JPII Faculty deepen understanding of Classical Education, teaching vocation at 2026 ICLE Conference
JPII Faculty attending the 2026 ICLE Conference stop for a photo on the steps of St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, OH
“The task of the educator is to bring the soul from the shadows of ignorance into the light of truth.”
- St. Catherine of Siena
July 21, 2026 - The 2026 ICLE National Conference - JPII faculty’s favorite way to prepare for the upcoming school year! Each year, the ICLE Conference provides a great opportunity for JPII faculty to rekindle their dedication to the renewal of Catholic learning and to refine their teaching practice in alignment with JPII’s educational mission.
Inspired by the words above from St. Catherine and the compelling scene depicted in Caravaggio’s “The Calling of Saint Matthew,” the theme of this year’s conference was Stepping into the Light. The conference placed special emphasis on how Catholic liberal education moves hearts, minds, and the world toward “Stepping into the Light,” at Christ’s invitation to, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9).
Caravaggio, The Calling of Saint Matthew, 1609
Lower School teacher Ms. Simons expressed deep gratitude for the time spent with her fellow faculty members - especially the new faces on our teaching staff - at the ICLE Conference. She also shared that she looks forward to implementing new teaching approaches from the conference in her classroom during the upcoming school year.
One of the breakout sessions Ms. Simons attended explored best practices for enriching history instruction in grades 2-5. The session provided practical tips for incorporating visual, kinesthetic, and recitative elements into history lessons, helping students engage more deeply with the material while fostering a lasting love of learning.
Ms. Simons with Sr. Amata Christi O.P., breakout session leader and dear friend of Ms. Simons
Other keynotes and breakout sessions attended by JPII Faculty included:
“Mathematics and the Sacramental Imagination” - on the beauty of Mathematics and how visible, material things in God’s material world reveal their invisible, immaterial perfections
“Healing the Hearts of Our Youth” - how Catholic educators can invite students into a life-changing encounter with Christ and foster true healing from the inside out
“An Embodied Education: Before the Liberal Arts” - how each young person's heart requires an initial encounter with the warmth and light of real things before the liberal arts can be fruitfully engaged
“Educating the Heart Through Narration” - shaping the hearts of students through storytelling in the classroom
“Priest Panel: How Pastors Build a Vibrant School Culture” - practical strategies for cultivating a Christ-centered culture and fostering a vibrant spiritual life within their Catholic parish schools
The 2026 ICLE Conference concluded in the joy of song with the Hillbilly Thomists, following a closing address from Mr. Jon Dejak of the USCCB Secretariat for Catholic Education on the theme of human freedom in light of America's 250th anniversary. Mr. Dejak concluded by sharing a quote from St. Thomas More: “I think that if any good thing shall go forward, something must be adventured.” His words inspired attendees to renew their shared commitment to forming the next generation of saints and leaders.
Ms. Fletcher and Mr. Dejak, USCCB Secretariat for Catholic Education
Upper School faculty member Ms. Fletcher said she left the conference renewed by the strong sense of camaraderie among the educators in attendance.
“The JPII community has joined an international movement of bishops, priests, religious, and laity” said Ms. Fletcher. “Faithful sons and daughters of the Church pursuing the authentic flourishing of the human person through the education of the whole human person.”
From the inspiring presentations to the final triumphant strains of "Oh God Beyond All Praising," sung by more than 500 educators in St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio, our teachers left the 2026 ICLE Conference strengthened and made ready for another year's joyful labor.
“The conference felt like a retreat to me. I came away feeling filled up by the profound insights offered there, by the friendships with my fellow teachers, and by the immersion in the beautiful liturgy and sacraments. This experience…has renewed my sense of wonder and has reminded me of the profound vocation that I live as a teacher.”
- Ms. Chouinard, JPII Math & Science Instructor
St. John Paul II Academy is an ICLE Premier Member School. To learn more about the ICLE and what it means to be a Premier Member School, please visit https://catholicliberaleducation.org/