I was so excited to run into so many members of our 2027 Oxford Education Research Symposium Team today at the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Catholic Leadership Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Our research team brings together educational leaders representing multiple universities and numerous (arch)dioceses, united by a shared passion for supporting Catholic schools! There is something special about NCEA gatherings. Much like a family coming together for an out-of-town wedding, these events create opportunities to reconnect, celebrate, collaborate, and enjoy fellowship with colleagues who share a common mission. What a gift! I am honored to conduct research and write alongside these extraordinary educational leaders; 1 Corinthians 12:12—many parts, one body. Pictured: Dr. Joy Roberts, Dr. Michael T. O'Connor, Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling , Dr. Denise Ball, Amanda Zingone, Dr. Jim Rigg, Dr. Christina Mendez-Hall , and Dr. LaTonya Rayford White. Researchers with us in spirit: Lynsie Reavis, Karina Lepkowski, Dr. Aliya Holmes, and Dr. Nicci Dowd. I am grateful for this team! Marymount University Marymount University School of Education Roche Center for Catholic Education - Boston College St. John's University Archdiocese of Miami Catholic Diocese of Arlington Archdiocese of Detroit Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Archdiocese of Omaha Archdiocese of New Orleans Friendzy Co. @fw_xina @mtpoc #OurStoryHisGlory #Oxford2027 #CatholicEducation #SchoolCulture #EducationalLeadership #TeacherRetention #NCEA #Research #SharingTheGood

What a privilege to share the good happening in Catholic education! This week, two inspiring conversations will air on Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball as part of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field series. Episode 7 | Culture by Design, Not by Default Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling, Associate Superintendent of Leadership Development, Archdiocese of Omaha, joins me to explore how intentional leadership, meaningful relationships, and the everyday practices we choose to reinforce help shape positive school cultures. Episode 8 | Clarity and Consistency: Helping Middle School Students Know What Success Looks Like Laura MacDonald, Vice President of Content and Program Development, National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), joins the conversation to reflect on the importance of clear expectations, consistent practices, and helping middle school students understand what success looks like in their learning environments. ...and more GOOD is on the horizon! Beginning in November and continuing through January, I am honored to welcome an extraordinary group of Catholic educational leaders to a new Catholic Leadership Series. These leaders bring decades of experience serving others, strengthening teams, and making a difference in the Catholic school communities and parishes entrusted to their care. I am grateful to welcome these featured guests: Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling– Assistant Superintendent, Archdiocese of Omaha Dr. Joseph Vorbach – Superintendent, Diocese of Arlington Dr. Christina Mendez-Hall – Assistant Superintendent, Diocese of Arlington Dr. Michael T. O'Connor, Ph.D. – Program Director of Outreach and Professional Development, Roche Center for Catholic Education, Boston College Dr. Jennifer Scully, Ed.D. – Interim Vice Provost, Marymount University Rev. John A. Williamson – Pastor, Archdiocese of Baltimore Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson Ed.D. – President, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School Dr. Nancy Baker, Ed.D– Principal, School of the Incarnation, and Adjunct Lead Doctoral Faculty Member, Marymount University Dr. Nicci Dowd – Assistant Professor, Marymount University What a blessing to learn from one another, celebrate the good happening across Catholic education, and share practical wisdom for the good of our profession. Please feel welcome to join the conversation! Episodes can be viewed on YouTube or enjoyed wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. youtube.com/@SharingTheGoodw… Whether during your morning commute, a quiet moment of reflection, or a well-deserved pause in your day, I hope these conversations invite us to learn from one another, reflect on our shared mission, and rediscover the JOY that first called us to serve. We can do so much more together. It is easy to share the good! #SharingTheGood #CatholicEducation #CatholicLeadership #MiddleSchoolCultureBlueprint #SchoolCulture @mtpoc @fw_xina @NCEATALK

