Are Teacher Retreats Necessary?

I would say this is a resounding YES! and here I will explain why. Teaching is a very taxing job; physically, mentally and emotionally. I won't go into all the reasons or ways; it's all been stated before. In any job that is stressful or overwhelming it can feel underappreciated or unrecognized. It's easy to get discouraged and even resentful as the mission or original motivation slips farther from view.

When I first began teaching, I remember feeling that listening to some of the speakers we had on professional days, was a waste of time. They were funny or at least amusing and had us turn and talk far too often. I wanted to take valuable notes and learn something that would help be perfect my craft. However, it wasn't long before I started to appreciate these lighter and more relaxing days of reprieve from the fast pace of a teaching day.

Having been in this career a number of years I then found the change of our professional days becoming "note-taking events" as the powers-that-be pushed to move educating children from a soft science to a hard science. Our plates became overloaded, and the data of learning and results of our teaching became the end all, be all. Thankfully, in Catholic education, the need was still obvious for yearly (or more) faculty and staff retreats.

Beyond the need for those who work in the classroom to refresh and amp up spirits, the entire staff needs to be reminded of the mission of Catholic schools, the reason we are serving and the comradery and connection between us. And, although everyone working in a Catholic school is certainly not on the same page in their journey to know Jesus, we have to stop and learn, reflect and review where we're each at, on our walks.

So how do we design a meaningful retreat? There are a few elements that are seen in most all successful retreats. The first is that it is actually a retreat from the normal environment. Whether you travel to a retreat center in a nature setting or a trip downtown to a hotel conference venue, the important thing is to get off-campus if at all possible.

Some key components to most all retreats include music, food, a collaborative activity, a theme that is usually connected to a parable or scripture, individual time for prayer and reflection and sometimes opportunity for confessions. Not all these elements need be included in a good retreat, however most pieces are.

With a school or parish group of leaders, many of these pieces can be handed out to qualified personnel; the music to the music teacher, food to staff that can call caterers or make food to bring. A lively ice breaker or collaborative activity can easily be found online. A jovial and well-liked MC can lead the process.

Perhaps the hardest part is to come up with the theme and find a speaker who can lead the spiritual talk that will make your retreat not just an outing. It should be someone who can lead the staff into a reflective time that moves them to a deeper faith journey. The theme needs to be something encouraging and more than a you-need-to-be-more-for-your-students talk. Teachers are in the battlefield every day and being told they're not good enough yet is just one more kick in the sides. The message should be something comforting and encouraging about our loving Father and how He has our back, in carrying the load.

Sometimes we can find speakers through active parish leaders, that had presented at a workshop or CCW meeting. Sometimes we look to friends at other schools and parishes that knew of a good speaker. Sometimes we turn to the diocese for suggestions. At any rate, plan on paying them more than a free meal and get participants to rate them after all is said and done. This will help you know the effectiveness of the speaker and also help you to pass the name on to others.

Even when you secure an outside speaker, that person will want to know some general ideas of what to speak on. These can sometimes be found through an AI or Google search. For a Catholic School Teacher and Staff Retreat, check out my document at my store, Catholic Teacher and Staff Retreat by Go Forth and Lead | TPT. Also available for in person presentations, email this author (if in Florida) at rsmith4058@gmail.com.

One of the most important parts of the retreat is giving time for teachers and staff to reflect and pray, on their own. This is very important and can be highly effective in a nature setting. Give this section a good 30-45 minutes and come together afterward for a wrap up of the day.

Including all of these listed components may not be necessary for a good retreat. A message or theme, time for friendly interaction, and reflection are the most valuable. Again, check out Catholic Teacher and Staff Retreat by Go Forth and Lead | TPT for more ideas.