School of Education Provides Targeted Professional Development in Area Catholic Schools to Support Student Learning

July 21, 2026 - 06:21

Faculty from Loyola Marymount University's School of Education are delivering specialized professional development programs to teachers and staff in area Catholic schools, aiming to strengthen classroom instruction and support diverse student needs. The initiative focuses on equipping educators with practical strategies tailored to the unique challenges and values of Catholic school environments.

Workshops and coaching sessions cover topics such as differentiated instruction, trauma-informed teaching practices, and integrating social-emotional learning with academic content. The training is designed to be hands-on, allowing teachers to immediately apply new techniques in their classrooms. School leaders report that the partnership has already led to more confident teachers and improved student engagement.

"We are meeting educators where they are," said a program coordinator from the School of Education. "By listening to what these schools need, we can provide relevant, research-backed tools that make a real difference for students." The collaboration reflects LMU's broader commitment to community engagement and supporting the mission of Catholic education in Los Angeles. Participating schools have noted the value of ongoing support rather than one-time workshops, with follow-up visits and virtual check-ins helping teachers refine their approaches throughout the school year. The university plans to expand the program to additional schools next semester.