This study examines the genesis and evolution of the teacher training system in Chile during the 19th century, focusing on normal schools between 1842 and 1900. It analyzes how the institutions, inspired by European models, developed a pedagogical and moral curriculum that progressively incorporated scientific knowledge and modern methods. Reforms promoted by Jos & eacute; Abelardo N & uacute;& ntilde;ez in the 1880s strengthened the national networkm encouraged the recruitment of foreing teachers, and consolidated supervised practice. Despite material constraints and territorial tensions, normal schools emerged as key pillars in the professionalization of teaching and in Chile's broader process of cultural modernization.