The Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS), part of St. John’s University School of Education, offers resources to Catholic P-12 education partners in the New York City area. A key initiative is the Catholic School Teacher Scholarship, which helps educators in Catholic schools afford graduate degrees or advanced certificates.

Ellie Siwicki, a recent alumna and Assistant Principal of The Mary Louis Academy Middle School (TMLA), credits her education at St. John’s University for her success in her new role. She describes her responsibilities: "I will ensure that The Mary Louis Academy Middle School is ready to open on September 3." Her tasks include hiring teachers, designing classrooms, purchasing curriculum, and recruiting students. Siwicki emphasizes the comprehensive nature of her role: "Once these responsibilities are complete, it will be my job to meet with middle school teachers... essentially, everything at TMLA Middle School is my responsibility!"

Siwicki attributes her readiness for this position to The School of Education's M.S.Ed in School Building Leadership degree program and SBL certification: "Without the School of Education, I would not have this job." Her internship and capstone courses provided practical experience and exam preparation.

Her goal at TMLA Middle School is to create an academically rigorous environment while addressing learning loss due to the pandemic: "My goal is to create an academically rigorous, yet welcoming, learning environment for all students."

Siwicki has been with The Mary Louis Academy since 2018 and has held various roles including teaching social studies across grades and moderating clubs. She advises aspiring assistant principals to seize leadership opportunities within their current schools.

Looking ahead, Siwicki plans to focus on promoting TMLA Middle School and recruiting more students: "Interested families can contact me directly." She aims to strengthen the relationship between The Mary Louis Academy and St. John’s University by engaging middle school students early on.