Preparing future teachers for Alberta's Catholic Schools

Jack Kelly
Trustee, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Board

Demographics tell a story. Any look around a group of teachers in Catholic schools in Alberta will quickly clue you in to one stark fact: the teaching force is aging quickly! Those with foresight are already planning for replacements. But what type of skill set in faith formation and catechetical skills is necessary for teachers in Catholic schools in the 21st century?

St. Joseph's College, the Catholic college at the University of Alberta, has a long history of serving the faith needs of the Church at the university level. In the past decade, spurred on by both emerging demographics and far sighted policy changes of Edmonton Catholic Schools, SJC has developed both core courses and options specifically suited to those students who intend to pursue a ministry of service in Catholic schools.

Three courses form the core offerings for aspiring Catholic teachers. In CHRTC 250 (The Theological Education of the Catholic Teacher) students are exposed to a survey of Catholic Theology. This course has a particular "Wow" factor as many of the students may not have come from strongly faith active homes. As the semester develops and the young people experience such issues as Principles of Faith, Introduction to Scriptures, Church and Sacrament, and Morality, Sin and Reconciliation, you can see them soaking in the information like sponges. Deep theological questions abound in every class. Students are amazed at what they didn't know and are equally enthralled with what they learn.

Upon completion of their first course, one of two choices remains. Depending on their specialization, they may either take CHRTC 380 (Christian Religious Education and the Child) or CHTRC 381 (Christian Religious Education and the Adolescent / Young Adult). These two courses move away from the fundamentals of theology and aim instead at the delivery of curriculum in a fully permeated Catholic school environment. Topics might include: Teaching as Vocation, The Language of Catechesis, Adapting to Different Faith Backgrounds, Use of Scripture in Teaching, and Using Technology to Enhance Faith. Participating students comment that this second course adds a practical, faith-based foundation to their pre-service preparation in the Faculty of Education.

These three core Religious Education offerings are available in numerous sections throughout the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. As well, beginning in September 2009, all three will be offered online. This development will meet the needs of pre-service teachers in post secondary programs in smaller centers as well as individual teachers who want to upgrade their own backgrounds through an academic experience.

In addition to the required courses, St. Joseph's College also offers options for individuals who wish to pursue a minor in Christian Theology. Two of these are CHRTC 350 (Science and Religion) and CHRTC 351 (Human Sexuality and Marriage).

As we look to the future of Catholic education in our province we need to take into account the need for spiritual formation for young teachers. This generation is different and, for many of them, specific formation in an academic setting is the best way to provide the necessary faith perspective to minister to the needs of our students and be faithful members of the Church.