Our Story

In its earliest years, The Catholic University of America developed programs for the strengthening and unifying of Catholic education throughout the country. This was seen as essential to its mission. The University prepared teachers for Catholic schools through its Department of Education and Catholic Sisters College, and had a lab school for observation and practicum opportunities. Through the Catholic Education Press (a precursor to CUA Press), the Education Department published textbooks and other curricular materials for Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
In the early years of the University, women religious came to CUA to study in preparation for teaching degrees. This image shows sisters enrolled in summer studies during the 1920s. (Photo courtesy of the Archives of The Catholic University of America)
Through its Program of Affiliation (1912-1968), The Catholic University of America offered an early form of accreditation for Catholic secondary schools, colleges, seminaries, junior colleges, and normal schools (teacher-training institutes). The University understood its role as serving as the center of the Catholic educational system throughout the country.

The University also played a critical role in the formation of organizations aimed at unifying teachers and leaders across the country – organizations that still exist today.

  • The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) were both established at the invitation and vision of Monsignor Thomas J. Conaty, the second Rector of The Catholic University of America.
  • In 1917, the National Catholic War Council was formed on the campus of The Catholic University of America. This effort to organize the American Church’s outreach during World War I developed into the National Catholic Welfare Council (NCWC)—known at present as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
  • For decades, the head of the Department of Education for the NCWC (USCCB) was a professor of CUA. For instance, from 1925-1944, Monsignor George Johnson served simultaneously as professor of education at CUA, secretary general of NCEA, and head of the education department of the NCWC, indicating the close relationships between these educational organizations.

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CUA’s national contributions to K12 Catholic education
Religious sisters, the first women to study at CUA
The publication of Catholic school textbooks at CUA
The story of Sister Aquinas Kinsky, an early graduate and professor at CUA
Over the years, the University has continued to form teachers and leaders through its Department of Education. Recent efforts have aimed at reclaiming a more intentional focus on service to PK-12 Catholic schools.

In 2016, a consultant was hired by the Office of the Provost to conduct a year-long analysis of CUA’s educational programs and to identify opportunities for more direct support for PK-12 Catholic education. One of the major recommendations of this study was to found an Institute that would coordinate the delivery of a variety of programs and services aimed at strengthening leadership and instruction in Catholic schools by utilizing the diversity of expertise found across the departments and units of the University.

Executive Briefing of the Catholic Education Salons, 2021

In response, University leaders engaged groups of educational and thought leaders to shape and refine the vision for such an Institute. Most notably, in the winter of 2020 and spring of 2021, four Catholic Education Salons were held virtually, and included invited participants from different geographic regions of the United States. An Executive Briefing of the Salons was published in the fall of 2021.

In October 2021, a Director for the Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education (ITCE) was hired. A Board of Advisors was formed in 2021 and completed their foundational work in July of 2023. The team expanded in July 2022 to include the Director and Associate Director of Catholic School Accreditation and an Administrative Assistant.

Through the ITCE, The Catholic University of America renews its commitment to the full flourishing of our nation’s Catholic schools. We are here to serve you.