Instructor: Dan Trainor; Nikki Royer; and Maria Kish
For Module One, candidates are to select one of the listed Monographs from the Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) and reflect upon one of the respective quotes as a Catholic School Leader as it relates to children with special needs.
Understanding Well-Being from a Catholic Perspective
o “Catholics share a distinct Christian view of the human person; that is, the human is not a construct but a creation, the impetus for his or her birth being love, not accident.”
o “There is an important relationship between a child’s sense of well-being and his or her capacity to learn”
o “Catholic schools, therefore, are described not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but necessarily in terms of values, attitudes and actions informed by reason and faith.”
Shepherding and Serving
o “When understood properly, the metaphor of ‘shepherd’ as an image for a leadership of faithful service to the community provides a powerful invitation for us to choose a way of leading characterized by
righteousness, care and compassion.”
o “It is incumbent upon us to come to know who we are by listening with an open heart and mind to those inner promptings of the Spirit calling us to be the person we were born to be.”
o “Leadership is inclusive, and consistently demonstrates a preferential option for the poor, and those on the margins. (“the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one”).”
Consider the following questions as you reflect:
o What does the selected quote say to you as a Catholic School Leader, relate this to your own personal narrative as well as a Gospel narrative?
o Relate this quote to the work you do in Special Education as a Catholic School Leader?
o How can this quote help to move you toward a more inclusive school for all learners?
o How do leaders in Catholic schools support the creation of learning environments that use anti-oppression and anti-racism as a foundation for success for all?
o What actions do you need to consider with your school team?
Write a 250-500 (discretion as to length is set by the instructor considering the whole course) word reflection.
Instructors may modify the final product or permit candidate choice on representation of the learning and reflection.
Bring a copy of your reflection or assignment and be prepared to share your thoughts with others during Module One.
“Leadership is inclusive, and consistently demonstrates a preferential option for the poor, and those on the margins. (“the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one”).”
What does the selected quote say to you as a Catholic School Leader, relate this to your own personal narrative as well as a Gospel narrative?
As a Catholic school leader, this quote speaks to me because it reminds me that your class/school is only as strong as your weakest learner. It is up to us, as leaders and stewards of Jesus, to support those who need help.
How can this quote help to move you toward a more inclusive school for all learners?
Relate this quote to the work you do in Special Education as a Catholic School Leader?
This quote can help us move to a more inclusive school for all learners by allowing us as leaders to ensure that “accessibility and responsiveness are appropriate, but do not impinge on the learner's personal health and well-being. Effective leaders have balanced, full and meaningful lives.” As Catholics and followers of Jesus, we must have faith not only in God but also in our neighbours (students, staff, and community).
How do leaders in Catholic schools support the creation of learning environments that use anti-oppression and anti-racism as a foundation for success for all?
Leaders in Catholic schools support the creation of learning environments grounded in anti-oppression and anti-racism, with a common goal and Catholic school identity, to ensure success for all students. In this, we eliminate exclusionary identities and labels. As leaders, “it is important to recognize that students have important roles to play in supporting leaders in their daily management of the community.” For example, following up on truancy, creating opportunities for learning outside the classroom, and Special Education programs that uphold the idea of integrating and accepting students with disabilities into mainstream classes. “In Luke 15:1–7, Jesus uses the parable of the lost sheep to present a particularly challenging message for leaders: no one should be abandoned.”
Wow, I love the immediate connection to the most vulnerable or the "weakest" learner and the call to be shepherds and stewards. Your "action" items for being shepherds are excellent.
Thank you for sharing,
Dan
No comments:
Post a Comment