The Procedo Project has been a long-time coming in concept. For several years, I enjoyed a collegial relationship with Eduscape CEO, Alex Urrea, via the partnership we created between ISTE and the National Catholic Educational Association. Together, we established cohorts of Catholic educators around the country to offer them ISTE certification at a reduced rate. We were both excited and proud of this work to build capacity among Catholic educators long term. We also both recognized there was so much more we could do.
Many of my passion projects over the years organically became related to rethinking established methodology, offerings and mindsets. I was blessed to be able to build a national webinar program, author micro-credentials, be a thought-leader in the digital discipleship movement, create new relationships with national organizations, advance the Edcamp movement in Catholic schools and connect with the amazing colleagues that engage in the #CatholicEdChat. These have all been such life-giving experiences, that have helped me grow as much as I have contributed to the field. When coming across other like-minded colleagues that believe in Catholic education, it invigorates me because I see so much possibility just within grasp. So it was only natural that Alex Urrea and I became fast friends.
When the pandemic hit early last year so many events were canceled and organizations had to make difficult decisions to downsize staff. Eduscape pivoted into high gear, quickly offering free webinars and support to help educators adapt to hybrid and remote teaching. As we saw the response from educators, Alex said to me, “It’s time to do this. We have to help these Catholic schools be successful and I want you to lead it.” That was the birth of The Procedo Project and I am humbled by the faith he put in me as Chief Learning Officer. Together we from the ground up while providing triage to educators who need us during COVID. The Procedo Project started simply as the Catholic schools division of Eduscape, but we are proud to now stand as a non-profit 501 (c)3 under the Rethink Learning Foundation. Eduscape will continue to be an involved partner in the work of The Procedo Project.
We did not know what the response would be for The Procedo Project when we started. We have been humbled by the response from schools, dioceses, organizations, publishers and education companies immediately excited to work with us. We have accomplished a lot in a short time. Our goal is both simple and complex. We want to help Catholic schools and ministries be successful, relevant and self-sustaining. We want to elevate practice and make a difference. How we do this will take many forms and will continue to evolve. Our first big initiatives will be launching the Forefront 2021 Virtual Summit as well as a Global Catholic Educator Community via EdWeb.net. We ask you to join this free network to connect with educators all over the world to elevate Catholic education. As a thank you, you will receive a discounted rate should you choose to join us for our inaugural virtual summit.
Watch us grow, pray for us and join us. We have a lot of work to do and big things ahead!