Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

More than 3,000 teachers and administrators gathered on April 22 at the Orange County Convention Center for the National Catholic Educational Association conference in Orlando. The event began with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop John Noonan, Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of Dubuque, Iowa, Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer of Atlanta, and Father Nate Wills.

Throughout the conference, attendees participated in 150 mini-sessions covering topics such as artificial intelligence, praying with art, spirituality in schools, and implementing Laudato Sí in classrooms.

Alicia Abbey, principal of Morning Star Catholic School in Orlando, discussed how her school provides differentiated instruction. It is located alongside St. Charles Borromeo and Bishop Moore High School and serves students with disabilities. Abbey explained that “differentiated instruction helps build an inclusive environment,” allowing educators to emulate Jesus's teaching style by fostering compassion and inclusivity. "That’s what inclusion in education is and we want our audience to know they can do it at their school too," she added.

Brea Smith from Annunciation Academy in Altamonte Springs recounted her experience with teacher Nazly Cabral managing the loss of a student. It led them to reassess their roles as Catholic instructors. Smith noted that, despite challenges, students displayed empathy beyond expectations. “They were very quiet and calm,” she observed, noting the support provided by counselors and administrators during this time.

Christine McNerney, a theology teacher from Melbourne Central Catholic, attended her first NCEA convention and valued the experience of the opening Mass. “You want (the students) to have that abundant life,” she mentioned, emphasizing the importance of theology.

Jeanette Cohn, a veteran teacher at St. Joseph School in Palm Bay, sought insights on spiritual leadership. She stated, “Catholic schools cannot be true to their identity without Catholic leadership that is a strong and vibrant role model for the kids,” highlighting the impact educators can have on students’ spiritual development.

Diocese of Orlando Superintendent Erika Wikstrom spoke on the theme “Be the Light,” stressing the need for "light that is grounded in compassion, truth, and Christ Himself." She appreciated the educators' efforts and quoted Pope Francis, emphasizing that “education is an act of hope.”

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic Staff, April 24, 2025