By Al Vu, SDB, Province Coordinator of Education and Schools
(Los Angeles, California) – The annual Catholic Leadership Summit (CLS), sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), took place in Seattle from October 13–16 with the theme “Answering the Call, Leading the Way.” I had the privilege of joining Catholic school superintendents, network leaders, and coordinators from various religious orders to discuss key topics in leadership, innovation, and faith formation. This gathering addressed the unique challenges of modern education, especially the rise of technology and the need to integrate Catholic identity into our schools. Our discussions on the intersection of faith and education resonated deeply with our vocation as educational leaders.
One of the standout moments was the keynote given by Dan Fitzpatrick’s keynote on “Five Leadership Virtues in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).” He emphasized how AI is reshaping not only the way we teach but also how we lead, exploring its transformative potential in education and introducing five essential virtues for education leaders: adaptability, lifelong learning, inclusivity, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. These virtues are crucial for maintaining a human-centered, faith-based approach in Catholic education. This aligns with the legacy of Don Bosco, who effectively used the technology of his time for educating and evangelizing the young. As Salesian educators, we are similarly called to harness AI to enhance our educational efforts while staying true to our mission.
Governance was another key topic, focusing on best practices for collaborating with governing boards. I shared insights from our Board of Trustees at Don Bosco Technical Institute, highlighting effective board leadership and our commitment to the school’s charismatic mission. The introduction of the “Governance and Leadership Monograph” by the NCEA provided actionable strategies for aligning governance standards with our Catholic identity. I aim to integrate this shared leadership framework into our province alongside our Salesian Standards and Benchmarks. Discussions on the “National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools (NSBECS)” further underscored the importance of sustainable leadership and strategies for supporting school infrastructure, ultimately advancing academic excellence and faith formation. These conversations validated our newly approved governance standards, affirming that we are on the right path to ensuring the lasting impact of our Salesian Network.
A presentation by experts from Boston College’s Roche Institute for Catholic Education highlighted effective governance through the concept of accompaniment. Their emphasis on building community relationships, especially between governing boards and school leadership, resonated with our Salesian educational approach. Their insights into fostering shared leadership models reinforced that effective governance is a collaborative, faith-filled effort essential for our schools’ sustainability and growth.
CLS also provided a valuable networking platform that fostered deep reflection. Engaging with other Catholic educational leaders and experts sparked thought-provoking dialogues on effective collaboration across our institutions. These conversations laid the groundwork for partnerships that could drive lasting innovation in Catholic education and enhance our Salesian Network’s effectiveness. Discussions on collaborative governance and integrating emerging technologies like AI encouraged us to envision a shared future for our schools, emphasizing our collective purpose as leaders in Catholic education.
Ultimately, CLS 2024 was a transformative experience that emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in faith while navigating the complexities of a changing educational landscape. It served as a powerful reminder of our collective mission to lead with both conviction and creativity. As I left this year’s CLS, I felt inspired and compelled to implement the insights gained, eager to explore the possibilities that lie ahead within our province and across our Salesian Network of Schools.
