The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has taken a big step forward in supporting Catholic school educators by launching NCEA Academy, a new online hub for professional learning. Through a groundbreaking partnership with Eduscape, one of the leading professional learning organizations in North America, NCEA Academy is designed to give teachers and school leaders access to world-class training, resources, and certifications—all in one easy-to-use platform.
Accessible at www.nceaacademy.org, NCEA Academy offers more than 300 courses on topics such as classroom management, the science of reading, STREAM, SEL, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Courses are asynchronous, flexible, and personalized through analytics and AI-driven tools. Leaders can track progress, create custom learning plans, and align the platform with their schools’ needs using dashboards and uploaded tools.
By joining forces with Eduscape, NCEA is ensuring that Catholic school educators are equipped with the very best tools and resources available. Eduscape brings nearly two decades of experience in professional learning, having served more than one million educators across the U.S. and beyond. Their model emphasizes a holistic, blended approach that combines ongoing assessment, interactive eLearning, and collaborative social learning.
Eduscape, NCEA, and subject matter experts will collaborate to design new courses specifically for Catholic schools. Selected works from the NCEA Publishing Library will be converted into interactive online learning modules, making it easier than ever for educators to access trusted Catholic resources.
Professional development has long been a priority—and a challenge—for Catholic schools. NCEA Academy makes it accessible, research-based, and faith-informed. Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/ CEO, shared that this initiative is much more than just a new platform:
“NCEA Academy is a significant step forward in our mission to strengthen Catholic school communities. This personalized learning platform offers our educators a high-quality, accessible learning environment where they can continuously develop their skills and better serve students. We will continue to expand NCEA Academy over time by expanding offerings on faith formation and spiritual development.”
Launched in September with webinars and info sessions, NCEA Academy is open to members and non-members, with discounts for members. The platform will feature a research and resource hub and a community of practice for the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS).
The launch represents a milestone in Catholic education: a professional learning hub that grows with educators, supports leadership, and strengthens Catholic school communities.
As Alexander J. Urrea, founder and CEO of Eduscape, put it: “Partnering with NCEA is an honor and a milestone for Eduscape. Our holistic professional learning model will ensure that Catholic school educators have access to exemplary professional learning and certifications whenever and wherever they need them.”
For more information, explore the platform, sign up for updates, and see how this new resource can benefit their school communities visit www.nceaacademy.org.
For 30 years, Sr. Dale McDonald, PBVM, Ph.D., has been a steadfast advocate for Catholic education as vice president of public policy at NCEA. She ensures Catholic schools have a strong voice in national education policy, drawing on her experience as a teacher, administrator, and former director of the Catholic School Leadership Program at Boston College.
With degrees from Fordham, Pace, and Boston College, Sr. Dale combines academic expertise with practical insight. She has testified before Congress, published widely, served on national committees convened by the White House, U.S. Department of Education, and USCCB, and contributed to numerous boards of trustees.
NCEA proudly celebrates her 30 years of dedicated service, unwavering leadership, and commitment to strengthening Catholic schools in their mission to form minds and hearts for Christ.