Dear Readers:
You might be reading this waiting for a session at NCEA 2023, or after a keynote address or before your Watch Party begins. But one thing is for sure, there is nothing better than to connect with Catholic school educators and leaders from around the country at the annual NCEA Convention. Each day is a mini pep-rally full of excitement to learn new ideas, share research and data and to witness the spirit that defines the mission of Catholic school education.
Experts, leaders, collaborators and friends will be together at NCEA 2023 in Irving, TX where the days begin with liturgies for shared worship followed by sessions with speakers prepared to share their experiences, knowledge and resources. Networking takes place walking to a reception, during and after sessions, at meals and in the Exhibit Hall. The Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Awards and the President’s Awards are presented to the honorees on the eve of Convention and are fitting tribute to those who go above and beyond in Catholic school education. Some of the local Catholic schools are hosting open houses and the Convention volunteers are your Texas colleagues.
The keynote addresses are a “can’t miss” event at NCEA 2023. The keynote speakers, Joy Roberts and Julie Widan co-founders of Friendzy and Sister John Dominic, OP, foundress of the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, author and educator, will speak to the importance of faith-inspired resilience for students and the importance of the still point of grace, respectively. Those themes will be echoed and connected in sessions throughout the Convention.
The Exhibit Hall houses the many companies and organizations that contribute to the everyday workings of running a school, teaching classes, reinforcing the gospel in all things, imparting the virtues of living a faith-filled life. Everyone is encouraged to take a lap around the Exhibit Hall to see what’s new in technology, resources and educational tools.
At NCEA we are committed to meeting the needs of NCEA members. From Discover Catholic Schools Week in November to Catholic Schools Week each January to the research and data that inform us all to the professional development and publications, NCEA works to make information, resources and tools available. The newest resource is the NCEA Collective (http://bitly.ws/A5Gr), a webpage of the best crowd-sourced tips, tricks and resources submitted by you to be shared with everyone. Don’t keep your best ideas a secret, we’re better together.
If you couldn’t make this Convention in person, virtually or by Watch Party, put it on your list of must-do activities for 2024. The camaraderie, shared experiences, amazing speakers and sessions, networking and worship will make a difference in your life and strengthen your mission in Catholic school education.
Thank you for all you do for Catholic school students and the evangelization of the word of Christ.