It was a beautiful week in the neighborhood as 2,700 Catholic education teachers, leaders and supporters gathered for NCEA 2024, Together in Pittsburgh: Connections, Commitment, Community. Hosted by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Convention took place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, overlooking the Allegheny River. Attendees from throughout the United States and as far away as Guam, Japan and Uganda gathered in April. An event with a history dating back to 1904, the NCEA Convention is the largest private education gathering in the nation.
On April 1, NCEA opened the ballroom doors for distinguished honorees and their guests for the President’s Dinner and Awards, setting the stage for a momentous week. From the heartfelt speeches of award recipients to witnessing the joy of each Lead, Learn, Proclaim. honoree, it was a night of high emotions. Among the celebrated was Pittsburgh’s retiring superintendent Michelle Peduto, who received a Lifetime Commitment to Catholic Education Award, surrounded by many colleagues and friends. As each honoree walked across the stage it was a powerful reminder of the tremendous commitment of the leaders who serve our Catholic school communities.
Steve Angrisano, an internationally recognized Catholic composer, delivered a singer/songwriter performance titled "Keeping the Faith While Teaching the Faith." NCEA understands that leaders and educators within Catholic schools must receive continuous support for their faith journey while equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills to guide students and parents in their faith. This session struck a chord with the audience, eliciting laughter, tears and profound moments of reflection as many sang along. Angrisano’s extraordinary ability to connect left a lasting impact. "The Holy Spirit was present," one participant remarked, capturing the essence of the experience.
Former NCEA President/CEO Lincoln Snyder brought warmth to the event, sporting an iconic red cardigan reminiscent of Pittsburgh’s late Mr. Rogers. Snyder was spotted engaging with attendees, shaking hands outside session rooms and mingling at the corporate sponsorhosted receptions. In the Exhibit Hall, more than 200 supportive vendors catered to educators. Participants visited NCEA Central where avid readers collected their favorite NCEA author autographs and popular book titles were scooped up.
Flower art graced the tables at the Superintendent’s Lunch and transformed the upper floors into art galleries, showcasing a range of student creations. There was even a ketchup bottle sculpture and a replica of one of Pittsburgh’s 446 bridges. Each piece of art was a tribute to student creativity, talented teachers and the inspiration of the community.
With nearly 200 “Meet Ups” scheduled and more than 1,500 photos posted by attendees on the Whova app, the energy was contagious. One moment you could be standing shoulder to shoulder, posing for a picture with guests from Thailand and the next, making a video singing "Happy Birthday" with three exhibitors you just met.
There was a lineup of more than 240 speakers from as far away as Australia. New York best-selling author and long-time NCEA speaker and author, Jodee Blanco, has been presenting at NCEA Conventions for twenty years, “I’ve never missed one,” she said. “The NCEA Convention is like coming home. It’s the only convention I’ve ever been a part of that is as much a joyous reunion and a renewal, as it is enriching professionally.”
Attendees were treated to more than 150 general and breakout sessions across six main learning tracks derived from NCEA’s content map: Centered in Christ, Characterized by Excellence, Committing to a Successful Tomorrow, Connecting with Community, Leading the Way and Serving All Students. From educational best practices to spiritual enrichment, there was something for teachers of all grade-levels, site and system leaders and other support providers.
The final day concluded as every preceding day began, with a liturgical service. There is a profound sense of reverence witnessing more than a dozen clergy passing by during the opening procession! Bishops presided over the daily celebrations, including Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the auxiliary bishops of Pittsburgh. Former NCEA Board of Directors Chair Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas and newly elected NCEA Board of Directors Chair Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, Archbishop of Atlanta, were among the concelebrants.
NCEA 2024 celebrated the collective passion, dedication and love that motivates the Catholic education community. "There is simply nothing else like it in the Catholic space or anywhere else," Blanco noted. NCEA expresses sincere gratitude to our corporate partners, board members, registrants, speakers and the Diocese of Pittsburgh for their exceptional hospitality.
NCEA begins preparing for next year’s Convention before the current one concludes. The Diocese of Orlando eagerly anticipates welcoming you to the Sunshine State. Come to Orlando for another content-packed Convention, NCEA 2025: Be the Light, April 22-24, 2025. Look for member discounts, special hotel rates and information to access Title II funding in the upcoming months. We can’t wait to see you there!
Did you miss the Convention? Members can still participate. Register for live webinars and access on-demand content on the NCEA Professional Development page, delivered by many NCEA speakers! Stay connected throughout the year by visiting NCEATalk for insightful blog posts by NCEA speakers and other experts. Get in on the fun in Florida and nominate educators for next year’s awards ceremony hosted at NCEA 2025.
Laura MacDonald is the vice president of content for NCEA.
laura@ncea.org
