#CatholicEdchat Archive
CatholicEdChat is a twitter chat. Topics focus on discussions around educational issues for Catholic Educators and topics beneficial to Catholic Schools. We look forward to continuing to connect Catholic Educators online to discuss education and teaching with faith in our schools. The chat takes place on Saturday mornings. Time 9am EST.
Saturday October 22, 2016
Good morning! Very excited to have Dr. Tim Uhl as our moderator for
For the next hour, we will be having - Join us with
great! and a super topic today.
Good morning ! Don't know how long I can hang out- busy day for Br. Timothy professes life-long vows today!
I use to follow and to block spammers when following
Good morning from Montana
Enjoy the day, Alex - share some favorite tips!
good morning, Tim! Thanks for moderating!
Marlise From StL doing major multitasking this AM. Looking forward to the chat!
Greetings from northeastern PA.
Good morning from RI! Finally find myself with a free Saturday!
Adam, 5/6 social studies, Brooklyn, Ohio!!! It is quite chilly, but we have the nba champions and a World Series team!
So glad you could come by!
Good morning It's overcast in Maryland today.
big day for you all! Glad you are ok with yesterday's chemical spill.
Let's jump right in Q1: what are the unique challenges to teaching in a Catholic school?
Love spending my morning with you all
Mark, from slightly outside our great nation's capital
, everything was clear by noon. Thanks
Yes - rainy too in Cape May, NJ
Good Morning! Still sick going on 4 weeks!
Good Morning on a rainy day from NJ
RT Let's jump right in Q1: what are the unique challenges to teaching in a Catholic school?
a1 Expected to do everything a larger school staff can do AND more
A1: staying mission-driven, how can teachers consistently see themselves as servants and avoid entitlement?
A1: Not as many resources for students that need extra help or challenges.
A1: Since I am independently wealthy, the lucrative salary really isn’t so necessary. ;-)
A1 There is always the pay scale! But also you have a unique moral responsibility.
A1: I think its the drive to do more with less resources than other places
Interesting that you would bring entitlement up in relation to teachers
A1 for real: Truthfully, there are some real sacrifices to be made, but the rewards very often do outweigh them.
A1: sometimes Ss want to discuss topics that go outside of Catholic teaching, so you balance. And access to some resources.
A1: One of our big challenges this year is parents who do not reinforce the values we are teaching in their homes.
A1: expected to do/provide everything a larger school does with limited resources
This comes up by us as well.
depends on context, right? Can happen at all socio-Econ. Contexts. Teaching for us is a vocation, not a job.
Ex: What value is there in having a T remind ss of Sunday Mass, if P aren't willing to take them?
so school becomes more of a private school rather than a Catholic School.
yes! Yet I wouldn't change it! It's more work but more rewarding!
Catholic School Ts are some of the hardest workers I know. https://t.co/psndgL6XyL
a1 Expected to do everything a larger school staff can do AND more
Q1: Collaboration and connecting with others in your grade/field if you are in a remote area or smaller diocese
Talk a bit more about entitlement among teachers. What does that look like?
and do it all with a smile on your face!
A1: It's a vocation not a job so balance is always tricky. Can't just leave "work at the office"
Good morning . Sorry for being a little late.
Honestly- we are in the middle of suburbia and this happens too!
This is why I do Twitter chats-- I need conxns to other educators.
I know a couple who do-- but not an option for a MS s who lives in country.
I find that to be a major issue. Ps who are "catholic" but are not even taking their kids to church
A1: One challenge is that parents expect that their tuition money can buy "A's"
got me hooked on Twitter. Once I started using for PD, I loved it. Never liked it for personal stuff before.
how can we be creative with what we have?
true! Even large diocese seem isolated! I don't know what's going on across the diocese! Hmmm...diocese edcamp!
that's where technology and Soical Media has been our savior!
We have to make sure that we accept teachers for where they are (some are exceptional learners!)
We have to make sure that we accept teachers for where they are (some are exceptional learners!)
better yet, maybe even encourage this thinking...will lead to strengthening of faith
Ahhh- My Principal's favorite question! :)
How can Catholic School Ts encourage sacramental practice at home? https://t.co/OWr1THdBZw
A1: One of our big challenges this year is parents who do not reinforce the values we are teaching in their homes.
Oh yes-and the Ts are their puppets.
A1. Catholic schools only have room for mission driven teachers. Self-entitlement is not a Christian virtue.
great point. Parents need to be engaged 24/7
The purpose of the question is to help identify what is essential to the vocation of Catholic teaching
With some families - for sure. https://t.co/MC2PNbxTZr
so school becomes more of a private school rather than a Catholic School.
