Non-Catholic Students Impact on Catholic Teachers in Four Catholic High Schools

Abstract

This article deals with the impact on Catholic teachers resulting from the inclusion of non-Catholic students in Catholic schools. Deriving findings from focus groups of Catholic teachers drawn from four urban Western Canadian Catholic high schools, this article proffers that although inclusion heightens Catholic teachers' uncertainty regarding the difference between Catholic and Christian education and their ambiguity regarding the mandate of Catholic education, the overall impact of inclusion is positive. In particular, the Catholic teachers' experience of their faith is deepened and broadened by inclusion.