When you think of your best teachers, no doubt you will remember not just the animated instructors but the ones who made you feel alive, who gave you a sense of purpose, of belonging in the classroom. Our presenter today is Dan Beseau of St. Ignatius Parish School and he represents that element, not of cognition, but recognition that makes the difference in academic formation. But Dan’s presentation is not on teaching but on his own transformation in order to teach well.
As a jeweler precisely cuts and fashions the facets on a gemstone, Dan illumines our theme of “beauty and brokenness” through the scriptures, our Ignatian charism, his visit to Homeboy Industries (a gang rehabilitation enterprise founded by Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ) and his own story. Dan awaits the return of his students to the classroom next week. He speaks with the readiness and anticipation that awaits this reconnection, this love and support that is authentically transformational and comes as gift. Just imagine!