Purpose

THE INITIATIVE was founded in 2016 to develop a pool of qualified school leaders trained in urban education for Catholic schools, in particular.  THE INITIATIVE provides networking opportunities and ongoing professional development for current and aspiring school leaders. Additionally, THE INITIATIVE helps members identify school leadership positions in the Independence Mission Schools, parish elementary schools, archdiocesan high schools, and private Catholic schools.

Programs

Ongoing Professional Development and Networking

The Network provides a number of professional development sessions.  Past sessions include:

“Journey to the Doctorate”, Gesu School, Panelists:

  • Dr. Camille Brown, Asst. Superintendent, Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Dr. Ricardo Phipps, LaSalle University
  • Dr. Kenneth Waters, Harcum College
“Community Collaboration” Mercy Career & Technical High School
  • Mr. Otis Hackney, Chief Academic Officer, City of Philadelphia, speaker
Ongoing Professional Development and Networking
  • Dr. Camille Brown, Asst. Superintendent, Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Dr. Ricardo Phipps, LaSalle University
  • Dr. Kenneth Waters, Harcum College
“Self-Care and Mentoring the Next Generation of Urban Educators”, Cabrini University
  • Dr. Ronald Whitaker, speaker
“Addressing Trauma in our Students” Saint Thomas Aquinas School
  • Mr. Jonathan Jackson, speaker
“Inter-Generational Summit on School Leaders” – Adult School

Leaders met with High School Leaders from the Monsignor Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund, Cabrini University

  • Rev. Stephen Thorne, speaker and facilitator

The Black Catholic School Leader Network

As of 2019, there is one African-American principal at a Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  To date, there has never been an African-American principal in either a private Catholic high school or an archdiocesan high school within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Through generous funding from the Martin de Porres Foundation, The Black Catholic School Leader Network (The Network) provides financial support to qualified applicants working toward principal certification who seek to serve in Catholic elementary and high schools within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NETWORK, INTERESTED EDUCATORS MUST:

  • Be employed as an educator in a Catholic school within the five county Archdiocese of Philadelphia
  • Be admitted to a principal certification program (and graduate degree program, if necessary) at an accredited Catholic college or university
  • Apply to The Network via The INITIATIVE
  • Complete an interview with The Network Committee which consists of the Convener of The INITIATIVE, the Executive Director of the Martin de Porres Foundation, and one alum from The Network
  • Submit course university invoices in a timely fashion so they can be paid by the Foundation