The University of Rochester's Warner School of Education will sponsor its annual two-day Summer Institute on Catholic Education on July 10 and 11 with this year's programs addressing some of the central trends that contribute to the continued effectiveness of Catholic education.

Now in its 19th year, the Summer Institute on Catholic Education brings together Catholic educators, clergy, parents, and others from a wide geographic area to reflect on the emerging direction of Catholic education. This year's programming includes lectures, discussions, and social conversation around the theme of "Catholic Education: Culture, Creativity, Collaboration, and Cyberspace." Participants will explore the roles of technology and the digital world in Catholic education, and how creativity, culture, and religion contribute to vibrant Catholic schools.

The first of the two keynote speakers, Elinor R. Ford, a consultant and presenter, will discuss how the Catholic school leader is called to root the school in a culture that creates a nurturing, gospel, and eucharisting culture that prepares students with faith alive religion curriculum, a superior and creative academic program, and the ability to be at ease living in a Cyberspace world. Ford, who will speak on Thursday, July 10, has served as an international speaker, teacher, author, former superintendent of the Archdiocese of New York, and former CEO of Sadlier, Inc.

William Clifford, who has been involved in Catholic education as a teacher, academic vice-principal, and principal, is currently the associate superintendent for instruction and technology at the Diocese of Brooklyn Schools. He will open the Institute's Friday, July 11, event with an address on how to prepare students for their future. Drawing from his experience as a Catholic school educator, he will share how teachers, schools, and administrators respond to how students interact, learn, and live in a digital world. He will discuss how blogs, podcasting, and Flickr have meaning in the classroom.

Local and national educators and experts will lead small group discussions on a range of topics from technology integration in the 21st Century and online crime experiences of Catholic children to the Catholic school culture.

The Summer Institute will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11. All programs will be held at the Holiday Inn Rochester Airport on Brooks Avenue in Rochester. Registration is $230 per person and includes materials, refreshments, and luncheons. Group rates and housing are available. To register or for more information about the Summer Institute, visit www.rochester.edu/warner/summerinstitute, call (585) 275-7833, or send an e-mail to ekirst@warner.rochester.edu.

About the Warner School of Education
Founded in 1958, the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education offers master's and doctoral degree programs in teaching and curriculum, school leadership, higher education, counseling, human development, and educational policy. The Warner School of Education offers a new accelerated option for its Ed.D. programs that allows eligible students to earn a doctorate in education in as few as three years part time while holding a professional job in the same field. The Warner School of Education is recognized both regionally and nationally for its tradition of preparing practitioners and researchers to become leaders and agents of change in schools, universities, and community agencies; generating and disseminating research; and actively participating in education reform.