More than 500 principals, administrators and teachers from Catholic elementary schools across the Diocese of Cleveland gathered on March 6 at St. Raphael Parish and School in Bay Village for a day of professional development focusing on improving cultural competencies in schools throughout the diocese.
Father Tim Gareau, St. Raphael’s pastor, opened with prayer before thanking those gathered for their dedication in an ever-changing educational environment and in their ministry inside the classroom.
Sue Biggs, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools, greeted the educators before introducing the morning’s keynote speaker: Cary Dabney, director of the diocesan Office of Ministry to African American Catholics.
“Today’s topic speaks to the heart of our Catholic school mission, vision and initiatives,” Biggs said. The Office of Education is in the process of presenting a three-part professional development series designed to equip teachers with tangible resources while providing a deeper understanding of shaping Catholic education for today’s world.
Dabney began by sharing that the department he oversees is not new in the diocese.
“In 1968, the office of diversity was developed to help race relations within our parishes,” he explained. “The mission continues today with the shift in demographics within classrooms. Our office serves as a resource best equipped for this change. Today, I aim to create a lens of what a black, Asian, Hispanic or any other non-white student and family may see or feel when they first walk into your school.”
Dabney simplified their classroom environments by describing them as miniature cultures with representation of different ethnicities, economic and social backgrounds all collaborating together. Through each student interaction -- without conscious realization -- students at any age level are uncovering prejudices.
“If you are transparent with yourself,” Dabney asked, “how are you assisting students and walking with them in their journey of being more culturally aware, competent and loving?”
He provided visual examples of how noticeable color is -- front and center -- in the entrances and hallways of Catholic schools. Most include crucifixes or portraits of Jesus, Mary or the Holy Family that depict Caucasian features. However, in predominately African American Catholic parishes, a black Jesus crucifix is most common.
“The goal is to try to create an environment where bias does not happen,” he said.
After concluding, Dabney fielded many questions from teachers on how to adjust their daily routines, collaborate with parents and new ways to celebrate diversity.
Following the morning keynote, breakout sessions for educators took place with simulations and group exercises that focused on self-examination and having a cultural competent mindset.
Dabney and Biggs provided resources for bias training and Cleveland-based authors and publications that examine race relations through a child’s eyes.
Visit the Office of Ministry to African American Catholics for more information.