Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers - PACT

"PACT Summer" came to a warm and joyful conclusion with the traditional Mass of Commissioning and dinner program for school partners, families, and friends. Not only a celebration of PACT 26 and their excellent preparation this summer, but PACT also presented the 2026 Br. Pat Carey, cfc, Award in Catholic Education to St. Raphael Academy Assistant Principal Judy Baxter. Congratulations, PACT 26 and Judy!

PACT 26 school visitations wrapped up with three excellent Connecticut Catholic schools. It is good for early-career teachers to see the unity and diversity of our Catholic schools.

Alums ranging from PACT 2 to PACT 22 returned to Friartown to share as part of the PACT Alumni Summer Panel 2026. They provided valuable resources and hard-earned wisdom to PACT 25 & 26 candidates. Thank you, alums, for your loyalty and support!

PACT teachers visit, as a cohort, each member's placement school during their first summer. This multi-state commitment provides a broad perspective right away and showcases the unity and diversity of Catholic schools. We will wrap up next week with three Connecticut Catholic schools.

The PACT 26 cohort made its first visit to the program's newest partner school in the Catholic Diocese of Burlington, Vermont. Special thank you to Tim Loescher, Head of School at Mater Christi School.

PACT bid farewell to its beautiful 24th cohort, giving thanks to God and celebrating their accomplishments. Many will continue for a third year at their placement schools, and all have offered their best. Godspeed, PACT 24!

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.