This past Thursday and Friday, all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids were closed so teachers and leaders could participate in professional development. The Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS) 2022 Education Conference and Expo pulled private school teachers from all over Michigan to Lansing for education, connection, and encouragement. Educator formation is a crucial element of Catholic schools and an important part of the vision of our diocese, which focuses on outstanding educational ministry.
Five of our own teachers, plus our assistant superintendent, presented as subject matter experts to nearly 1,000 private school educators. “This conference is beneficial because it allows our educators the chance to interact with educators from faith-based schools across the state,” said Associate Superintendent Sarah Grey, “In the Diocese of Grand Rapids we want to promote a culture of learning. We want our teachers to be committed to growing in knowledge of the Catholic faith and also in professional expertise to better serve their schools and students.”
Among the presenters from the Diocese of Grand Rapids were the following:
- Jenny Leik of Sts. Peter and Paul presenting “Operational Vitality in Mircoschools”
- Kelly Donohue, Abby VanDyke, and Amy Zakrajsek of St. Thomas the Apostle presenting “Mulitage Mindset”
- Zachary Good of Sacred Heart Academy presenting “Technological Churn: Orientation and Change” and “Goose and Grimm: Forming the Moral Imagination”
- Jill Annable of West Catholic High School will present “Effective Multiage Instruction”
- Sarah Grey, Assistant Superintendent, presenting “Instructional Practices - Learning Objectives and Formative Assessment”
It is a true testament that these individuals are acknowledged at the state level. We are proud of these experts who represent the high quality educators in our schools and all those who spent these past two days in training. Please keep our teachers in your prayers as they continue to form themselves, share their talents with others, and bring their learnings back to the classroom.