This year, several staff members from St. Bernard School are participating in the Catholic Leader Academy (CLA), a dynamic leadership development program that meets once a month. The principal (David Gusloff), assistant principal (Brittany Dudzik), and school outreach administrator (Edgar Zaragoza) are joined in this program by several teachers: Mrs. Anderson, Ms. Larson, and Mrs. Lamm. CLA is not just any leadership initiative; it is a competency-based curriculum deeply rooted in the core values of our Catholic faith, particularly the teachings from Micah 6:8: “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly with your God.”
The foundation of the CLA experience is these core beliefs, which serve as a guide for shaping the leadership competencies developed throughout the program. Participants are grouped by school community teams, creating a collaborative environment where educators and administrators grow together. This team-based approach cultivates not only personal leadership but also community-building and collective growth within the school.
One of the standout features of the Catholic Leader Academy is the emphasis on peer mentoring, which enhances the learning experience by encouraging participants to support and challenge one another. The program is grounded in research and focuses on outcomes, ensuring that participants leave with tangible skills and results. It was developed by an experienced team of educators, faith leaders, business professionals, and community leaders, combining insights from multiple disciplines to offer a well-rounded and impactful curriculum.
At the heart of the CLA is a mission to develop disciples—leaders who have the courage, competencies, and connectedness to make a lasting difference in their schools and communities. By focusing on the whole person and integrating faith into leadership, CLA helps participants to grow not just as professionals, but as faith-driven leaders who can inspire and guide others. By the end of the program, each team is equipped with a deeper understanding of leadership within a faith-based context and a clear roadmap for driving excellence in their schools.
As the St. Bernard staff members continue their journey with Catholic Leader Academy, they will undoubtedly bring new insights and renewed passion to the school community. We are excited to see the impact of their participation in CLA unfold throughout the year and beyond, as they grow in their ability to “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, and Walk Humbly with God.”
St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.
