Feb 3rd Newsletter

In this week’s newsletter and podcast, I preview the NCEA Convention.  I hope you consider committing to convention and encouraging others as well.  We need a great turnout in Chicago!  The Top 5 links:

1. In the American Catholic news section, the first article highlights a Boston College report on the priesthood.  The article (and the link to the report itself) shed light on the importance of proper formation for our ministers (clerical and lay).  It’s a thought-provoking reflection on what the Church needs right now.
2. Because it was Catholic Schools Week, there is a plethora of content generated by our schools last week.  Take a glance at the success of Diocese of Grand Rapids, a unique partnership in Cleveland, the vision in Springfield, a new scholarship program in Lincoln, and the challenges of the New Orleans schools.
3. In the Leadership section, the first article from Forbes highlights one of the central problems of leadership—how to give effective positive feedback.  If you’ve struggled (like me) to give timely and authentic positive feedback, this is a great article to read.
4. The next article in the same section is a link to a podcast and accompanying article from Vicki Davis aka the “Cool Cat Teacher” about motivating teachers.  As we enter the doldrums of February, it’s a timely piece to discover suggestions on how to motivate teachers to change with joy.
5. In the Teaching & Learning section, the essay by David Brooks in the New York Times entitled “Students Learn from People They Love” is a great reflection about community and points to one of the reasons for the success of Catholic schools.