What is Catholic Social Teaching

Authentic, practical and realistic experiences for pre-service teachers are essential to any effective teacher education program. If combined with two high-impact educational practices: service learning and study abroad, can result in an inclusive and successful education program. Study abroad with a carefully crafted service-learning component would help pre-service teachers to not only, immerse themselves in a foreign culture, but also to refine their craft in that same context. On a Catholic university campus there exists the unique opportunity to include faith in all coursework and experiences that students may have. The application of Catholic Social Teachings, especially the tenets of social justice, should be a major part of what drives pre-service teachers in the classroom. Coursework that has a social justice bend and experiences that reflect the ideals of social justice according to the Catholic Church can prove to be highly impactful if well-designed.