Catholic School Fellows
Catholic School Fellows
The Catholic School Fellows (CSF) initiative is a two year graduate program that includes living, learning, and discerning components. This program allows fellows to engage in a formative educational placement within a Catholic high school setting while simultaneously pursuing a specialized Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction and living in an intentional community committed to formation as Catholic school educators.
About the Program
This program is a partnership between a group of New England Catholic high schools, the Catholic Schools Foundation, and Boston College. The mission of this program is to recruit and retain a diverse pool of promising young educators from within school alumni and their communities. Candidates are by invitation only and nominated by participating schools.
Experience in the classroom
In their Catholic high school-based placements, students will be exposed to a variety of school life experiences, be provided support and mentorship, and be fully immersed in the school community.
Fellowship support
Students will participate in monthly fellowship meetings to share experiences, monitor progress, and develop a sense of community and mutual support among the fellows.
Intentional community living
Live in intentional faith-based community housing and learn in a supportive environment where faith is actively engaged with, individuals are loved and supported, and all experiences and perspectives are shared and respected. By living in a community, you'll participate in cohort-based formative opportunities and receive one-on-one academic advising.
Monthly stipend and free housing
Receive a $700 non-service stipend payment each month over the two years of your participation in the program. In addition, CSF covers all rent and utilities in the required CSF community housing.
Tuition remission
CSF covers the cost of the 30 credit hours for the Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College.
At a Glance
Curriculum
This program follows a specialized version of the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, which is a 10-course, 30-credit program of study.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC7421 | Instructional Theory This provides an in-depth review of modern instructional models classified into selected families with regard to perception of knowledge, the learner, curriculum, instruction, and evaluation. Each student will be asked to survey models in his/her own field(s) and to select, describe, and defend a personal theory in light of today's educational settings based upon personal experiences, reflection on current research, and contemporary issues central to the education of all learners. | 3 |
| EDUC7436 | Curriculum Theories and Practice Asks teachers to analyze the philosophical underpinnings of educational practices. Also asks teachers to examine their own philosophies of education and to construct meaning and practice from the interplay between their beliefs and alternative theories. Designed for individuals advanced in their professional development. | 3 |
| EDUC6373 | Classroom Management Focuses on observation and description of learning behaviors, with emphasis on examining the relationship of teacher behavior and student motivation. Prepares teachers to analyze behavior in the context of a regular classroom setting that serves moderate special needs students and to select, organize, plan, and promote developmentally appropriate behavior management strategies that support positive learning. Also considers theoretical models of discipline and classroom management strategies, and requires students to propose and develop a rationale for selection of specific techniques for specific classroom behaviors. | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC7156 | Special Topics: Models of Teaching and Learning in Catholic Education This course will examine past, current, and potential future models of Catholic schooling. Special attention will be given to the philosophical and historical foundations of Catholic schooling and how these foundations are lived out in pedagogical and curricular approaches used in contemporary Catholic primary and secondary schools. Additional time will be spent in analyzing how Catholic educational models are evolving to continue to carry out the mission of Catholic education in changing contexts. | 3 |
| ELHE7505 | Transforming the Field of Catholic Education This course explores the history, purpose, current status, and possible futures of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. Students will become conversant with the body of scholarly literature, theoretical and empirical, that defines the field of Catholic education. Though the primary focus will be on Catholic schools in the United States, the course will explore how we can learn from the experience of other religiously affiliated schools here and abroad, and from the experience of Catholic educators worldwide. Special attention will be devoted to how the Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy can be a resource for educators in Jesuit and non-Jesuit schools. | 3 |
Select from this list of electives:
Curriculum & Instruction
- EDUC6300 Secondary/Middle School Science Methods
- EDUC6301 Secondary/Middle School History Methods
- EDUC6302 Secondary/Middle School English Methods
- EDUC6303 Foreign Language Pedagogy
- EDUC6304 Secondary/Middle School Math Methods
- EDUC6346 Teaching Bilingual Students
- EDUC6347 Teaching Bilingual Students in Secondary Schools
- EDUC6363 Survey of Children's Literature
- EDUC6373 Classroom Management
