You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
When leading a Catholic school, a classroom or a diocesan office, you quickly figure out that the work is never quite done. From revising curriculum to reviving deferred maintenance plans, one need leads to another need. It is important to prioritize. Our Catholic school superintendents understand this firsthand.
NCEA’s Catholic Leadership Summit 2024 (CLS) this past October in Seattle gathered diocesan Catholic school leaders from across the country. The Professional Learning Network (PLN) sessions generated vibrant discussion about crucial themes and potential solutions for strengthening Catholic education in the U.S. These conversations highlighted a shared commitment to mission and Catholic identity, underscored concerns about teacher faith formation and retention and emphasized the need for strong leadership in navigating the complexities of educating in today’s world.
Here’s what’s on the mind of superintendents…
A recurring theme across multiple sessions was the essential role of robust faith formation for teachers and staff. It is important to move beyond mere "hour counting" and foster a deep understanding and lived experience of Catholicism. This includes equipping educators to integrate faith seamlessly into their teaching and become effective evangelizers within the school community. Leaders recognize the challenges posed by a decline in religious vocations and a more secular societal context, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to formation that resonate with younger generations of teachers.
Potential Solutions:
Develop Engaging and Accessible Formation Programs: Dioceses can explore collaborative efforts to create high-quality, adaptable programs, potentially utilizing technology and partnerships with universities.
Emphasize Mentorship and Community: The success of cohort models and facilitated discussions suggests the importance of relational learning and ongoing support for teachers.
Address the Philosophical Underpinnings of Faith: Formation programs should not shy away from confronting contemporary ideologies and help teachers ground their understanding in Catholic philosophy and moral teaching.
There are serious concerns about the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. This challenge is exacerbated by factors like low salaries compared to public schools, rising costs of living and a perceived lack of respect for the teaching profession.
Explore Creative Compensation Strategies: Dioceses can consider innovative approaches like performancebased pay, longevity bonuses and assistance with housing or childcare.
Strengthen Partnerships and Mentorship Programs: Collaboration with universities and experienced educators can provide aspiring teachers with valuable support and guidance.
Emphasize the Unique Benefits of Catholic Education: Highlighting the mission-driven nature of the work and the opportunity to integrate faith into teaching can attract individuals seeking a more meaningful career.
The looming retirement of experienced leaders coupled with the decline in potential teachers and leaders presents a significant challenge for Catholic schools. Emphasis should be given to the crucial role of strong leadership at all levels, from principals to superintendents to pastors. Leaders need the skills to manage complex situations, navigate financial challenges and foster a thriving Catholic culture within their schools.
Invest in Leadership Formation: Dioceses can develop comprehensive programs to prepare aspiring leaders, focusing on skills like strategic planning, financial management and fostering Catholic identity.
Empower and Support Principals: Recognizing the significant workload of principals, dioceses can explore ways to provide additional support, such as through mentoring programs or forming leadership teams.
Foster Collaborative Relationships: Effective communication and shared vision between pastors, principals and the diocesan office are essential for creating a supportive and unified environment.
Superintendents acknowledged the moral imperative and opportunity in mission to better serve students with diagnosed disabilities. Inclusive education is a growing priority for many Catholic schools; however, schools face challenges in providing adequate resources and securing buy-in from all stakeholders.
Advocate for Increased Funding and Support: Dioceses can seek grants, explore partnerships and raise awareness about the financial needs of inclusive education.
Provide Professional Development for Teachers: Training in specialized instructional strategies and fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance can empower educators to meet diverse learning needs.
Promote the Value of Inclusion: Sharing success stories and highlighting the benefits of diverse learning environments can help build support among parents and faculty.
With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, Catholic schools need to engage thoughtfully with this technology. While AI offers potential benefits, leaders express concerns about responsible use, ethical implications and the need for clear guidance.
Develop AI Literacy Programs: Equipping school leaders, teachers and students with a foundational understanding of AI is crucial for informed decision-making.
Establish Clear Policies and Ethical Guidelines: Dioceses can work collaboratively to develop policies that address issues like human dignity, data privacy, responsible use and plagiarism.
Focus on the Human Dimension of Education: Emphasize critical thinking, creativity and the development of virtues alongside technological skills, ensuring that AI serves the mission of Catholic education.
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. That’s the beauty of being Church. We are never alone in our work and ministry. The CLS 2024 PLN sessions highlighted the complex challenges and exciting opportunities facing Catholic education in the 21st century, but we can tackle all of this together with our shared mission as the driver. By proactively addressing these issues and embracing innovative solutions, Catholic schools can continue to provide a high-quality, faith-filled education that prepares students to navigate a rapidly changing world and ensure that the Light of Christ continues to shine brightly in that same world.
John Galvanis the vice president of leadership engagement for NCEA.
john@ncea.org