Probs need to start thinking whole-fam evangelization: P might not even know where to begin!
it is definitely a vocation and we must live our school mission inside and out!
yes! I've seen this. You have to create an authentic community to avoid this.
Yup. We aren't seen as professionals in our own right.
morning! Glad you can join us!
Good morning from sunny Chicago! Go, Cubs! Speaking on the parish level, challenge is funding schools. We merged this yr.
Many public school teachers struggle with isolation, entitlement, non-engage parents, etc. Q1: what is unique to Cath tchg?
Also have to be a living model...can't stop being that model when you leave work. https://t.co/ji6MvL9nj9
A1: It's a vocation not a job so balance is always tricky. Can't just leave "work at the office"
We sometimes struggle w Ps who see us as Ts who couldnt make it in public school
This was definitely the case at my old school and the high school nearby.
morning, Jan! Yes, So many closings and consolidations. So hard!
Fortunately that isn't the case for us. Our public schools are really good here.
Be careful not to make expectations for teachers too high (mission-driven, etc)
We need to meet our teachers where they are
I encourage the parents on Back to school night and I try to bring it up at every conference and event etc.
Buenos dias! Abe from NYC.
A1: catholic schools cultivate communities, family-oriented settings, these help overcome adversity https://t.co/strE8SycOT
Many public school teachers struggle with isolation, entitlement, non-engage parents, etc. Q1: what is unique to Cath tchg?
I think we sometimes forget that Ts need ministering to, too.
a1 cont. primary challenge for me is putting spiritual formation first (then intellect) when grades value intellect only.
I think that is a factor in the new protocol.
People find it hard to believe we choose to work in Catholic schools 😞
Let's move on for now Q2: How did you learn to be successful as a Catholic school teacher (compliment embedded)?
mentioned the consolidations that are happening in Chicago.
A1: One of the positive challenges for Catholic T's is the responsibility of consistently witnessing the Faith to your S's.
a2 tenacity and grit. and seeking out own PD, building PLN
but don't leave them there...as Pope Francis said in D.C. "Keep moving forward!"
So you looked for your own PD?
In name but not in their hearts. A man called Jesus spoke about that.
A1: IMO, challenge has been adapting resources tailored for Common Core to fit our curriculum
A2: I didn't "learn" as much as I was the recipient of some amazing mentoring.
By turning it up a notch with PLN activities - like ours right now.
A1: another challenge as director of ministry to make sure everyone is onboard to follow the mission.
A2: learned everything from experience. Built systems of self-support, realized importance of relationships
A2: It took a long time transitioning from the public schools.
Did you look for a mentor?
Good morning from Archbishop Wood last session of Google
A2 pt 2: I had to learn to be empathetic and loving with the kids, staff and parents.
Yep, and being big. Admin sent me to workshp last week (1 yr after I went pbl!)
A2: learning to build relationships with Ss and Ts. Find new ways to live the mission of the school and to serve the faith.
A2: I learned by watching the teachers at and
Not at first. But our school assigned me one when I started and I learned from that to ask and observe.
Who taught you to do this? How did you learn?
and being vulnerable enough to share it!
A2: A few thoughts - In the professional network I built, knowing when to ask for help, and developing a tough skin!
A2: I've learned how to advocate for myself re: PD, PLN etc.
A2:From my own teachers and co-teachers - wonderful examples of Catholic educators
A2: PLN, PD on Catholic Identity, mission trips
A2 - I've worked with so many inspiring teachers and leaders - mission is the focus and all flows from that
What does empathy look like for you? And is there anything distinctly Cath school about it?
my colleagues, my own mistakes, the nine Ts I lived with!
A2: I would say I was ministered to and had some very good religious and lay teachers as models. I'm still learning 😀
Have you seen teachers not take your course?
Who taught you to do this?
A2: Prayer and trust in God and the mission when things are difficult. A strong community helped me be successful too.
You mean w/in my own school? Not yet.But its happening.
I agee that we are always "still learning", and that's the fun part. Never the same and never stagnant.
A2 PLN for sure, meeting fantastic educators reminds me why I chose this profession and mission.
So the question for reflection is how do you find a mentor? How do you develop best practices?
A2: The team inspires me!
Is it part of your school culture? Or are you a trailblazer?
A2: I also learned by living our Benedictine values & applying them to everything every day
I modeled my teaching after the Ts in the theology dept at my Alma mater. Show caring through relationships!
If you attend a local relationships can be made for mentoring.
putting myself in the shoes of the kids,parents and my co-workers. It seems easy enough,but not always common
Q3: What would comprise the best Cath teacher formation program?
