of the one-room school house in a rural settlement called Yale. Irwin was of Irish Protestant heritage, and according to Edward L. Affleck he “inherited a potent Irish temper”. Edward L. Affleck wrote an article about Joseph Irwin titled “The Terrible Tempered Joseph Irwin” which was published in the British Columbia Historical News in 1996. Irwin’s teaching career “epitomizes the wretched lot which could befall an individual who, however intelligent, lacked many of the essential diplomatic skills.” Affleck illuminates the recollections of Mrs. Mable Fay, a coworker of Irwin, and his “reign of terror”. He was often driven to bouts of rage wherein he would lash out with his fists and a cruel tongue, which significantly impaired his teaching ability. Although Joseph Irwin was known to take authoritative charge of a school house, it was doubtful that his means of getting there were creating a safe and comfortable learning environment for his students and their parents (who he was accused of engaging in fisticuffs with). His abusive language, aggressive nature, and authoritative position significantly influenced how his schools were run and how the students were impacted. This is an example of the extreme side of masculinity in the education system.

[Unknown]. 1996. “British Columbia Historical News.” British Columbia History. Victoria: British Columbia Historical Federation. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10/14288/1.0190506