1. This pillar supports our efforts toward perfecting the work God has given us to teach in Catholic schools.

There are many ways in which this pillar is strengthened, but the primary one is through our studies at the University of St. Thomas.

1. Classes are taken throughout the summer and school year toward a Master in Education.
   1. The University of St. Thomas gives the GRACE students a scholarship for all 36 hours of coursework
   2. During the first summer, GRACE students take the six classes required to teach on a Catholic school campus
   3. When the school year begins, first-year GRACE students take a night class one day per week.
   4. In addition, a university supervisor will visit each student on his or her campus at least four times per semester to provide support and feedback for the first year of teaching.
   5. Classes continue through the second summer and school year.
2. Classes include:
   1. Two classes on Catholic education
   2. Classroom management
   3. Teaching linguistically and culturally diverse students
   4. Variability and assessment
   5. Curriculum and Instruction
3. As part of the degree there is a research class
   1. An action research study is done by each student resulting in a Master’s Thesis