Jill Annable, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, & technology integration, shares the following letter. We congratulate her on her new role!
Dear Catholic schools community:
In Catholic education we quickly learn that God’s plan isn’t always what we had planned for ourselves. I’m writing to share with you that I have accepted the position of executive director of academic excellence for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). In this role, I will provide opportunities for professional growth and collaboration for Catholic schools throughout the (arch)dioceses of the United States.
I’m grateful for the chance to impact Catholic education throughout the country by sharing our successes here in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. It has been a blessing to serve our schools for more than four years. Together, we have accomplished many projects which have set Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids apart as a leader in Catholic education. These projects include a full update of our diocesan curriculum standards, witnessing over 200 teachers take leadership roles in our classroom learning labs process of professional development, and establishing our Student Support Services Network so we can work together to meet the needs of families seeking Catholic education for their children with special needs. We’ve strengthened our theology framework and have provided ongoing faith formation for our faculties on the Theology of the Body. We even successfully navigated emergency-style remote teaching so that we could successfully open the 2020-21 school year with classrooms ready for the nuances of simultaneous remote and in-person learning. Overall, we have transformed the way we work as Catholic educators.
My final day in the Office of Catholic Schools will be October 23.
I will forever be thankful for the leadership of Bishop Walkowiak, who has shown unwavering support for Catholic school education. I am also indebted to Superintendent Dave Faber, who took a chance on hiring me and mentored me through diocesan leadership. Additionally, the school leaders and teachers in our diocese have modeled for me the excellence that is possible when we make bold moves and stay focused on our mission; for that I am and will forever be grateful.
In Christ,
Jill Annable
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology Integration
Superintendent Dave Faber will be pursuing interim assistant superintendent options in the near future with the plan of posting the position in January for a June/July start date.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,000 preschool through 12th grade students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential. To learn more, visit CatholicSchools4u.org.
