SLU’s Herrmann Center Hosts National Convening Advancing Inclusive Catholic Education

06/27/2025

The Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education at the Saint Louis University School of Education recently welcomed nearly 90 national leaders for the National Convening on Disabilities and Catholic Education. The gathering brought educators, school administrators, researchers, and disability advocates from across the country to SLU to explore strategies that ensure students with disabilities can fully participate in Catholic education.

Building Capacity, Affirming Rights and Advancing Action

Participants collectively affirmed three strategic priorities:

• Systemic Capacity Building – Emphasizing the need for sustainable systems — staffing, resources, and professional development —to support students with diverse abilities.
• The Right to Catholic Education – Reinforcing the belief that every student has a fundamental right to access Catholic education, rooted in the values of dignity and inclusion.
• A Call to Action – Committing to transform discussion into measurable change through inclusive training, policy development and shared resources.

A Vision for Inclusion

Michael Boyle, Ph.D., executive director of the Herrmann Center and a longtime advocate for inclusive Catholic education, described the convening as “a unified vision … not just about accommodating students with disabilities; it's about enriching the entire Catholic school experience for everyone.” His leadership reflects SLU’s broader mission to cultivate faith-centered learning environments where all students are welcomed and supported.

Advancing SLU’s Mission

The convening builds on Boyle’s extensive work, including research and national policy efforts, centered on inclusion in Catholic schools. Through these efforts, SLU continues to lead in bridging scholarship, advocacy, and practice to advance equity in education.

What’s Next for the Herrmann Center

In the year ahead, the Herrmann Center will focus on:

• Curriculum Expansion – Developing scalable frameworks to support inclusion at the school and diocesan levels.
• Professional Learning – Hosting webinars, workshops, and credentialing opportunities to equip educators with evidence-based practices.
• Collaborative Networks – Connecting Catholic school leaders, diocesan teams, and researchers to foster peer learning and innovation.

Join the Movement

The Herrmann Center invites Catholic school leaders, educators, families, and diocesan partners to join in implementing inclusive practices that affirm every student’s right to a Catholic education.

For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, contact Michael Boyle at michael.boyle@slu.edu.