On December 6, 2021, the 2022 INCS Teacher Leadership Cohort (TLC) was announced. The goal of this nine-month fellowship is to equip teachers with the experiences, knowledge and skills to support them in speaking on behalf of their students, schools and themselves. The voices of teachers are critical for the future of education- INCS started the Teacher Leadership Cohort last year to build the capacity of charter public school teachers to speak out and share their opinions. The TLC aims to support the commitment and drive of teachers by providing leadership development opportunities to help them to amplify their critical voices. Selected to the 2022 cohort is Catalyst Maria sophomore seminar teacher Mr. Mark Lenz! Mr. Lenz joins Catalyst Circle Rock STEM Team Lead and Middle School Math teacher Ms. Donella Austin as a member of the INCS Teacher Leadership Cohorts (2021). Congratulations Mr. Lenz and Ms. Austin for your efforts in this incredibly important arena!
We are thrilled to announce that Catalyst Maria is one 59 schools worldwide to receive the Cognia School of Distinction award!
The Schools of Distinction were awarded to schools that demonstrated excellence in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards during their 2020–2021 accreditation reviews. Schools or systems that achieve this award "effectively implement high-quality instruction, show consistent organizational effectiveness, and maintain a commitment to continuous improvement. These institutions demonstrate energetic and sustained commitment to learners."
Education institutions worldwide look to Cognia for proven practices, insightful research, and strategies for the future- Cognia's global network is comprised of 36,000 institutions in 85 countries. Their holistic approach to continuous improvement encompasses accreditation and certification, assessment, and professional learning. To learn more about the organization and this award, please visit cognia.org.
We are so grateful to announce that the Kehrein Center for the Arts at Catalyst Circle Rock has been selected as a Neighborhood Access Program grant recipient from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)! This funding will support the cultural vitality of the Austin neighborhood and our Catalyst school community through a series of public events and programming! Thank you DCASE!
Catalyst Maria 10th-12th Grade Visual Art Teacher Sean Hamilton was named the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) Teacher of the Year!!! The INCS Teacher of the Year awards began in 2011, and they received a record number of nominations (100+!) this year! Mr. Hamilton, a member of the Catalyst Maria team since 2014, has made a profound impact on innumerable lives at Catalyst Maria through his daily instruction as well as leading INCREDIBLE events like the annual STEAM EXPO! The school community celebrated Mr. Hamilton with an assembly on Tuesday that was attended by scholars, staff, and members of the INCS team (Mr. Hamilton’s family also joined virtually!). Mr. Hamilton will be honored on December 6, 2021 at the 2021 INCS Charter Excellence Awards at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Hamilton- we are INSPIRED by you and GRATEFUL to have you on the Catalyst team!
Catalyst is incredibly thankful for the commitment that all members of the Catalyst community dedicate to our mission of teaching minds and touching hearts! In observance of Thanksgiving, Catalyst Schools will be closed to scholars and staff Wednesday, November 24, 2021 through Friday November 26, 2021.
We hope that you are able to rest, relax and rejuvenate with family and friends over the Thanksgiving break!
Please join our efforts as a champion for changing lives at The Catalyst Schools. If you would like to speak with a Catalyst staff member about your donation, please call us at 773-295-7001.
