A special group of teachers who just earned master’s degrees in Georgian Court University, Lakewood, found that some of their most memorable lessons didn’t come from the curriculum.

“The program allowed me to work with other Catholic school teachers, and because of the faith-based component, I was able to share my experiences with peers who felt as passionate about Catholic education as I do,” said Thomas Guida, who teaches in Holy Cross Academy, Delran.

The sentiment is shared by the seven Catholic school educators who are the first to finish the GCU program in administration and leadership launched in partnership with the Diocese of Trenton. The cohort included Kathleen Blazewicz, Holy Family School, Lakewood; Jennifer Bumbico, St. Mary School, Middletown; Margaret Kane, St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel; Jane Olving, Mater Dei Prep, Middletown; James Reid, St. John Vianney  High School; Theresa Ritter, Holy Cross Academy, and Guida. 

The 36-credit program focuses on developing leadership skills informed by best practices, current research, mandates and a strong ethical foundation. In addition to traditional master’s degree content, the program offers specific content for success in Catholic schools and helps those who want to move into school leadership. 

“The administrator candidates now understand the legal, budgetary, curricular, supervision, and leadership skills that are needed for sustaining their institutions,” said Dr. Timothy Briles, co-chair of the program.

JoAnn Tier, diocesan moderator of Catholic education and superintendent of schools, commented, “Georgian Court University’s Master of Arts in Administration and Leadership program provides an exceptional opportunity for teachers seeking to become administrators.”

“With a special emphasis on leadership in Catholic schools, it is a natural venue for Catholic school teachers to enhance their learning with a vision for future service as an administrator.  With exposure to necessary leadership skills and the wide array of responsibilities including curriculum and instruction, advancement, finance, marketing and governance, the graduate cohort prepares students for a mission-driven experience that is most rewarding.   It is a pleasure to collaborate with Georgian Court University in this venture as leaders for the future are formed,” said Tier.

For some, the benefit of participating in the program comes from being able to experience the classroom as both a student and instructor.  This helps to incorporate contrasting viewpoints of education to help develop a well-rounded administrator. 

“Students today need positive role models. They need to know and see that perseverance pays off in the end with hard work,” said Ritter. 

For some, another benefit was the small size of the program.

“We bonded as a group of friends; we understood the frustrations of wanting to remain in a Catholic school, while other people advised us to move into public schools,” said Blazewicz.

Beyond teaching, each candidate was required to complete two internships. 

“The internship element allowed me to work closely with administration and further my understanding of what an administrator does each day.  It was the hands-on learning experience that taught me the most about administration,” said Kane.

 Program participants were also expected to study best practices and understand the qualities of successful schools, Dr. Briles added. “They are prepared to take the helm and lead Catholic Schools into the near and distant future.”