The Institute for Catholic Schools and the School of Education Welcome the Inaugural Cohort of Future Catholic School Teachers Scholars

On February 5, eight St. John’s undergraduates—members of the inaugural cohort of the Future Catholic School Teachers Scholarship—joined the Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS)  and The School of Education leadership for a workshop centered on core principles of Catholic education. The session, led by ICS Director Robert DiNardo, explored themes of academic excellence, faith formation, holistic development, and service.

Across the United States—and particularly in New York—the teacher shortage remains one of the most urgent challenges facing schools. Catholic schools in New York City experience this crisis even more acutely. Recruiting and preparing educators early, especially those committed to the mission of Catholic education, offers a promising pathway to sustaining these institutions. This is the motivation of the Future Catholic School Teachers Scholarship (FCSTS) Program at St. John’s University. By intentionally cultivating a pipeline of mission‑aligned teachers, Catholic school leaders can strengthen institutional stability, preserve community traditions, and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from faith‑based education.

During the workshop, the Dean of the School of Education, James Wolfinger, Ph.D., addressed the cohort, sharing his enthusiasm for the FCSTS program and its anticipated expansion over the next few years. He also noted the efforts of ICS supporters, which created this scholarship and continue to seek funding for this critical cause. Students in the FCSTS program receive a $2,500 annual scholarship, with the expectation that they will teach for four years in a Catholic school in the Brooklyn Diocese  upon graduation. 

Dean Wolfinger adds, “We are thrilled to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students who are committed to teaching in Catholic schools in our community for years to come.”

St. John’s established the Institute for Catholic Schools to serve as a resource for pre-collegiate Catholic education in the New York City area. The FCSTS recipients had the opportunity to meet one another, build community, and form early professional connections. Mr. DiNardo noted that the group would continue to meet throughout the spring semester to engage in meaningful conversations with Catholic school teachers, principals, and superintendents.

Amayah Thomas,  a FCSTS recipient in her second year at St. John’s, shared:

"My first meeting with the other FCSTS students was truly inspirational. Being in a room with people who share my beliefs and career goals is hard to describe. It felt both comforting and motivating. Receiving this scholarship reminded me that there is a strong, supportive community behind students like me who want to help strengthen and grow the community of Catholic educators. It showed me that I’m not walking this path alone; I’m surrounded by others who are committed to serving, teaching, and living out their faith in meaningful ways."

The School of Education and the Institute for Catholic Schools are now accepting applications for the incoming class this fall where students will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education or Adolescent Education, or enroll in one of our five dual BS/MS degree programs that offer additional certifications in Special Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Literacy.

To learn more about our programs, scholarships, or to donate, please visit the Institute for Catholic Schools website, email Robert DiNardo, or call 718-990.1301.