Catholic teacher education in an unfavourable environment

Doherty, R. (2017) Catholic teacher education in an unfavourable environment. In: Jamet, C. and Nafti-Malherbe, C. (eds.) Éduquer Aujourd'hui - Contributions à La Réflexion Universitaire Autour de l'éducation. Editions Saint Leger, pp. 367-378.

Abstract

This paper reflects on the nature of Catholic teacher education and the challenges of one local context. The question of what it means to be a Catholic teacher is approached through a consideration of the forms of knowledge, aptitudes and values required of teachers. This line of reflection has a relevance to all forms of work within society but takes on a more pressing urgency for those who lead and contribute to programmes of professional preparation provided on behalf of the Church. Throughout the Instrumentum laboris prepared by the Congregation for Catholic Education, Educating Today and Tomorrow: a Renewing Passion, there is a keen awareness of the diversity of institutions and the variability of the environment in which they must sustain and progress the work of education. In the context of Scotland’s higher education sector, an attempt is made to locate the formation of Catholic teachers in relation to the demands arising from an array of unfavourable and fragmenting factors. In looking to reach towards an authentically Catholic teacher education, that may have some relevance for educators in other jurisdictions, a number of lines of engagement are identified. Such considerations include a reflexive and confident identity within the academy, the need for theology and a faith informed reading of education in the current phase of modernity.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: Paper presented at 28th International Symposium ACISE Educate: Change and Continuity, Angers France, 19-21 April 2017
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Doherty, Dr Robert
• Authors: Doherty, R.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Professional Learning and Leadership ; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Culture, Literacies, Inclusion & Pedagogy
• Publisher: Editions Saint Leger