Prospective Teachers Have Questions Answered

By Mary McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/6/03)

FALLS CHURCH — The Office of Catholic Schools sponsored a series of open house programs for prospective teachers last week as part of Catholic Schools Week. This was the third year that Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Patricia Helene Earl, diocesan assistant superintendent of schools, organized the open houses.

"This is an extremely positive opportunity to meet people. It’s been so uplifting to see the interest and enthusiasm," she said.

Sister Patricia has served for 13 years as assistant superintendent and started the open house program to answer frequently asked questions.

Open houses were held at Blessed Sacrament School in Alexandria, All Saints School in Manassas, St. Francis of Assisi School in Triangle and St. James School in Falls Church. In total, about 150 prospective teachers attended the open workshops.

Sister Patricia feels that Catholic Schools Week should not only give parents the opportunity to learn more about the schools that their children are in, but should also give those who are considering teaching a chance to learn more about the process of becoming a teacher, and the advantages of working in Catholic schools.

"At the heart of public schools is a three letter word: SOL [Standards of Learning]. At the heart of Catholic schools is also a three letter word: God," Sister Patricia said. She told of the responses she has received from teachers who chose to work for diocesan schools after teaching in the public school system. She said that they want to work in a place where they can celebrate the birth and passion of Christ. They are tired of having "winter" and "spring" breaks. She said that they yearn for a classroom where they can openly discuss God and be able to pray with their students.

The open houses were geared toward those who have previously taught and are thinking about returning to teaching, those who teach in other school systems and those who are exploring options for a change in career. "It is not an impossibility, but it takes preparation," she said. Sister Patricia wanted to encourage applicants that even though they are not fresh out of college with an education degree, they can still be very valuable teachers. "You bring a life experience that is so valuable to our children, yet you have that enthusiasm of the 22-year-old who is going to save the world," she said.

Jack Clancy from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Alexandria was at the open house at St. James School to do "post-retirement planning." Clancy will retire from a federal job with the U.S. Treasury in two to four years and said, "I think I’m being called to teach." Clancy has already earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs, and two master’s degrees in political science and public administration, but he is considering getting another master’s degree and teaching English or social studies at the high school level.

Ruth Wagner, from St. Bernadette Parish in Springfield, was also at the open house at St. James School. Wagner has a master’s degree in international relations and has worked as a lawyer, but now she is considering teaching Spanish in Catholic schools. She has worked part time in the public schools system, but she said, "It is a vocation to share your faith. It is like a marriage, a commitment."

The Arlington Diocese has 42 schools serving children from preschool through grade 12. In the last 10 years, the diocese has opened nine elementary schools. There are plans for two new high schools to be built in the next six to seven years and St. Mark School will open next fall with two classes for each grade, K-8. With the opening of the new school, 25 positions will have to be filled in addition to approximately 150 openings that are made available each year.

Sister Patricia encouraged those who are still discerning whether or not they want to teach to begin teaching religious education at their parish, substitute or volunteer at a local school and pray to the Holy Spirit. Sister explained that, "to teach in a Catholic school is a vocation. It is not just a job; it is a wonderfully rewarding way of life."

For more information or an application, contact Sister Patricia Helene Earl in the Schools Office at 703/841-2519.

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