I was in a similar sounding grad program, and that was the best experience
A2: Jesuity identity, learning from my colleagues, having people who believed in me, being a life-long learner, PLNs like
Ask someone you want to learn from. Read, observe, try, fail, reflect and repeat. https://t.co/50wNDi30fw
So the question for reflection is how do you find a mentor? How do you develop best practices?
inspired me on twitter years ago! Started chat with and all awesome!
A2: Realizing here is ALWAYS someone out there who can teach and help me to be better and grow as a spiritual leader.
Don't you find that some people don't even do this?
ha ha. typo! Jesuit identity!
I think no matter what you do, reflection is key!
a3 this is a ? i'm really curious about. I know lots of thing are unhelpful, but not much cunstructive.
A3: Faith formation definitely, High Technological Literacy and Sound Pedagogical skills.
I'd say both. I've been called a "breath of fresh air" but all Ts care and model the faith! Just new ways!
A3: integration o/ spiritual formation in conjunction w/ professional formation. Necessary if Ts are to be models of faith
trying to help universities prepare our Catholic teachers
I think think might be the entitlement idea that was brought up earlier. Ts don't think they need to improve
So what kind of spiritual formation do you need?
Yes but one has to be the change you want to be. https://t.co/KYtbkJYrDE
Don't you find that some people don't even do this?
reflect piece is key...are we going through motions? Or are we always trying to grow?
A3: We have to hire for mission, as well as our roles.
sometimes the best mentors find you...we have to be open to take help from others
Knowledge? Practice? Prayer? LIturgy?
Q3: I really wish it was something more colleges would focus on. They have a methods class for math, reading, etc.
A3: faith formation is key b/c that is the dileineator between us and public schools. Tech, Pedagogy, PLNs are "standard"
1st thing: proclaim the Gospel as handed down by the Church. NOT the gospel of a stripped down social justice.
A3: Faith across the curriculum 101
So how do we communicate the need? How do we motivate the unmotivated?
idea of cura personalis, depends on where each T is at. But learning to express/share journey is critical. l
A3: faith formation, mission and ministry, true community. Catholic schools work on a different level than public
But we need to identify what our mission-driven teachers need first, right?
Scripture, Prayer, Creed, Sacraments, Ethics and Morality
Make faith formations for Ts primary, then layer in the pedagogy
And making the mentor matchup an effective one for both parties.
A3 Mentoring, and in this age digital literacy
learning how to practice faith in daily life. How can one incorporate reflection? Daily prayer?
A3: it's not just about educating the mind but soul as well 🙏🏼
You find a mentor when you quit focusing on going to the front man of an organization. Find the subordinate who models well.
Many of our teachers aren't coming with the level of knowledge we've come to expect in the past
A3: practical ways to show and teach the faith. I'd also like to have priests become spiritual directors for teachers.
This is 1 to chew one. I think it might need to start with iding schoolwide needs- how can we change 1 thing?
I'd love to see differentiation in spiritual formation for T's. All are in a different place. 1 size fits all wastes time
I took a Catholic spirituality and leadership class in my MA studies. It was awesome.
awesome! This is a great conversation going on. Lots of food for thought.
Agree. If you don't know where you're going, you risk ending up somewhere else!
Reflectionis individual process. Sharing that reflection is next step. Some Ts skip steps.
I would do it all over again. I grew up real quick.
Good mentors beget mentors. A great mentor will find you when you are fully engaged and committed to grow.
Agreed. And differnet disciplines have diff needs
I'm going to push back a bit on that and expand from priests to religious. Our school is sponsored by sisters. ;-)
I love this. Again, where can we meet our students? https://t.co/svfPggaPKb
I'd love to see differentiation in spiritual formation for T's. All are in a different place. 1 size fits all wastes time
YES- the stakes were so real, but the support system was unlike anything else.
I am differentiating faith formation from catechetical formation
My wife is gonna do a wksp on diff today.
I mean the Cath. Univ's need to make sure their T prep programs are proclaiming the Gospel.
I'd agree with that. We have 4 priests between our 2 parishes, but all religious would be a great benefit!
But ultimately teacher formation preparation asks "what do we need to do to get teachers ready?"
I agree! Ts need retreats just as much as Ss
At the HS level, do you find that non-Catholic teachers often forget our mission and focus on subject?
Q3: What woud comprise the best ongoing Cath tchr formation program?
As a Cath college grad, I need to add that higher ed need to make sure their Ts are proclaiming
RT But ultimately teacher formation preparation asks "what do we need to do to get teachers ready?"
Yes, we need to feed the ministers or we can't expect them to feed the Ss.
In other words, what do we need to do for our current teachers?
