Every Child Deserves to be Welcomed, Served, and Celebrated

Photo Credit: Beth Foraker, National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

As 2017 draws to a close, I am reminded of this passage from the Gospel of Matthew. The Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) has had an invigorating 2017, traveling the country and partnering with Catholic schools to pursue the mission of inclusive education. Our work has just begun, and PIE continues to ask, seek, and knock on behalf of ALL students.

The Program for Inclusive Education's inaugural year has been inspiring, yet humbling. PIE welcomed its first cohort - 18 educators who are halfway through the 18-credit hour programming. We could not have been more blessed with these amazing educators and their hearts for serving all students. Our team has collectively delivered 18 professional development opportunities, provided four keynote addresses, presented six workshops/presentations at regional and national conferences across nine states from coast to coast and participated in the first Catholic High School Inclusion Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Through these experiences, there are two things that have been wholeheartedly affirmed. Number one - the need, call, and desire to open our doors to all students in Catholic schools are evident. And number two - inspiring people all across the United States with many gifts and special hearts are serving this mission, and PIE is humbled to be working alongside each of them.

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given"; Isaiah 9:6

This season of Advent we wait in joyful hope - hope for a child that will bring everlasting justice to Earth.

In many ways, we wait in hope for justice. During this time of waiting, the Program for Inclusive Education continues to hope, advocate, and provide support for Catholic schools to educate inclusively. As we prepare our hearts for Jesus, we pray that Catholic schools are preparing to include ALL His children.

Every child is a blessing and deserves the gift of Catholic school education; the gift to be Welcomed, Served, and Celebrated.

 Learn more on how you can become an Inclusive Educator at ace.nd.edu/inclusion/apply