The Teachers Are Back!

We had our first faculty meetings of the year today. It was great to have all the teachers back and begin to get organized for next week when the kids arrive. Tom Rose, our Development Director, told everyone about the plans for our anniversary year and teachers signed up to help. We are going to try to contact all the former faculty members from years gone by and invite them to the big dinner on April 21,2010.
With the help of the archivist at the Mother House, I was able to get the faculty lists from 1959 through the eighties when most of the staff were Sisters of St. Francis! We will be able to list the names of all the Sisters who taught or administered the school from the first day the doors opened. Though plans are still being discussed, I am sure we will find a way to honor the Sisters for their service to the school. The Sisters gave so much to the schools and parish and we are so grateful for all the good that they did!
I was thinking today as I met with the teachers how much each faculty member gives of him/herself to meet the needs of our students. In order to be a great teacher, a person has to have two areas of "competence." Obvioiulsy they need to know their content material--and really like it! They also have to have a real dedication and belief in young people. The best teachers really believe that each child has gifts and potential and that, through them, the world can be a better place.
In a Catholic school, these beliefs are not just philosphical notions, they are a matter of faith. Catholic school teachers have to act every day out of the belief that all can be good, all can be successful, and all are not only gifted but called to serve. The Gospel becomes a reality on a daily basis when educators meet this standard.
I have worked with the most wonderful teachers at Mt. Carmel over the years and when we have not met our goals, it was not from lack of trying! I know that our current faculty will work for lofty goals too--all for the benefit of our students. We have a few more days to get ready and next week they will arrive. I know it will be a great anniversary year!