Catholic educators conference

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, September 30, 2006

The Center for Excellence in Catholic Education, a partnership between Niagara University and Stella Niagara Education Park, conducted a one-day conference entitled: “Forging the Future in Challenging Times.” The event was attended by 235 educators and administrators from Western New York and Canada .

Sister Clare Fitzgerald, a national and international expert on Catholic education, led and facilitated this conference. In her presentation, Sister Clare challenged Catholic teachers and administrators to have the passion for what makes Catholic education unique. In our ever-changing society, Sister Clare states that teachers have to compete with culture, which has more influence on children today than family, school and church. “We must have an alternative view of life and reality, she said. “In order to accomplish this, we must do three things. First we must proclaim there is a God and God is everywhere. Second, we must provide time and space for the sacred and the intellectual. Finally, we must promote morale and ethical training.”

Education in a Catholic school environment is unique from that of the public sector, and includes not only the mandated state curriculum but also religious formation throughout all grades.

The CECE will continue to provide a coordinated and comprehensive professional development strategy for teachers and administrators working in Catholic institutions, and facilitate research related to Catholic education.