National Catholic Educational Association

The NCEA focuses on leadership development for superintendents, presidents, principals, pastors, and governing bodies, as well as professional development for teachers. It also serves as a representative for Catholic school education. The NCEA represents 150,000 Catholic educators serving 1.9 million students in Catholic education. The NCEA is a voluntary association of educators and institutions. While the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) remains the authority for the Catholic Church in the United States, the NCEA develops and articulates a national point of view consistent with the USCCB. ==History==

At the beginning of the 20th century, there were three professional organizations in the United States for Catholic educators: the Education Conference of Catholic Seminary Faculties, founded in 1898; the Association of Catholic Colleges, founded in 1899; and the Parish School Conference, founded in 1902. In a meeting held in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 12–14, 1904, the three organizations decided to unite as the Catholic Educational Association (CEA). In 1970, the NCEA began publication of Momentum Magazine, its official NCEA journal. Each issue of Momentum includes editorials, book reviews, short essays, and opinion columns. In 2016, the NCEA discontinued its departments for seminaries and parish religious education departments, instead focusing on K-12 Catholic organizations in the United States. == Governance ==

The NCEA has a board of directors of 15 to 18 members, including three ex officio members. The chair is a bishop in the American church. The current and past chairs include: • Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas (Diocese of Tucson, 2017–current) • Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. (Diocese of Youngstown, 2015–2017) • Cardinal Blase J. Cupich (Archdiocese of Chicago, 2013–2015) • Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory (Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2007–2013) • Cardinal Donald Wuerl (Archdiocese of Washington, 2005–2007) ==Activities==

The NCEA annual convention features educators in breakout sessions and a major exposition. It also provides vendor displays on technology, publications, and services. The NCEA hosts other conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposiums throughout the year. Services offered include in-service programs, religious education assessments, development field services, and award programs recognizing educators and students. The NCEA provides several awards for individuals and organizations that provide "important contributions to the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church occurring in Catholic schools." These include several presidential awards, the Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Awards, and the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Awards. ==References==