Krista Willertz, Catholic identity and curriculum coordinator for the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Saginaw, joined educators from Saint Brigid Catholic School at the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) National Conference July 17 through 20 in Pittsburg.

St. Brigid is partnering with ICLE to implement additions to their curriculum that will be based in the liberal arts and sciences. This upcoming school year will be focused on the math and science curricula in all grades, as well as adding Latin, PE, art, drama and band to the middle school classes.

The ICLE 11th Annual National Conference brought together educators, administrators, speakers and vendors who seek to reimagine our Catholic schools by returning to deep, authentic Catholic teaching. The liberal arts pedagogy (teaching method) is grounded in Truth, Goodness and Beauty. Students are guided to be curious and ask deep questions, leading to a better understanding of the world around them. The liberal arts approach forms deep thinkers who excel in all academic areas (including math and science), outperforming their public and private school peers across the board, due to their deep understanding of how the world works and their ability to think deeply and express themselves well in the spoken and written word.

Examples of sessions the St. Brigid and diocesan staff attended include: "Crafting Hand and Heart: A Liberal Arts Approach to Cultivating Virtuous Student Behavior," "Teaching Love of the Invisible Through the Visible: The Necessity of Music in Liturgy and Curriculum" and "Teaching Science in a Way That Inspires Curiosity and Joy," among more than 50 others. Speakers such as Father Robert Spitzer and Bishop James Conley presented on matters like science-based apologetics and the joy and wonder of education.

This year's conference theme was "Cause of Our Joy," and the attendees were inspired by the artist Ingres's masterpiece 'The Virgin Adoring the Host,' which was displayed all over the campus of Duquesne University, where the conference was held.

Learn more about ICLE here.