T ed programs need lots of help. Ivory tower does not help promote student learning.
Good morning all! Came in just to say hi. Off to cover regional XC meet 2 hrs away! Look forward to reviewing chat later.
As long as they are quality retreats!
If we want T's to be able to authentically integrate the Faith for S's, we have to help them with their own journey.
their professors? I agree
I find just as many "catholic" Ts forget the mission as non-catholic. It's a mindset.
I did my undergrad at a Catholic univ & felt highly prepared. Also did one of my grad degrees at Cath and spirit prep was 👍🏼
Yes, them. They have a huge responsibility.
Are the questions posted somewhere?
Agree but Ts need to know pedagogy that works and effective classroom mgt as well.
Ha ha! You have been to the same snoozers as I have!
KCK did the same thing. Challenge is to meet T where they r, not impose unreal or irrelevent expectations.
But some Catholic universities don't have a high % of Cath profs or even ones who understand mission
A3: start by asking them what they need. I'm tired of classes every dio requires. Esp. since I have moved several times.
Are they good? Ours, sadly are very hit and miss.
What do you do when you have T's who balk at retreat and reflection?
I say they want to follow it, but slip. They need to find a way to work with Ss not of the faith.
Programs like and Magis at are great teacher formation programs.
These are hardly exclusive ideas! Gospel informs purpse and mission or else, not Catholic at all
Teacher PD is top 3 ways to improve ANY school. https://t.co/UIFwNbcEOD
RT But ultimately teacher formation preparation asks "what do we need to do to get teachers ready?"
"proclaim the gospel, use words when necessary"
Is this required? Once a month would stress me out!
is now trending in USA, ranking 38
But sometimes teachers don't know what they don't know esp in area of faith
Maybe, then prioritize courses on RCC theology
That was my exp. working on my Admin Fred. Catholic U w/lay-focused profs. :-(
Q3: Catholic schools need teachers to direct their own PD- the best is when teacher identifies area to improve
we have a half day, once a month, we have an amazing teacher time for prayer too
Yes! Some non-Cath T are more devoted to mission & can support from diffrnt faith eyes.
Charitably and lovingly encourage and challenge them. Pray for them!
there's an extra layer here...Ts need to be open and vulnerable to grow in their faith
Admins need to know their Ts and what they need. Relationships are key. Sonis data.
What percentage of Catholic teachers come out of Catholic universities?
I agree but worry that teachers don't really want to be moved in faith
make it meaningful. Make it relevant.
I didn't know about them! Thanks! Just added them.
meet them where they're at, just like we would w/ Ss. But harder to do with adults.
At SLU, they have 50% of students are Cath and less than a third go into Cath schools
Are these mandatory or optional?
should we then assess/measure what they need to know instead of force them to attend uninspiring pd
A3: I try to offer PD's for all my teachers at my with various subjects from tech to general convos
Built into the school day? I had to go nights and weekends and it upset me.
See you Monday, Omar! We will have good treats for us all!
amen. And what standards do we have?
In this age of Facebook where everyone believes their opinion deserves to be heard, I worry
it is. Once a month is a half day for School of Faith and plan time in the afternoon.
Then definitely encourage them and maybe even "buddie" up with them if the will have you
that teachers won't realize that faith formation is more than opinions
Classic adult learner theories!
A3: book clubs...programs that engage Ts and lead them to build on what they do. Ts need to feel support from admins and Ts!
A4: be aware of what is needed
Do they study the reasons why?
teachers, when given funds choose courses and retreats they feel will enrich their spiritual identity
it's been a tough political season!
Wow! I wish the Diocese I worked for would've done that!
New focus for Q5: What did you wish your administration knew about the difficulties of your job?
A4: make sure to gather at least 1x per month as a faculty/staff community to share and discuss
That's at least 4 Twitter chats worth!
I went to an awesome one that was the same price as a state school.
a5 my admin pours her heart into our school. I respect her greatly for it!
I think they have retired. I loved Mrs. Novotny!
I find it frustrating that educators don't apply best practices for students on their own PD
A5: I wish they knew we are all very committed. I wish they knew how much we need them.
No matter what, theo Prof should be teaching RCC teachings
My MA and EdD are from SLU. I experienced very little religious focus.
A5: I wish they knew that it's ok for learning to be messy and having everything look perfect doesn't help students!
My first exp w/ Cath Univ was because tuition was subsidized by my teaching. Could nvr afford it otherwise.
best grad school classes were where Profs actually used best practices on the add.
MD gives us lots of opportunities on this level
Reflectionis individual process. Sharing that reflection is next step. Some Ts skip steps. MORE >> https://t.co/g7dze42mmV
there was some push back at first, but the value of the days has spoken to the Ts.
