“I always knew that Catholic education was special, but now I understand why.”
— Credential Candidate
The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its Catholic Educator Formation and Credential (CEFC) program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Building on the successful 2025 launch of the Western Regional Cohort, the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Diocese of Oakland will now join the Archdiocese of Portland as host dioceses for CEFC.
For the upcoming 2026-2027 cycle, in addition to five integrated courses delivered through distance learning, the cohort will convene for in-person workshops. This structure brings mission-aligned formation directly to West Coast educators participating in the renewal of Catholic education in the intellectual tradition through a groundbreaking alternative to state licensure.
Teaching is relational, and the cohort model of this program nurtures a true community of learners. The program also includes teaching observations for highly personalized encouragement and feedback.
A RENEWED VOCATION
The impact of this formation is already being felt by CEFC participants in the region. As one recent credential graduate shared, “It has renewed and restored my vocation as a teacher. The excitement I have felt has inspired me to bring this wonder and love of learning to my students.”
DeAnn Stuart, Director of the ICLE Credential Program, notes that this program is one of the most formative programs for Catholic teachers available today. “CEFC is unique among credential programs in that it ties together the theological vision of Catholic education with concrete pedagogical training. We are thankful for the faithful leaders in these three host dioceses who are extending access to this program for their teachers.”
“If I had not done the Credential Program, I very likely would have stopped teaching after my second year. My first year was really challenging … but the tools I was given through the Credential Program renewed my own confidence … and fed my own love for learning.”
— Credential Candidate
A COLLABORATIVE VISION OF RENEWAL FOR THE WEST COAST
The Western Regional Cohort is designed to serve educators across California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. While hosted by three specific dioceses, the cohort is open to any K-12 teacher from the West Coast, including those from independent schools and other neighboring dioceses.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the strength and significance of the formation provided by ICLE and am truly hopeful that the fruits of these efforts in teacher training will give rise to greater renewal in Catholic schools,” said Dr. Andrew Currier, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Oakland.
To support this expansion, the Archdiocese of Portland, the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and the Diocese of Oakland are kindly offering scholarship opportunities for teachers at their parochial schools.
“Partnering with ICLE allows us to provide our educators with a credential that is as deeply Catholic as the mission of our schools,” said Chris Fisher, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. “By hosting this cohort locally, we are making it easier for our teachers to access formation that integrates faith with academic excellence.”
CREDENTIALING AND GRADUATE PATHWAYS
The CEFC program serves as a portable, mission-aligned credential recognized by an increasing number of dioceses across the nation. In addition to a teaching credential, graduates of the CEFC Program are eligible to receive up to twelve credits toward graduate degrees from ICLE’s partners in higher education. A full list of the ICLE’s Graduate School Partnerships can be found on the ICLE website. This program provides a streamlined pathway for those seeking advanced degrees rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program spans 18 months, convening for three multi-day in-person workshops, supplemented by weekly synchronous and asynchronous online meetings and teacher observations. The 2026-2027 cohort is limited to 30 teachers.
In-Person Workshop Schedule:
- August 3 – 7, 2026: San Damiano Retreat Center (Danville, CA)
- January 14 – 18, 2027: Our Lady of Peace Retreat Center (Beaverton, OR)
- June 21 – 25, 2027: San Damiano Retreat Center (Danville, CA)
“The Diocese of Oakland is honored and truly blessed in being able to host sessions for ICLE’s Western Regional Cohort at San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville. The teachers will be offered a philosophically and pedagogically sound formation in the context of a beautiful setting,” said Currier.
APPLY TODAY
Applications for the 2026-2027 Western Regional Cohort are being accepted on a rolling basis until all 30 seats are filled.
To learn more about the curriculum, visit the CEFC webpage to explore our program. Applications can be submitted by selecting “Western Regional Cohort” in our general application. Download the CEFC Brochure here.
