Open Houses Scheduled for Prospective Teachers

Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 1/9/03)

The Office of Catholic Schools will sponsor a series of open house programs during Catholic Schools Week for prospective teachers to showcase the opportunities and requirements for teaching in Catholic schools in the Arlington Diocese.

Blessed Sacrament School will host an open house on Monday, Jan. 27, at 417 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, 10 a.m.-noon. For information call 703/998-4170.

An open house will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, at All Saints School, 9294 Stonewall Rd., Manassas, 9-11 a.m. For information call 703/368-4400.

An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, at St. Francis of Assisi School, 18825 Fuller Heights Rd., Triangle, from 10 a.m.-noon. For information call 703/221-3868.

The final open house will be on Friday, Jan. 31, at St. James School, 830 West Broad St., Falls Church, 9-11 a.m. For information call 703/533-1182.

During Catholic Schools Week, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Patricia Helene, assistant superintendent of schools for professional educational personnel, will address the growing need for teachers. National statistics show a decline in the number of prospective teachers. With the growth in the Diocese of Arlington, good teachers and administrators, committed to Christ and to sound moral principles, as well as academic excellence, are vital to the mission of catholic schools. The Arlington Diocese has 42 schools, and provides educational opportunities for students from preschool through high school.

The Open House Programs will allow parishioners to explore the benefits of teaching in a Catholic school, and to know more about the requirements for teaching. Many parents of students teach within the Diocesan schools. This is a program for those who have previously taught to think about returning to teaching, as well as those who may be teaching in other school systems to find out more about the diocesan schools.

In addition, those who may be exploring options for a change in career are encouraged to come. Sister Patricia will discuss the importance of the Catholic schools, the atmosphere and education that they provide, the various programs that are offered to students, as well as the requirements for teaching and obtaining teacher certification. In addition to Sister Patricia’s presentation, there will be time for prospective teachers to tour the hosting schools and visit classrooms in order to see what the Catholic Schools offer to students, parents, and teachers.

Many teachers hired for this school year attended last year’s Open House Programs. Teaching in a Catholic school offers the privilege and responsibility of sharing the Catholic Faith with young people, as well as contributing to their total development spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.

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