There is so much good happening in Catholic education, and so much we can learn from one another. I am thrilled to share the inspiring guest lineup for the upcoming Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball podcast | Catholic Leadership Series, airing November through January. What a gift to enter into conversation with leaders who are serving Catholic education from so many important vantage points: Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling, Archdiocese of Omaha; Dr. Joseph Vorbach and Dr. Christina Mendez-Hall, Catholic Diocese of Arlington; Dr. Michael T. O'Connor, Ph.D., Roche Center for Catholic Education - Boston College; Dr. Jennifer Scully, Ed.D. and Dr. Nicci Dowd, Marymount University; Kelly Branaman, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington; Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson Ed.D., Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School; and Dr. Nancy Baker, Ed.D, School of the Incarnation and Marymount University...and a few guest appearances expected 😉 Across 10 conversations, we will explore purpose, people, courage, clarity, culture, change, capacity, stewardship, and renewal- the real work of leading and serving others well. I am grateful to each of these leaders for generously sharing their experience, wisdom, and time for the benefit of others. We are better when we learn together. Serving Catholic education is life-giving! Please feel welcome to join the conversation beginning in November! Episodes will be available on the Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball YouTube channel, wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts, and shared through the Sharing the Good Facebook page. Catholic education is stronger when we model His light, learn from one another, and remember that none of us leads alone. @loyolapress Marymount Doctor of Education, Online Ed.D. Educational Leadership & Organizational Innovation @marymountu School of Education @fw_xina @mtpoc #CatholicEducation #CultivatingJOY #TheFourPillarsOfJOY #SharingTheGood #GodIsSoGood

Happy Saturday! This is what an educational community looks like... What a gift to spend time in conversation with four university leaders who are deeply committed to the preparation, formation, and ongoing support of Catholic educators: Dr. Michael T. O'Connor, Ph.D., Roche Center for Catholic Education - Boston College Dr. Nicci Dowd, Marymount University, Marymount University School of Education Dr. Aliya Holmes, Ph.D., St. John's University Dr. Clara Hauth, PhD, Marymount University, Marymount Doctor of Education, Online Ed.D. Educational Leadership & Organizational Innovation Episode 3 of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field, “University Lens: Preparing and Supporting Middle School Educators,” was such an encouraging reminder of what is possible when leaders in higher education listen to the needs of teachers and school leaders and come together to ask, “How can we help?” Their closing words to educators were worth carrying forward: “You are not alone. Lean on Christ and those in your orbit.” — Dr. Michael O’Connor “Design for possibilities, not limitations.” — Dr. Nicci Dowd “Lean on God and community...see and use the small things.” — Dr. Aliya Holmes “Give yourself grace, and ask questions...advocate for yourself and others.” — Dr. Clara Hauth Dr. LaTonya Rayford White and I are so grateful to see The Middle School Culture Blueprint coming together as we prepare for its spring 2027 publication with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). These Reflections from the Field continue to reinforce that when we hear the needs of educators and leaders and step forward to honor their voice, share in their wisdom and experience, and offer research and support, we strengthen the entire educational community. Thank you, Michael, Nicci, Aliya, and Clara. The universities you serve are blessed to have you, and Catholic education is stronger because people like you continue to enter into the conversation. Watch youtu.be/LZZo-3XuJ-s or listen wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts. We can do more when we learn, lead, and serve together! #TheFourPillarsofJOY #MiddleSchoolCultureBlueprint

I am excited to share that Dr. Nicci Dowd and I, as Marymount University faculty, have been invited to return to Oxford in March to present the next phase of our research at the Oxford Education Research Symposium for scholarly dialogue and peer review. What makes this opportunity especially meaningful is that we will bring the collective work, wisdom, and perspectives of our entire 2027 Research Team to the conversation. I am honored to work alongside Dr. Nicci Dowd, Dr. Joy Roberts, Dr. Jim Rigg, Dr. LaTonya White, Dr. Aliya Holmes, Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling, Dr. Christina Mendez-Hall, Dr. Michael O’Connor, Karina Lepkowski, Lynsie Reavis, and Amanda Zingone as we continue this research focused on creating and sustaining school cultures where educators thrive. This work represents the culminating phase of a three-year research journey exploring the relationship between leadership, school culture, professional learning, belonging, and educator retention. Our goal has always been larger than simply studying these ideas. We want to translate the research into practical strategies that school leaders can use. This work will culminate in a manuscript written for school leaders, bringing together research, lived experiences, practical strategies, and examples to help leaders intentionally build and sustain positive school cultures where educators and students can flourish. I am grateful for this remarkable team, for Marymount University, and for the opportunity to continue learning alongside scholars and educational leaders from around the world. There is much work ahead, and I am excited for the conversations, collaboration, and learning that will shape what comes next. #SchoolCulture #TeacherRetention #EducationalLeadership #EducationResearch #MarymountUniversity #Oxford #Belonging #EducatorWellbeing