More than 150 Catholic educators and administrators from across the Mid-Atlantic gathered at Marymount University’s Ballston Center for the Regional Catholic School Leadership Conference Aug. 6.
Centered on the theme “Rooted in Mission: Ready for the Future,” the conference invited school leaders to reconnect with their purpose, strengthen their leadership and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the upcoming school year.
The conference welcomed leaders from five dioceses: the Arlington diocese, the Archdioceses of Washington and Baltimore, and the dioceses of Wilmington, Del., and Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va.
Conference co-organizer Denise Ball, lecturer in Marymount’s school of education, said the event was designed to remind educators that they are not alone in navigating the increasing demands of school leadership.
“We are really focusing on how we can inspire joy,” Ball said. “Current national trends show that more and more teachers are leaving the classroom because they feel disconnected from themselves and those around them. We wanted to provide a space where Catholic educators could come together in fellowship and really experience the love and joy this community has to offer.”
Attendees also received encouragement and gratitude from Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in his keynote address.
“I speak on behalf of my brother bishops of the dioceses and archdioceses represented here today in saying thank you for being Catholic educators,” Bishop Burbidge said. “I know the hours you put in. I know the dedication and perseverance it requires to show up every day and do this important work. You are so essential to the Church’s ongoing ministry.”
He challenged educators to remain grounded in prayer as they face the everyday challenges of leadership.
“Go up to the holy mountain every day and be alone with the Lord,” he said. “Allow Him to speak to you, refresh you, and console you before you begin your work each day. Only then can you accept that beautiful invitation to be a Catholic leader who proclaims the Good News.”
Following the bishop’s address, attendees had the opportunity to explore educational resources provided by vendor sponsors before heading to breakout sessions and panel discussions.
Sessions were centered around the most pressing issues facing Catholic schools today, including teacher retention, student mental health, school culture and building communities where students and faculty feel a strong sense of belonging. Educators also engaged in conversations about the increasing prevalence of AI in the classroom.
Attendee LaSandra Hayes, principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Landover Hills, Md., said the conference gave her a “renewed enthusiasm” for Catholic education.
“I’m so glad I came. This has given me such a great opportunity to grow as a school leader,” Hayes said. “I was already excited for the school year, but I feel as though this conference has fueled my desire to be the best leader I can be for my students and teachers.”
The conference saw several returning attendees, including Louis De Angelo, Wilmington’s Catholic schools superintendent.
“I brought 12 of my administrators because I think it’s so important for school leaders to have a sense of camaraderie and shared success,” he said. “Events like these give us invaluable opportunities to unite around our common mission as Catholic educators.”
Marymount alumnus Joe Vorbach (class of 2013), Arlington Catholic schools superintendent, co-organized the event with Ball and is looking ahead to what next year’s conference could look like.
“Catholic school leaders from the region are really taking advantage of this opportunity and we are already working on ways to provide more value for them next year,” Vorbach said. “We will look to incorporate more scenario-based workshops into the agenda, allowing leaders to problem solve together, benefiting from one another’s wisdom and experience.”
Jessica Marotta, director of Marymount’s school of education, shared her hope that events such as these can give educators an opportunity to support one another now and in the future.
“As the new school year approaches, we are all called to step up and lead our communities with courage, creativity, hope and innovation,” Marotta said in her address. “We hope that you leave here today feeling encouraged, inspired and energized to take on that challenge and continue the good work you are doing.”
