Steven Cheeseman, president and CEO of the National Catholic Education Association, visited some Catholic schools in the Diocese of Cleveland on Jan. 29, during Catholic Schools Week. Severe weather postponed his visit, which had been scheduled for Jan. 26.
Cheeseman first stopped at St. Ambrose School, where he gave the keynote address at the Community Leaders Appreciation Breakfast. The annual event hosted by Father Bob Stec, pastor, and Lisa Cinadr, St. Ambrose School principal, showcases the importances of the shared partnership between the school and community. It has been a popular Catholic Schools Week event at the parish for a number of years.
(See photo gallery above.)
“The data is clear, across multiple assessments and multiple demographics. Catholic schools outperform all other schools, public and private, around the country,” Cheesman said.
“What lies at the heart of this success is our Catholic faith. It informs our curriculum, instruction and assessment. It calls us to educate the whole child and do so as part of a community that believes every single child is born in the image and likeness of God, deserving of an education that meets their unique needs and gifts,” he added.
Following the Community Leaders Appreciation Breakfast, Cheeseman toured St. Ambrose School, along with three others in the diocese: St. Anthony of Padua, Akron, Julie Billart School, Akron and St. Edward High School, Lakewood.
He spoke with students and teachers, visited classrooms and witnessed both academic and extracurricular excellence in action. Cheeseman also saw first-hand how Catholic schools in the diocese provide quality special education for children with diverse learning needs. In addition, he experienced the faith-filled communities of learning that set Catholic schools apart.
The National Catholic Education Association focuses on leadership development for superintendents, presidents, principals, pastors and governing bodies; professional development for teachers; and serving as the voice for Catholic school education. Click here for more information on the organization.
Look for highlights from Cheeseman’s visit to the diocese in his own words soon on NCEA’s Bright Lights of Catholic Education blog.