There was something particularly meaningful about Episode 3 of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field. Four university leaders, representing the Roche Center for Catholic Education, Boston College, Marymount University, and St. John’s University, came together around a shared question:
How can universities better prepare, support, and walk alongside the educators and leaders serving our Catholic schools?
Dr. Michael O’Connor, Dr. Nicci Dowd, Dr. Aliya Holmes, and Dr. Clara Hauth each brought a different lens to the conversation, including professional learning, teacher preparation, innovation and partnership, and educational leadership. Yet throughout the discussion, a common message emerged. Higher education has an important opportunity not simply to prepare people before they enter schools, but to remain connected to the field, listen to its needs, and continue learning alongside the educators doing the work each day.
The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field
Episode 3 | University Lens: Preparing and Supporting Middle School Educators
That spirit of partnership matters! Our teachers and school leaders are navigating increasingly complex responsibilities while remaining focused on the students and families entrusted to their care. Universities can be important partners in that work through relevant professional learning, leadership development, research, teacher preparation, and meaningful school-university partnerships. The strongest partnerships, however, are not built around universities deciding what schools need. They begin with listening. They invite practitioners into the conversation, connect research with classroom realities, and recognize that knowledge flows in both directions. Universities have much to offer schools, but schools also have much to teach universities.
Perhaps the most powerful moment came as each panelist offered a final word of encouragement to educators. Dr. Michael O’Connor reminded them, “You are not alone. Lean on Christ and those in your orbit.” Dr. Nicci Dowd encouraged educators to “Design for possibilities, not limitations.” Dr. Aliya Holmes reminded us to lean on God and community and to recognize the importance of the small things. Dr. Clara Hauth encouraged educators to “Give yourself grace, and ask questions…advocate for yourself and others.” Different words, yet a common thread that community, relationships, and formation all essential, and that none of us was meant to do this important work alone.
As Dr. LaTonya White and I continue preparing The Middle School Culture Blueprint for publication with the National Catholic Educational Association in spring 2027, I am increasingly grateful for the voices entering these Reflections from the Field conversations. Teachers, principals, diocesan leaders, pastors, and university colleagues are reminding us that strong middle school cultures are built when people are willing to listen, share what they have learned, and contribute their gifts for the good of others.
Michael, Nicci, Aliya, and Clara are blessings to the universities they serve, and their willingness to invest in the formation and support of educators is a beautiful example of educational community in action. This is what it looks like when we stop thinking in silos and begin asking what we can accomplish together!
Please be encouraged to listen, engage, and join the conversation.
We can do more–together!
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
Denise M. Ball, Ed.D.
Retired Catholic Education Leader | Author | Researcher | Consultant
Assistant Professor
Marymount University
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