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It Started with Listening

Meaningful professional learning begins with understanding what educators need.

Working alongside Superintendent Maria Wagner, ADAC helped translate educator survey feedback into a customized conference experience.

Three priorities emerged: supporting students’ diverse academic and social-emotional needs, creating more opportunities for collaboration across schools, and exploring practical instructional strategies and emerging technologies.

These insights informed the conference program, which offered focused breakout sessions and extended learning experiences addressing Catholic identity, artificial intelligence, social-emotional learning, student engagement, and faith formation.

ADAC also supported the many details that bring a conference together, including registration management, personalized communications, presenter coordination, digital check-in, and on-site logistics.

The day featured 10 conference vendors, with an interactive vendor passport encouraging educators to connect with participating organizations and explore resources for their schools.

A Day Rooted in Faith and Purpose

The conference began with Mass celebrated by Bishop William D. Byrne, followed by a keynote presentation from Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv.

As highlighted in the Diocese’s iObserve conference coverage, the gathering reinforced the important role Catholic educators play in nurturing students academically, spiritually, and personally.

Throughout the day, educators explored strategies they could bring back to their classrooms while reflecting on their shared mission of forming students’ minds, hearts, and souls in Christ.

One of the conference’s defining features was its emphasis on collaboration.

ADAC coordinated 22 facilitated role-alike discussion groups, bringing educators together by grade level, subject area, or professional responsibility to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from colleagues across the Diocese.

The value of these connections was echoed by Julie Morrill, a third-grade teacher at St. Michael’s Academy, who reflected on the opportunity to connect with fellow Catholic educators.

“We get to recognize that ‘Hey I’m not alone in this. You’re going through a lot of the same things I am.’”

— Julie Morrill, St. Michael’s Academy, as quoted in iObserve, October 31, 2026.

Her reflection captures the purpose behind the morning collaboration sessions: reminding educators that they are part of a larger community, sharing both the challenges and the joys of Catholic education.

Discussion notes from the groups revealed recurring priorities, including literacy instruction, supporting diverse learners, technology integration, Catholic identity, and strengthening family partnerships.

These conversations provided valuable insight into the challenges educators are navigating and opportunities for continued professional learning.

Springfield by the Numbers

The conference’s impact was reflected in both participation and educator feedback.

Educators rated the overall conference experience 4.37 out of 5, with an average session satisfaction rating of 4.36 out of 5. Conference organization and logistics were particular strengths, with the morning check-in experience earning 4.63 out of 5.

Across 213 evaluation submissions, educators highlighted knowledgeable presenters, meaningful connections to Catholic identity, and opportunities to engage with colleagues from other diocesan schools.

Sessions addressing social-emotional learning and artificial intelligence received particularly strong feedback. Whole and Holy: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning with a Catholic Vision of the Human Person earned an average rating of 4.61 out of 5, while Created in His Image: Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Catholic Schools received 4.54 out of 5.

The enthusiasm for faith-centered professional learning was especially evident in feedback from the Rooted and Rising: Accompanying High Schoolers on the Journey Toward Christ session. One educator shared:

“That was, hands down, the best PD session I’ve ever been to. Nikki did the BEST job helping us to bring Christ into our classrooms in little ways and gave us many resources. Wow. I’m so invigorated. Praise be to God!”

— Educator, Diocese of Springfield Professional Learning Day session evaluation

This reflection highlights the importance of professional learning that not only provides practical resources but also renews educators’ enthusiasm for their vocation and the mission of Catholic education.

Collaboration remained an important priority. All general survey respondents indicated “Yes” or “Maybe” when asked whether dedicated collaboration time should continue at future conferences.

Educator feedback also offered valuable direction for future learning, including requests for more grade-specific strategies, practical classroom applications, and additional opportunities to collaborate.

Beyond October 30

The value of professional learning extends beyond a single conference day.

Educators returned to their schools with new ideas, practical strategies, and strengthened connections with colleagues who share their commitment to Catholic education.

For ADAC, the Springfield conference demonstrated the power of a comprehensive diocesan partnership—one that brings together strategic planning, customized professional learning, technology, facilitation, and event coordination.

Most importantly, it reinforced the value of listening to educators and designing experiences that respond to their needs.

ADAC extends its sincere appreciation to Superintendent Maria Wagner, the Diocese of Springfield Catholic Schools Office, presenters, facilitators, conference partners, and participating educators who helped make the day possible.

When Catholic educators have opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together, the impact reaches far beyond the conference itself—and into the classrooms and communities they serve.

In the News

Read the Diocese of Springfield’s coverage of the conference: Catholic School Teachers Gather for Professional Development — iObserve, October 31, 2026.

Partner with ADAC

Planning a diocesan professional learning day or customized educator development experience?

ADAC partners with Catholic dioceses and schools to design meaningful professional learning experiences, from initial planning and program development to facilitation and event coordination.

Learn more about how ADAC can support your school or diocese.