Exploring Faith-Based Teaching: A Path to Certification
Are you enthusiastic about shaping young minds and making a difference in your community? Pursuing teacher certification through a faith-centered program offers a unique opportunity to combine your educational aspirations with your commitment to service. With hands-on training, mentorship, and a focus on social justice, these programs empower you to become an educator that transforms lives.
The intersection of faith and passion for teaching
For individuals seeking to become certified teachers, faith-based teaching programs present a unique and meaningful pathway. They blend educational rigor with spiritual development to prepare educators to inspire students academically, spiritually, and morally – offering an enriching educational experience that combines personal beliefs with professional aspirations.
The Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers (PACT) program has been educating these special teachers since its founding at Providence College in 2001. It is one of just two programs in New England to offer this distinctive teacher preparation program through its membership in the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE), which includes the University of Notre Dame, Boston College, and Santa Clara University.
At its foundation, the PACT program serves to fill the need for educators in local Catholic schools. In return for a tuition-free master’s degree, PACT teachers dedicate two years of shared life in an intentional Christian community with fellow PACT teachers. They serve as teachers of language arts, English literature, British and American literature, history, biology, chemistry, mathematics, World Languages, Catholic theology, and other subject areas. They also coach sports teams, function as advisors to students, and are leaders of school retreats.
Program Timeline
PACT teachers commit to two summers and two academic years of coursework and full-time teaching.
Summer 1
PACT teachers report to Providence College at the end of May for program orientation, followed by one week of orientation and observation in their placement school. Summer programming includes seven weeks of intensive master’s degree coursework followed by placement into their PACT community houses before the start of the school year.
School Year 1
As full-time Catholic educators, teachers serve their students and school communities while continuing their master’s degree studies, including returning to campus for community, spirituality, program events, and class events as required by their degree track.
Summer 2
Teaching concludes in June and teachers return to Providence College for intensive coursework.
School Year 2
Teachers continue their service and learning in their ministry as professional educators with time on campus as determined by their degree program needs.
Spiritual life, community, and professional support
Providence College alum Jacqueline Michels ’19, ’21G, who graduated summa cum laude with dual bachelor’s degrees in history and secondary education and a minor in art history, earned her M.Ed. in secondary education through PACT. She was grateful for the opportunity to advance her education in a financially responsible manner, citing reduced housing costs and a stipend that made it feasible for her to do so.
“One of the hallmarks of the program was the community we created. Living and working with fellow PACT teachers served as the foundation for a unique bond that I hope will continue for a lifetime,” she said.
During the 2020 and 2021 academic years, Michels taught at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where she also served as dance team coach, and at St. Mary’s School in Worcester, Massachusetts. She now teaches high school history in Rhode Island and is pursuing a second master’s degree in history at Providence College.
While Michels joined the PACT program as a fully credentialed education major, most PACT teachers have a liberal arts major and are thinking about teaching, according to Chris Keavy, PACT program director.
“We are able to welcome them to the program and provide the professional teacher training they need while providing hands-on experience to them as full-time Catholic school teachers,” he said. “PACT teachers are highly sought after. The principals at our partner schools are so happy to hire PACT teachers – they’re faithful, they’re idealistic, and they’re well-trained.”
Chris Myron, principal of St. Patrick Academy in Providence, Rhode Island, concurs. “Throughout the years, it has been a rewarding experience to work with PACT teachers as they learn and grow in their ministry to serve and educate students,” he said. “PACT teachers bring a special energy and positive dynamic to a school because they embody our hope for the future and stand as approachable role models for students. Partnering with the PACT program has strengthened many Catholic schools both spiritually and academically.”
For more information about how you can become a certified teacher through PACT, contact Keavy at ckeavy@providence.edu.
