Dear Colleagues in Catholic Education,
As we emerge from the recent Catholic Leadership Summit (CLS) in Seattle, I leave inspired by the many conversations and fellowship I experienced. The dedication of our superintendents, school network leaders, corporate partners and countless others reaffirms the profound impact of Catholic education on shaping hearts and minds.
Stepping into the role of NCEA President/CEO, I recognize that our shared mission isn’t just about leading from the front; it’s about actively listening, deeply engaging and building relationships grounded in trust and collaboration.
Dialogue is essential in fostering these relationships—both within our schools and across the broader community, Catholic or otherwise. It is through open, honest conversations that we come to understand the needs of those we serve. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to host listening sessions with superintendents at CLS and I will continue this dialogue as I visit schools across the country to listen, learn and understand the challenges and successes you face so that we at NCEA can be responsive and supportive.
As educators, you know the importance of connecting with your students, colleagues and communities. In an era of polarization, our role as Catholic school educators is to offer a different path—one rooted in the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Instead of repeating the noise around us, we are called to lead conversations that heal and unite, always pointing to the hope found in the Gospel. These conversations form the foundation of a vibrant Catholic school environment, one that is centered on Christ and His Gospel message.
I hope to model this by engaging in conversation with those who impact Catholic education. In the coming months I will call together the many groups and organizations that support the mission of Catholic schools so that we can speak with one united voice in the celebration and promotion of all that is good, all that is true and all that is beautiful in our schools and in our Church. NCEA is the largest private educational association in the country, representing over 6,000 schools and over 1.6 million students. As such, we must take seriously our role as the national voice of Catholic schools, ensuring that our message is inclusive and collaborative.
I invite you to reflect on how we can better communicate within our schools and the Church. I encourage you to keep the lines of communication open and to continue building relationships that are rooted in faith, hope and love. With Christ as our guide, we can answer the call and we can lead the way.
Sincerely,
Steven F. Cheeseman, Ed.D.President/CEO, NCEA