- EDUC6374 Supporting Positive Behavior in Schools and Community
- EDUC6384 Teaching Strategies for Students with Low Incidence and Multiple Disabilities
- EDUC3386 Introduction to Sign Language and Deafness
- EDUC6389 Assessment of Students with Low Incidence and Multiple Disabilities
- EDUC7435 Social Contexts of Education
- EDUC7438 Educating Learners with Disabilities
- EDUC7447 Literacy and Assessment in the Secondary School
- EDUC6495 Human Development and Disabilities
- EDUC7520 Mathematics and Technology
- EDUC7529 Social Studies and the Arts
- EDUC7542 Teaching Reading in the Elementary School
- EDUC7543 Teaching Language Arts
- EDUC7546 Teaching About the Natural World
- EDUC7579 Educational Assessment of Learning Problems
- EDUC6593 Introduction to Speech and Language Disorders
- EDUC6595 Assessment and Instruction for Students with Reading Difficulty
- EDUC7621 Bilingualism, Second Language and Literacy Development
- EDUC6674 Math Problem Solving, 4-12
- EDUC9729 Controversies in Curriculum and Instruction
Leadership
- ELHE 7505 Transforming the Field of Catholic Education
- ELHE 7704 Ethics and Equity in Education
- ELHE 7707 Leadership for Social Justice
- ELHE 7702 Educational Policy in Practice
- ELHE 7705 Educational Policy Analysis
- EDUC 6589 Teaching and Learning Strategies
- ELHE 7701 Introduction to Educational Leadership and Change
- ELHE 7711 Using Data and Evidence for School Improvement
- ELHE 7103 Educational Law and Public Policy
Requirements
- Courses: 10
- Credits: 30
- Comprehensive Exam
Become a school partner
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Learn how your school can Get involved
In partnership with New England Catholic secondary schools, the Lynch School of Education and Human Development is currently accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of our Catholic School Fellows initiative (from June 2023-June 2025).
If you are interested in applying to host a Catholic School Fellows partner and placing an educator(s) for 2023-2025, please contact the program director, Dr. Charles Cownie.
Application & Deadlines
How to apply
On the Lynch School of Education and Human Development application page, apply to the master’s program in Curriculum and Instruction.
On the Lynch School application form under the “Academic Information” section, where it asks, “Are you applying to a specialty program?” select "Catholic School Fellows" from the drop-down menu.
The Lynch School waives the application fee for CSF applicants. Applicants to CSF do not need to take the GRE.
Deadlines
- All applications are due April 20, 2023.
Applications are expected to be complete with all documentation by April 27th.
Resume
To be uploaded to your online application.
In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any Catholic-related experience, and any language skills other than English.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online application.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Please note the name of the Catholic School that invited your application on the statement.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Transcripts
Transcripts from all college/university study are required.
Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.
Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.
Standardized Tests
Submitting GRE test scores is optional for this program for the 2023 entry term(s). If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.
Writing Sample
Not required.
FAQ
When does the program start and end?
The program begins in mid-June and participants will complete their Master’s degree by the end of June two years later.
What graduate program should I apply for in the Lynch School?
Applicants must apply for the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction; please note CSF as your Special Program.
If I am admitted to the Lynch School and CSF, how much tuition will be covered by the program?
If you are admitted to the Lynch School and the CSF program, CSF covers tuition for your Master's degree (CSF members are responsible for all University fees, including the confirmation deposit).
Can I apply if I don’t have an undergraduate degree or concentration/minor in education?
Yes!
Where will I work?
You will have a placement at the school that invited your application.
What does “living in an intentional community” really mean?
Participants live in the CSF community residence with the other program members. Living in an intentional community means pooling your resources to purchase food and other necessities. CSF provides internet through BC-secured WiFi. Dinner is eaten together as a community on Monday through Thursday nights and the community gathers weekly for faith sharing. The community makes a commitment to spend some free time together.
What will I get paid? For what expenses will I be responsible?
You will receive a modest living stipend from the program. Your tuition, rent, and utilities will be paid. You will be responsible for personal expenses, including food, personal travel, text books, and car expenses.
If I have student loans from the past, can I get them deferred or forgiven?
Federal loans (Stafford and Perkins) may be deferred because you are a graduate student. Any private loans you have may or may not be eligible for deferment. In order to confirm the eligibility of your loans for deferral, please contact your lender. You may also qualify for partial cancellation of Perkins loans depending on where and what you teach.
If I am in CSF, do I need to have a car?
A car may make the commute to a placement easier.
What should I do if I have other questions?
Please contact Charles Cownie at charles.cownie@bc.edu or 617-552-0602.