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A Day for Educators, Led by Educators – JESI at Carrollton

A Day for Educators, Led by Educators – JESI at Carrollton
  • Faculty

On Friday, August 8, Carrollton faculty and staff gathered for the Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ Institute for Teaching and Learning (JESI), a tradition that brings Sacred Heart educators together to share ideas, explore innovative pedagogies, and strengthen our mission as educators.

Originally founded in 2005 by Margaret Seitz, RSCJ, Assistant Head (1999-2015), JESI was created to provide professional development opportunities led by educators for educators. Sr. Seitz believed that to instruct the whole child to live in the heart of God was an audacious charge, one that could only be accomplished by teachers who continually deepen their knowledge, expand their cultural horizons, refine their judgment, and cultivate effective teaching methods through study and practice.

This year’s JESI began with an inspiring keynote address from Imma De Stefanis, RSCJ, Ph.D. whose return to Carrollton was especially meaningful, it was her very first assignment as a Religious of the Sacred Heart, and the place where she learned to be an educator. She reflected on the profound influence of her Carrollton colleagues and the RSCJ community in shaping her vocation.

Sr. De Stefanis encouraged us to rediscover the “why” behind our mission, reminding us that purpose transforms our mission from words we say into a way we live. She challenged us to be stewards like St. Madeleine Sophie, ambassadors like Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, and pioneers like St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in the work of Sacred Heart education.

The day was made even more special as Sr. De Stefanis reunited with past colleagues, including Mrs. Carol Recicar and Mrs. Monica Cuza, and former students such as Mrs. Heather Gillingham-Rivas ’94.

Following the keynote, faculty and staff participated in engaging learning sessions designed to listen, discuss, and reflect on new ideas to enrich student experiences. In the spirit of JESI’s mission, the day fostered community, collaboration, and a renewed dedication to the transformative work of education in the Sacred Heart tradition.