Written by Catapult Learning,  info@catapultlearning.com How implementing a holistic training program can build educator capacity and deliver better student outcomes Today’s school administrators and educators face a daunting array of challenges. From increased pressure to improve test scores and bridge learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic to complying with inclusion mandates and boosting educator retention rates. On the best of days, the work can feel overwhelming even for the most seasoned educators. The need for an integrated approach to professional development. Based on the my ..read more

Written by Josh Packard, NCEA Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations, josh@ncea.org A few years ago, my wife and I decided to tackle the daunting task of assembling an Ikea bookshelf together. We carefully followed the instructions and YouTube tutorials, deciphered the diagrams and spent hours laboring over every screw and bolt with those tiny tools provided in the kit. Surprisingly, as we completed the final step and stood back to admire our handiwork, a sense of pride washed over us. It wasn’t just any furniture; it was something we had put together with our own hands. We cheris ..read more

Written by Amy Lehnert, Content Marketing Manager, FACTS, amy.lehnert@nelnet.net As the academic year winds down, educators and administrators face the perennial challenge of summer learning loss, a phenomenon where students lose academic skills and knowledge over the summer months. Research shows that the average student loses 17-34% of the previous year’s learning gains over summer break, with losses being more pronounced in math and reading skills. This can have a cumulative effect, widening the achievement gap and setting students back at the start of the new school year. Addressing t ..read more

Written by Karen Barreras, Director of Leadership Engagement Karen@ncea.org Many Catholic schools have a compelling call to service for students. According to the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, Second Edition (NSBECS), Domain One, Mission and Catholic Identity, Standard 3 says, “An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides opportunities both within and outside the classroom for Christ-centered student faith formation, participation in liturgical and communal prayer, and action in service of missionary discipleship and soc ..read more

Written by Mikel Reid, Administrative Assistant/Special Projects, Archangel Education + Technology, mreid-brown@arch-te.com Technology plays a critical role in education and in shaping the learning experience. For educators, the decision to upgrade classroom tools isn’t just about staying current—it’s about preparing students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Let’s take a deeper look into why investing in new classroom technology is crucial and how it can positively impact our educators and students. Enhanced Learning Experiences Integrating technology into the cl ..read more

Written by Josh Packard, NCEA Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations, josh@ncea.org In Catholic schools, everyone from teachers to administrative staff plays a role in the faith development of young people. This isn’t just about formal religious education; it’s about fostering a supportive community that guides students in their spiritual journey.  The key to effective faith formation is listening. Active listening builds trust with students, showing that their thoughts and beliefs are valued. It’s about understanding where they’re coming from and what matters to them. This d ..read more

Written by Tessie O’Dea, Relationship Development Manager, Cross Catholic Outreach, todea@crosscatholic.org In the United States, the average child goes to bed on Christmas Eve eagerly awaiting the arrival of a morning filled with excitement and colorful gifts. Their minds are not preoccupied with worries about the roof over their heads or if there will be food on the table. Instead, they dream of a day filled with joy and celebration. Sadly, in developing countries, worries about food, housing and water are all too common. Children in countries such as Haiti, Guatemala and Malawi have ra ..read more

Written by Father Tom Simonds, S.J., NCEA Director of Secondary Engagement, FrTom@ncea.org In this series of three blog posts, Fr. Tom Simonds, S.J. discusses the dual purpose of Catholic schools. He also shares a new strategy to strengthen student faith formation in Catholic schools by engaging parents and parishes. Is your Catholic school achieving the mission you proclaim on your website? Before you answer, consider that Catholic schools have a dual mission: to be excellent schools and excellent places of faith formation. Unfortunately, not everyone working in Catholic schools would agree w ..read more

Written by Bill Jenkins, Catholic Scouting volunteer at NCEA 2024 info@catholicscouting.com Catholic Scouting volunteers were honored to meet so many Catholic school educators at NCEA 2024! Talking with teachers and principals reinforced what we already know: Many Catholic schools around the country already utilize Catholic Scouting, including Religious Activities and Religious Emblems. But we also found out many Catholic school educators didn’t know about all the Catholic Scouting resources available to them from Catholic Scouting. So we want to share the word! Here’s what two Catholic school ..read more

Written by Katy Lichon, Sarah Butch and Kenna Arana As schools work to bolster their fidelity to the science of reading and as the reading wars are rehashed, a different battle has been brewing: Tension around the science of reading accounting for the needs of multilingual learners (MLLs). Given the national push to adopt the science of reading strands (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension) and the growing number of MLLs, the question of how to bridge this research and the literacy development of emergent bilingual learners is timely. MLLs are the fastest-growing ..read more