Be Our Guest / Brian Disney

Are you called to teach and serve in Catholic schools?

Do you or someone you know have a call to teach? Are you currently working as an educator but looking for a change? Do you or someone you know have the desire to work in a Christ-centered, compassionate and loving environment?

Are you concerned about some of the changes in society and want to make a difference now and for the future?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I encourage you to prayerfully discern if you are being called to work in one of our Catholic schools.

My journey to work in Catholic schools began the first time I recognized God calling me to be a teacher. During my sophomore year of high school, I started tutoring a classmate in geometry. I found great joy (not just happiness) when I saw her lightbulb go off when we were studying. I remember the excitement she had as her grades rose with each successive test or quiz.

During my junior year, I had a couple of great teachers who inspired me even further to pursue a career in education. I have never regretted the decision to be an educator so I could make a difference in the lives of thousands of young people. As the saying goes, “Teachers make all other professions possible.”

I spent the first 28 years of my career in public schools as a teacher, coach, counselor and principal. I was often intrigued by Catholic school positions, but the timing and fit never worked for me until God called me to serve Catholic schools in the summer of 2020.

In the spring of 2021, the timing and fit finally worked perfectly, and I was hired as the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Public schools are extremely necessary and valuable to our communities, state and nation. However, my experience the past two years in Catholic schools has brought great peace, joy and love to my life. I am finally able to fully share my authentic self. I am blessed to attend daily Masses, openly share my faith, join others in prayer, and fully integrate my faith into my work.

Here are some perspectives from current Catholic school teachers on being “Called to Teach.”

• “I choose to teach at a Catholic school because my faith is an integral part of my life. The attacks of 9/11 occurred during my first year of teaching. In the afternoon with my eighth graders, who were afraid and questioning, the only action I could offer was prayer. So, we prayed together. I knew then that I did not want to leave and teach at an institution where I would have to put my faith in a box and hide the tremendous gift of truth and peace that God offers from those most precious to us—our children. I have remained as a teacher because so many of our youths need examples of people living out their faith in a world that continues to try to strip it away.”

• “My entire 23-year career was spent in a Catholic school. This is the school my 10 siblings and I attended, and it is the school all four of my children attended and graduated from. I have always felt honored and blessed to answer this call! Sharing Jesus with my students and watching them grow in age, wisdom and grace has been a great joy. The administrative and parental support I have is unparalleled, and I am absolutely respected as an educator. Thanks be to God!”

• “My initial reason for working at a Catholic school was to set the example of what I believed in for my own children. I stay at a Catholic school because I like living my faith with my students. We are allowed to talk about God and make him part of our everyday routine. We pray every day. When things are going well, we pray in thanksgiving of the blessings we’ve been given. When problems come, we pray for God’s help in getting through this and the faith to know he is with us always. I know I am teaching my students academically and spiritually to be prepared for their adult lives. I teach in a Catholic school because I can talk about my faith and the love of Jesus. My Catholic school years as a child were my best learning experiences!”

• “I choose to teach in a Catholic school because of the sense of family and community shared within the parish. Everyone within our community helps; the expression, ‘It takes a village,’ is put into action every day within our school and church.”

• “I teach in a Catholic school because it reflects the diversity of my Church, my community and my faith. My students come from almost every continent, from a hundred different countries, [and] a thousand different backgrounds. I celebrate the many opinions, experiences and viewpoints they bring into my classroom on a regular basis. Their stories are even more amazing when they realize the common threads they share—not just their faith in God, but other characteristics as well. It is a blessing to be a part of such a rich tapestry of backgrounds.”

• “I chose teaching at a Catholic school because I have always had positive, uplifting experiences with faithful members of the Catholic Church. I’m continually impressed by their worldwide ministering, giving aid and comfort both physically and spiritually to humanity, Christian or not. Teaching where faith in Jesus Christ is not silenced, but rather, encouraged as an integral part of education and in every aspect of our lives has been so liberating. It’s an honor and miracle to have the opportunity to work in a Catholic school. I am profoundly grateful for mingling daily with administrators and co-workers who care so deeply for the well-being of one another and the students we teach.”

• “I choose to teach at a Catholic school because it helps me practice living my faith throughout my entire day while being surrounded by others who are doing the same.”

If you feel inspired to serve in our Catholic schools as a teacher, administrator, instructional assistant or support staff member, I invite you to learn more. A list of current open positions is available at archindy.applicantpro.com/jobs. Assistant Superintendent Joe Hansen will also be hosting virtual job fairs on June 27 and July 11. Contact him at jhansen@archindy.org for more information. Serving as an educator at our Catholic schools is a gift and a blessing. Please discern joining our team.

(Brian Disney is archdiocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools.) †