DOL-IN Teacher Day 2026

DOL-IN Teacher Day 2026

Welcome to DTD 2026! We are so excited to have everyone gathered today to celebrate the mission of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. As you look over the schedule for the day, teachers should select one "topic-based" session (1:10-1:50pm) and one "networking" session (2-2:45pm).

8:00am EDT

Arrival, Check In, Donuts & Coffee, Group Photos

Friday September 18, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EDT

TBA

Friday September 18, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
TBA

8:45am EDT

Opening Prayer & Welcome

Friday September 18, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am EDT

Friday September 18, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am EDT
Rosary Hall

9:00am EDT

Chris McKenna (Pt. 1)

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

TBA

Chris McKenna is the founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, a nonprofit organization that
helps families and schools create safer digital spaces for children. He provides practical tools,
presentations, and resources for parents and educators and is the author of 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family.

Speakers

Chris McKenna

Chris McKenna is the founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, a nonprofit organization that
helps families and schools create safer digital spaces for children. He provides practical tools,
presentations, and resources for parents and educators and is the author of 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
TBA

10:15am EDT

Break

Friday September 18, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

TBA

Friday September 18, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
TBA

10:30am EDT

Chris McKenna (Pt. 2)

Friday September 18, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

Chris McKenna is the founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, a nonprofit organization that
helps families and schools create safer digital spaces for children. He provides practical tools,
presentations, and resources for parents and educators and is the author of 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family.

Speakers

Chris McKenna

Chris McKenna is the founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, a nonprofit organization that
helps families and schools create safer digital spaces for children. He provides practical tools,
presentations, and resources for parents and educators and is the author of 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

11:45am EDT

General Reminders

Friday September 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

Friday September 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Lunch (12-12:15 "A" Pickup; 12:15-12:30 "B" Pickup), Fellowship, Rosary Garden, Adoration Chapel, Group Photos, Confession, Merciful Help Center

Friday September 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

TBA

Friday September 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Discovering Blessings in Our Suffering

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

In 2024, Carol Wagner was diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis and treatment rocked Deacon Rick and Carol’s world and brought much fear, anxiety, and physical suffering. In the midst of the suffering, blessings began to emerge. They came to know the depth of their love and experienced an outpouring of love and support from their family and friends, their parish community, and the Guerin Catholic...
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Speakers

Deacon Rick Wagner

Deacon Rick and Carol Wagner have been married for 43 years and have four children and ten grandchildren. Carol worked as an art teacher and Director of Campus Ministry at Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis before retiring. Deacon Rick has worked for the Church for... Read More →

Carol Wagner

Deacon Rick and Carol Wagner have been married for 43 years and have four children and ten grandchildren. Carol worked as an art teacher and Director of Campus Ministry at Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis before retiring. Deacon Rick has worked for the Church for... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Early Learning: Behavior and Belonging- the Connected Classroom

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

This session focuses on giving teachers research based tools to engage with students exhibiting challenging behaviors through an understanding of early childhood brain science and actionable social-emotional learning strategies. Teachers will also learn how to leverage their classrooms as "the third teacher", and how to build strong, collaborative relationships with parents.

Speakers

Betsy Tuholski

I have been working in ECE for 18 years, working within the diocese for 13 years. I have my Bachelors and Masters degrees in early childhood education. I have been married to my husband, Andy, for 16 years and we have two sons, Jude and James. In my free time I like spending... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Equipped: Practical Tools for Teachers Managing Mental Health in the Classroom

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

This session helps teachers understand why today's classroom can feel more emotionally charged than ever before and why that's not a sign they're doing anything wrong. From phones and group messages to travel youth sports and pressure to succeed, the environment kids have to navigate is increasingly more complicated than ever before. This talk empowers teachers to trust the instincts they already...
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Speakers

Justin Griswold

Justin Griswold is a licensed mental health counselor with 11 years of experience working primarily with adolescents and young adults in his private practice, Pax Counseling. Previously, Justin served students and families in Catholic schools as a school counselor at St. Simon in... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Kids From 1-92- Why it is Important to Understand the Fall

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

There is something that every kid from each of our schools has in common — Kindergarteners up to Seniors in high school. In this session we will discuss the personal ramifications of being created, being fallen, and being redeemed. This session will help teachers to understand their students and answer their vocation in light of God's ongoing plan to save the world.

Speakers

Fr. Coady Owens

Fr. Coady Owens is the Chaplain at St. Theodore Guerin Catholic High School where he teaches Christian Vocation and coaches the Speech Team. He was ordained in 2017 after receiving his M.A. In Theology, his B.A. In Philosophy and Catholic Studies, and collecting a lot of Music Education... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

New Teacher Orientation: The Mission of Catholic Education

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

During this session, we invite all teachers who are new to the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana to learn more about our mission and identity through the lens of the Holy See’s Teachings on Catholic Schools. All teachers who are new to the Diocese are encouraged to attend, along with anyone who would benefit from a refresher on the mission and purpose of our Catholic schools.