A5: That their support is critical to our success
A5 When I taught in a K-8 I wished they understood that Middle School T's had unique needs from elementary T's in PD
I'd buy in if I didn't have to go during nights and weekends!
A5: be aware of how much time and mental energy we are already giving and be very cautious about adding to our plates.
A5 I wish they knew how much of ourselves -heart and $ into our job.
A5: Ss are at way different levels. There are many things I still don't know about procedures (2nd year at school).
Right! For every new yes, there must be a no to something else.
That's a bummer. It should be job-embedded.
A5: my admin knows about the time and energy that it takes to do my job the best I can!
Agreed-if adding to plate, maybe need to remove something from plate? https://t.co/yZvtsW5z7p
A5: be aware of how much time and mental energy we are already giving and be very cautious about adding to our plates.
it would be helpful if they knew not everyone cared about the faith/mission you were teaching: Ts, Ps & Ss
Yes, avoid too many initiatives. EZ to burn out.
We even had to pay ourselves!
And at least recognize it if only with words of encouragement? https://t.co/W57TRamrlG
A5 I wish they knew how much of ourselves -heart and $ into our job.
Every grade level has unique needs! Ts do need to be open minded about their needs also
yes, adding something new, not taking away the old!
or, wait for other things to settle and be implemented successfully
A5: the amount of time and prayer that goes into guiding the faith/mission formation of the entire school: Ts, Ss & Ps
but always wondering why the 3rd grade teachers are always in on the weekends.
I keep the words "Here I Am, Lord" and "Be Not Afraid" embedded in my mind, heart, and soul. … https://t.co/1L5URC02UN
Let's move on for now Q2: How did you learn to be successful as a Catholic school teacher (compliment embedded)?
And that some of us are actually doing more than one job!
Q6 (yes, there's a surprise sixth): If you had to describe to a 22 yo what was unique about your job, what would you say?
Sorry for that. Mandatory PD by ANY school should be free or else not worth it. My opinion.
Agree Lisa - collective focus on mission is essential
Yep, that was my old school at well. MD is completely different!
A5 I wished they understood different styles and methodologies are ok. We don't have to all teach it the same way.
how would you define your mission in your own words?
a6 the freedom I enjoy to teach conxns between faith and life and studies.
A6 My job as a 3rd grade teacher is part, grandma, mom, doctor, nurse, first aide provider... and oh Teacher!
A5: I admin. I wish every sometimes ppl would ask how I am doing. Just as Ts give to Ss nonstop,we constantly give to them.
A6: Every day my ministry brings me great joy. And breaks my heart. Every day.
A6: opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships in all parts of your job is unique in Catholic School setting.
A6 I couldn't tell you in 140 characters!
A6: I get to walk with our Ss & Ts every day. It isn't a job. It is a vocation that is challenging, humbling, rewarding.
Off to get ready for my walk with
A6: my job is one where I see others grow academically & spiritually, yet I grow the same way. We are the Body of Christ!
Q6: You are in the unique position to really make a difference in someone's life. Spiritually, Intellectually & Emotionally
Thanks for some great conversation!
Cura Personalis https://t.co/x7WEjkxZVe
Q6: You are in the unique position to really make a difference in someone's life. Spiritually, Intellectually & Emotionally
Have a great day, everyone! Hope you are able to get out and enjoy Fall!
I don't think we can truly proclaim the greatness of our work until we can identify its uniqueness
A6: How much of your mind/time is focused on school. Those in your care are always on ur mind & you try to to do your best.
I hope you will come back to next Saturday. This was a hot topic for chat.
A6: It is the best kind of ministry. You can watch children and adults grow in their faith and be inspired by them
A6.2: I have Ss with all different talents & they work together to serve others. It's how our faith works! Each has a role.
A6: I get to share Christ with others, recieve the Sacraments, and go to Mass...all at work! Can't beat that!!!
Not a job but a vocation - perfect! https://t.co/S4PXb2MCSG
A6: I get to walk with our Ss & Ts every day. It isn't a job. It is a vocation that is challenging, humbling, rewarding.
A6: don't focus on pleasing everyone. If you reach 1 it's still all worth it for His glory
A6: it's not just a job it's a ministry and way of life
Thanks to all for a great start to the day
Thanks for good convo Now to go t the farmer's market in the rain!
Thanks for moderating a great chat today ! Have a grreat weekend everyone.
Thanks Tim! great chat! Hard to express in 140 characters plus I had to block some tweeters.
Thank you for leading us in today's discussion Awesome!
