More than 400 diocesan teachers gathered Aug. 7 at Mater Dei High School in Breese to listen, to renew old acquaintances and make new friends before diocesan Catholic schools open their doors to new and returning students.
Then everyone got down to business by choosing a breakout session that related to the subject or grade level they would be teaching.
The topics included a wide range of subjects, including celebrating the liturgical year in classrooms. playing math, igniting curiosity, working smarter, and managing classroom emergencies among the presentations.
Connie Barre, retired primary teacher and assistant director for the diocesan Ministry to the Sick and Aged, presented a way to work “smarter, not harder, in learning centers for pre-K-1.
It was a “sold out” presentation, and she had to turn some folks away. She had set up a number of centers so teachers could “practice” what they are now teaching in their classrooms.
The keynote focused on a new approach to adult well being. It was a great day for teachers.