Many teachers describe being “called to teach,” and about 40 percent of Catholic school teachers in the diocese attended a Catholic school themselves. Some have always worked in a Catholic school, while others came later in their career. But all agree that at a Catholic school, they can help cultivate a prayerful environment that is open to encounter with the Lord.

“Every day we begin each class with prayer,” said Pete Bartels, Nouvel Catholic Central (NCC) junior high school theology and social studies instructor.  He is also the faculty advisor for the Spirit Cross Honor Guard, Law Day moderator, quiz bowl and cross country coach.

“We hear about the Catholic saint or feast day for that day and talk about the lives of holy men and women who have gone before us,” he said. “I believe students want to connect their everyday struggles to people who faced great challenges in their own lives at a completely different time and place, some of whom were persecuted by the authorities. And the martyrs, those who gave their lives for the faith whom we hold up in reverence.”

NCC campus minister, Protect Life Club advisor and high school theology instructor Bridget Jacqmain explains she gives her students time with Jesus each day.

“Each of my classes spends time in front of the Blessed Sacrament in our school oratory (chapel) at the beginning of each class,” she said. “If a student is injured or sick or loses a loved one, we are able to simply stop everything else and pray with that person. That is a huge gift and is truly unique to attending a faith-based school.”

Bridget also noted the gift of being able to teach Catholic theology.

“My job is literally to catechize and evangelize, which is the call of every Christian, except they give me an audience who is required to listen every day,” she said.  I try not to waste that responsibility.”

Some teachers, like NCCE kindergarten teacher Rebecca Miller, are deeply aware of the unique ability to pray with their students in class.

“I began my teaching career in the public school system,” Rebecca said. “I struggled with being unable to pray with my students. I had a few students (preschoolers) who would pray before meals in the classroom and I found myself missing that component of education.”

When she came to Nouvel, that all changed.

“Being able to pray with my students and teach them that they can talk to Jesus like a friend ... practicing that kind of prayer and sharing it together is always special.”

Science, too, is full of opportunities to make connections with the Faith.

“I like to be able to include God-based values when teaching science,” said Dave Boswell, who teaches fourth grade general education, math and science. “I tell my students we need to take care of God’s green earth.”

Dave, who also participates in the Department of Natural Resources’s “Salmon in the Classroom” project, also has some fun with his fourth graders when he tells them God, too, was a scientist. After all, he took hydrogen—a flammable element—and oxygen to make water.

If there are behavioral issues in his classroom, Dave can bring up the Ten Commandments and the beatitudes for discussion—something he may not be able to do in a public school.

Mike Kessler, NCCHS social studies and business instructor and varsity basketball coach, commented on how a faith-filled environment fosters dignity and respect for others.

“We have small class sizes, which allows for great discussion,” he said. “We have debate days where students can speak openly about their faith and learn to listen to each other. While students don’t always understand each other’s perspective, they do a great job of drawing each other back to faith. I find they are non-judgmental toward each other. I don’t see the negative peer pressure. We are a community.”

An education that includes daily spiritual development recognizes the whole person: mind, body and soul.

“[We have] the opportunity to pray and praise God daily,” Pete said. “We have great teachers at all levels who care about their work and share their faith.  Strong academics, Mass, chapel, religion classes all contribute to a student’s experience.”

“The ability to come together for class retreats, penance services and weekly Mass is really invaluable,” Bridget said. “Although many schools have service requirements nowadays, we get to tie everything back to the Faith and the social doctrine of the Church ... which makes all of those experiences richer and more meaningful. I appreciate all of the other benefits, too, like smaller class sizes, community atmosphere, quality academics, athletics and extracurriculars.”

Dave emphasizes five primary benefits in a Catholic school education: smaller class-size—with more one-on-one time with students; higher academic expectations; preparing students to be academically and socially responsible; good study habits; and attending church and religion classes.

Rebecca, the kindergarten teacher, also is grateful for the opportunity to praise Jesus with music both in the classroom and in church. Each year she teaches all of the kindergarten students the song, "The Blessing" by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. The students sing the song to their moms during an annual “VIP Tea” school event and have even been invited to share the praise and worship song with a local parish.

“Sending your child to a Catholic school is giving them a firm foundation in Jesus,” she said. “With that faith, they can go on to be world changers helping to spread Jesus' message to everyone they meet.”

“Students learn about morality from the teachings of Christ, which is the basis of everything we do, and our school staff cares deeply for students,” Mike said.

Caring for students and united around a common mission, Pete offers a final perspective.

“Catholic schools across the country have experienced so many changes just since I was at Nouvel in the '80s,” he said. “Yet, two million students currently attend a Catholic school every day in the United States ... that is something to celebrate. All schools—public, private, religious or otherwise—teach values. What is their bottom line? Ours is forming disciples for service to God's kingdom now and preparing souls for eternal life.”