Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers - PACT

PACT welcomed its fifteen newest as the PACT 26 cohort completed Orientation Week in Friartown. This talented and diverse group began their journeys of faith fellowship, growth, and teaching with Dominican conferences, Holy Mass, Orientation activities, a trip to Fenway Park, and a BBQ hosted by PACT 24 and 25. Now they are off to their placement schools!

Grateful that College photographers caught such great "hooding" pics of PACT's fifteen newly-minted M.Ed. graduates. Enjoy!

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to the fifteen PACT 24 M.Ed. graduates "hooded" on Thursday. Their hard work, ability to manage multiple priorities, and consistent best efforts for their students and schools put them squarely in the best tradition of PACT teachers. PACT is proud and grateful!

Judy Baxter to Receive the 2026 Br. Patrick Carey, cfc, PhD Award in Catholic Education

Since 2013, Judy has served as Vice Principal for Academics at Saint Raphael Academy, where instructional coaching is central to her leadership. During her tenure, Judy has guided over 20 PACT teachers assigned to St. Ray’s, who praise her mentorship. “For me, Judy demonstrated what it means to be an educator and ultimately gave me the space to become one. I don't know if I would have continued teaching without her model of toughness, honesty, and constant support. Before I was able to myself, Judy believed that I could do this very meaningful thing. I will always be grateful for her,” explained Jacob Norberg, PACT 18.

“Judy Baxter is the driving force behind Saint Raphael Academy’s increased academic rigor. Her ability to work synergistically with our faculty, coupled with her knowledge of curriculum development has placed us as one of the top academic high schools in Rhode Island. Mrs. Baxter produces positive results; this would include placing a Saint Raphael Academy graduate at Harvard for the past 3 years,” said St. Raphael Academy Principal Dan Richard.

"Judy is an outstanding formator of beginning Catholic school teachers. Since 2013, she has been a genuine and valuable partner who has enriched PACT teachers, the program, and Catholic education in Rhode Island,” added PACT Director Chris Keavy. PACT will present the award at the program's twenty-sixth Commissioning Program in July.

PACT Spring Community Visits kicked off with Sunday Mass and Breakfast with the program's "south coast" communities in Fairhaven, MA, and Fall River, MA. More visits following Easter - Blessed Holy Week to you from the PACT Program at Providence College!

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: PACT seeks nominations for the 2026 Br. Patrick Carey, cfc, PhD Award in Catholic Education.

The award recognizes one individual annually for outstanding contributions to Catholic schools and Catholic school teacher formation in New England. Nominees can be Catholic school teachers, staff members, administrators, Board members, college faculty or staff, clergy, or community members.

The award will be given at the PACT Commissioning Event in July. Submit your nomination today: https://forms.office.com/r/D7DCmqWpQc

PACT's Spring Day of Recollection featured valuable wisdom from Prof. Patrick R. Manning, whose recently published book "Be Still and Know: Contemplative Practices for Christian Schools and Educators" offers much to consider for beginning and veteran teachers alike. Thank you, Prof. Manning!

PACT teachers prayed the Stations of the Cross, spent time in Eucharistic Adoration, attended Holy Mass, and shared a meal. Plus, a fun game of "Caption This, PACT" made for a good day together.

PACT's service area spans southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut - all walloped by the blizzard of '26. Unsurprisingly, PACT teachers "weathered" power outages, record snowfall, and big-time shoveling with aplomb. This was one to remember!

Today's Academic Seminar featured thoughtful Action Research presentations followed by a Men's Basketball win at the AMP. We are grateful for PACT teachers' good work and the opportunity to be together back on campus. Go Friars!