"A great teacher is a great artist;
his medium is not canvas, but the human soul."

-Anonymous

The Through Our Witness awards are designed to honor Catholic teachers and parish catechists currently serving in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.  Teachers and catechists will be honored through an excellence award as well as through the number of years served in Catholic education or religious education, both inside and outside the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.  Education in the faith, whether in schools or the parish, aims at developing the growth of the whole person spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically.  Teachers and catechists play a vital role in the growth of the students. These awards are designed to recognize their outstanding efforts and service to Jesus Christ and His Church.   

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.  Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.  Come, share your master’s joy.” 

Matthew 25:21 

The Faithful Servant Award honors teachers and catechists for their years of service in Catholic education and faith formation within any Catholic parish or diocese. Service awards will be granted at twenty years of experience, and then at five year intervals (e.g. 20, 25, 30, etc.). Those who who have served for forty years or more will be recognized on an annual basis.  Recipients will be invited to attend the annual Through Our Witness celebration.

 The Our Lady of Providence Excellence Award honors a distinguished teacher for his/her dedication to providing a holistic, Catholic education for students. Criteria include:

• Enhances school mission and vision
• Integrates Catholic Faith into curriculum and instruction
• Encourages student faith formation
• Contributes to school improvement initiatives
• Collaborates with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Models service to others
• Utilizes resources to aid in student achievement
• Consistently sets high expectations for students and provides feedback to ensure students meet those expectations
• Contributes to the school outside of the classroom
• Creatively engages and motivates students
• Commits to professional growth

 

The Nomination Process

The SPONSOR (principal, pastor, parent or other stakeholder) may nominate any eligible educator who is currently teaching at a Catholic school within the Diocese of
Lafayette-in-Indiana.

The NOMINEE (educator being nominated for this award) must possess a valid Indiana teaching license and have a minimum of three years of teaching experience in a Catholic School. If nominating a theology or religion teacher without an Indiana license, please provide relevant educational experience. 

Both the school pastor (or president) and the principal must approve the nomination in order for the nominee to be considered for this award. No more than three nominees may be submitted from a single school.

Three Parts to Complete:

1. Nominee information and professional experience
2. Essay questions (one paragraph for each question; completed by sponsor)
3. Two letters of recommendation (500 word maximum) from:
   • Pastor, school administrator or colleague
   • Parent of student who has had the nominee as a teacher

 

Nomination Form

Please download and complete the nomination form below:

2019 Our Lady Of Providence Excellence Award Nomination Form

Deadline to Submit Nomination: February 1, 2019

 

Recipient To Be Nominated for National Recognition

Our Lady of Providence Excellence Award recipient will be submitted to NCEA for the Distinguished Teacher Award by the Office of Catholic Schools.