Speakers

James McNeany

James McNeany is the Executive Director of the Indiana Non-Public Education Association. Prior to that role, he served as a principal in the Diocese of Lafayette for eighteen years. He has been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and they have five children. His home parish is... Read More →

Christine Williams

Guerin Cathoilc HS

Christine Williams is in her second year as Principal of Guerin Catholic High School, after serving the Guerin Catholic community for nine years as Assistant Principal & Director of Academics. Prior to joining Guerin Catholic, Christine served as a teacher and administrator in the... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

PowerSchool: Student Observations & Referrals in Power Teacher Pro

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

Learn how the new Student Observations & Referrals module helps teachers document academic, behavioral, and social-emotional observations to support student growth and parent-teacher conferences. When administrative action is needed, teachers can submit discipline referrals and track their progress, including disciplinary actions and outcomes entered by administrators, providing greater visibility...
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Speakers

Suzanne Bowser

Suzanne Bowser serves as the Diocesan Administrator for PowerSchool and Ministry Platform, supporting schools with training, guidance, and practical technology solutions. She holds an MBA in Information Technology Management and brings experience from both public and private school... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Setting a Supportive Environment for Student Success

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

This presentation targeted for teachers, focuses on practical classroom strategies that transform the physical and emotional space of a classroom into a foundation for student growth and success. It provides educators with concrete ideas and methods to help create a supportive environment for students while reducing the occurrence of repeated discipline issues.

Speakers

Melissa Santos

Serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana, Melissa focuses on enhancing student learning through curriculum development and targeted professional learning for educators. Outside of her leadership role, she resides in Westfield... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Spiritual Direction for Educators in Catholic Schools

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

In this session, attendees will start by reviewing the essential spirituality that ALL Catholic educators should be striving for. They will then take it a step farther and discuss what can be done to allow our faith to shape our roles in Catholic education. At the end of the session, there will be a time for questions.

Speakers

Fr. William Summerlin

Fr. Summerlin is no stranger to the Diocese of Lafayette. His home parish is St. Maria Goretti and he attended high school at Guerin Catholic. He attended St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota followed by Mundelein Seminary north of Chicago, Illinois. Fr. Summerlin... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Tier 1 Interventions Work for All!

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

In this session, participants will explore how strong Tier 1 instruction serves as the foundation for ensuring every student is engaged, supported, and experiences growth. By providing high-quality core instruction, Universal Design for Learning, differentiation, and evidence-based practices, we can proactively remove barriers and meet the diverse needs of our general education classrooms....
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Speakers

Amanda Arnold

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Tiers of Support in a Faith-Filled Environment

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

Every child is uniquely created in God's image and deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Participants will explore the foundations of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and learn practical strategies for providing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support within a faith-filled school community. Through reflection and discussion, participants will leave with actionable...
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Speakers

Tim Fletcher

Tim Fletcher, M.Ed., Ed.S., is Principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Carmel, Indiana. He has more than 25 years of experience in education, including more than 20 years serving the Our Lady of Mount Carmel school community. His leadership focuses on Catholic identity... Read More →

Jennifer McNeany

Jennifer McNeany, PhD,NCSP, IPE is an Assistant Professor of Education at Indiana University Kokomo. She is a nationally certified school psychologist and former public school special education administrator and school psychologist with extensive experience supporting students, families... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

1:10pm EDT

Unpacking AI in the Classroom with Magnifica Humanitas

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT

TBA

During this session, participants will reflect on and discuss passages from Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Conversations will center on Pope Leo's wisdom related to the role of schools, artificial intelligence, and the dignity of work.

Speakers

Grace Hageboeck

I am in my second year as Assistant Principal - Director of Academics at Guerin Catholic. Previously, I served as both an Assistant Principal and middle school science teacher in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. I'm a proud Purdue graduate and an occasional Irish fan after receiving... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 1:10pm - 1:50pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: 1st Grade

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Polly Thomas (SLDM)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: 2nd Grade

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Alanna Bender (St. Lawrence)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: 3rd Grade

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Kristy Worthington (SLDM)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: 4th Grade

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Michael Mino (OLMC)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: 5th Grade

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Kristen Wolf (OLMC)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Business/Tech

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Matthew Newkirk (Central Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Fine Arts

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Marcia Murphy (Guerin Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Health & Wellness (Middle to High School)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Charlie Roberts (Central Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Kindergarten

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Jessica Fricke (Holy Cross)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Language Arts (Middle to High School)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Krista Stubbs (Guerin Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Math (Middle to High School)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Vickie Slinker (Central Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Preschool

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Jerilynne Welch (OLG)

Amy Prather (OLG)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Science (Middle to High School)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Tricia Van Slyke (Central Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Social Studies (Middle to High School)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Allen Hughes (OLMC)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Special Education/Interventionist

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Kate Bentivoglio

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: Theology

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Thomas Sheridan (Guerin Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:00pm EDT

Collaborative Session: World Languages (Middle to High School)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Networking and Learning Together - Collaborative Sessions

Speakers

Frau Weintraut (Central Catholic)

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

2:50pm EDT

Mass Prelude

Friday September 18, 2026 2:50pm - 3:00pm EDT

TBA

Friday September 18, 2026 2:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
TBA

3:00pm EDT

Mass/ Closing Comments

Friday September 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

TBA

Speakers

Bishop Doherty

Friday September 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

DOL-IN Teacher Day 2026

Register to attend