New diocesan collaboration promotes teacher education

A new entity formed under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is working to facilitate collaboration for Catholic schools in the area.

Benedictine College has aligned with the recently-established board. A closely coordinated partnership between the two is expected to support Benedictine students in starting their teaching careers in St. Joseph, according to a news release. Catholic St. Joseph teachers already in their established in the career will also be given opportunities to complete professional development courses through Benedictine.
 
This limited-jurisdiction board is tasked with overseeing the Partnership’s role in strategic planning, marketing and public relations, development and fundraising, financial review and professional development of teachers and principals.

“The formation of the St. Joseph Catholic School Partnership is both an exciting and historical tipping point for the St. Joseph Catholic schools.  This is the first time the parishes and schools have developed a plan and structure to work together towards the re-vitalizing of St. Joseph schools. Working together we will form a brighter future for our Catholic schools,” Superintendent of diocesan schools, Dan Peters, said.

“[I thought] this is something that’s really important, and Benedictine College would like to be a part of that,” College President Stephen D. Minnis said. “I was excited about being involved, and just excited about the mission.”

“What we have found, often times, is the place where a person does their student teaching is, many times, where they end up teaching. We think that will benefit everyone,” Minnis said.