The Center for Catholic School Excellence

Why a Center for Catholic School Excellence?
The National Catholic Education Association reports that over 1200 Catholic schools have closed nationwide since 2000.  Enrollment figures demonstrate a decline of 382,125 students, or 14 percent. The Center for Catholic School Excellence is needed to help stem the dissolution of Catholic schools in our area, in our region, and in the nation.  The Center for Catholic School Excellence is needed to help Catholic schools preserve the tradition of passing on the faith to future generations.  The Center for Catholic School Excellence is needed to strengthen communities surrounding Catholic schools. 

Why is Mount St. Mary’s poised to provide The Center for Catholic School Excellence? 
It is fitting that America’s second oldest Catholic university devote its resources to fostering Catholic education for future generations.  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s first home in Emmitsburg was on our campus.  From here, supported by our founder Fr. John DuBois, St. Elizabeth dedicated herself to the Catholic education of children.  The Center for Catholic School Excellence will be a living commitment to the Church’s ministry of education in the Catholic community.

How is the School of Education and Human Services poised to do this now?
The Department of Teacher Education in the School of Education and Human Services holds national accreditation through the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.  Each year Mount St. Mary’s University graduates 50-60 highly qualified teacher candidates well grounded in the Catholic liberal arts tradition. They go on to serve in classrooms throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.  Further, the School enhances teacher knowledge and skills through the advanced teacher development programs it offers in reading and technology. 

Purpose Statement
Mount St. Mary’s University has a rich tradition of producing excellent teachers with the highest credentials.  As Mount St. Mary’s enters her 3^rd century, we proudly establish The Center for Catholic School Excellence.  The Center, housed within the Mount’s nationally accredited Department of Teacher Education, will be a resource for the professional development of teachers and administrators in K-12 Catholic education.  It will provide a range of programs, courses, and workshops designed to promote excellence in teaching and learning in Catholic schools.  The Center for Catholic School Excellence answers a need for the 21^st century.

Objectives

1. To work in collaboration with national, diocesan, and local professional organizations to foster high quality Catholic education
2. To prepare Catholic school teachers, principals, and other personnel in the tradition of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for 21^st century Catholic education
3. To serve as a center for research on and study of Catholic education

Mount St. Mary’s University in all its programs aims to graduate men and women who cultivate a mature spiritual life, who live by high intellectual and moral standards, who respect the dignity of other persons, who see and seek to resolve the problems facing humanity, and who commit themselves to live as responsible citizens.  Individuals who engage with The Center for Catholic School Excellence will enhance their spirituality as they work with others to raise the consciousness of a nation about the value of Catholic schools in our society.  

Dr. Barbara Martin Palmer
Elizabeth C. Monahan