Montini Catholic was proud to welcome Brother Pat Conway, FSC, Ed.D from Christian Brothers of the Midwest on Friday, January 19th. Brother Conway visited our Lasallian college preparatory school to introduce students to LIFT - the Lasallian Institute for the Formation of Teachers. Seniors Zander Montgomery, Ruben Galvan, Jaylen Howery and Frank Flores were among those recommended for the session by teachers who believe they would benefit from the program and make outstanding teachers/coaches. "You are here because some

The Lasallian Institute for the Formation of Teachers (LIFT) is a unique immersion program designed specifically for young men considering a career in education as a teacher and a coach. The program's goal is to help fill the nationwide void of male teachers, particularly in Catholic and Lasallian schools. Currently in the United States, according to LIFT, 24% of the teachers are male in the public schools and only 19% in the Catholic schools (K-12).

Hosted locally by Lewis University (Romeoville), LIFT is sponsored by the District of Eastern North America and Midwest District of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The Lasallian ministry strongly believes that male teachers play a significant role in changing lives in the young people they serve by providing diverse perspectives and positive influences as mentors, particularly for male students who may lack male role models in their lives. "We tell young men that if they want to make a difference in the lives of young people, if they have a passion for helping and rejoicing in others' accomplishments, they should at least consider a career in teaching and coaching," said Brother Pat. 

Participants in LIFT earn up to 31 academic credits and pay only $8,500 as opposed to the $34,000 tuition cost per year at specific Lasallian colleges. They have the opportunity to earn college credit through a hands-on approach serving people living on the margins - while traveling with other young men who share similar values including humility, mercy, compassion and justice. The program sends students (all expenses paid) to Bogota, Colombia, New York (The Bronx), Memphis, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Narragansett, Rhode Island and finally, Browning, Montana, all while earning them college credits.

Courses include Retreat and Volunteer Facilitation, Global Christianity and Foundations of Coaching to name a few.

"It is truly a wonderful opportunity," said Brother Conway, who's hope was to plant the seed of opportunity for these Montini seniors.

Male high school students considering a career as an educator, are encouraged to reach out to their counselor or principal or directly to Brother Pat Conway, Director at 507-429-2559 or e-mail: pconway@cbmidwest.org.

Image above: - Seniors l to r: Ruben Galvan, Jaylen Howery, Brother Pat Conway, Frank Flores, Zander Montgomery and Principal Chris Tiritilli