Theme was “Leadership for New Ways of Learning, Conversations in Excellence 2010.”

Arlington, Va. – The National Catholic Educational Association and the Lynch School of Education at Boston College sponsored a symposium for Catholic school leaders June 24-26 at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass. The symposium theme was “Leadership for New Ways of Learning, Conversations in Excellence 2010.”

The symposium focused on 21^st century leadership skills needed by Catholic educators. The 70 participants discussed how school leaders can build a learning community of educators who embrace their call, use new technologies for curriculum and instruction and offer opportunities for students to explore their world and make it a better place.

A dozen speakers relayed information on spiritual leadership, leadership for change, responsiveness to new populations, understanding student aspirations, exploring learning environments/digital learning and examining teacher evaluation and pay in 21^st century Catholic schools.

In addition to keynote speakers, four groups presented hour-long programs about the real-life model they use in a Catholic school or diocese.

The models showcased were

Catholic Educators’ Academy –The Holy Spirit Alive in the Classroom: A Diocesan-wide Approach from the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio;
Extreme School Makeover—How Administrators Can Master the Leadership of Change at John F. Kennedy Junior and Senior High School, Warren, Ohio;
Teachers, Leaders and Learners: The Professional Learning Community at Risen Christ School, Minneapolis, Minn.; and
Developing Program with the Spiritual Leadership of Charism and Mission Notre Dame High School, San Jose, Calif.

SPICE (Selected Programs for Improving Catholic Education) is an annual summer symposium that seeks to assist Catholic school leaders in replicating or adapting proven programs that creatively meet the needs of youth and their families. The 2011 SPICE Symposium will again be held at Boston College. Information for it will be available in April 2011.

More information about these and other SPICE programs can be found at www.ncea.org/services/SPICE.asp

The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.

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Photos by Lee Pellegrini

Successful SPICE Symposium Held at Boston College