As a theologian, I have always been fascinated by nuns. While I was conducting my research on nuns, I came across a topic of why nuns stopped teaching in catholic schools. I decided to visit my former school to check if my teachers who were nuns were still there and if the school board still used them as instructors; I got insights that helped with my research. During one online forum, my theology student asked me a similar question of when nuns stopped teaching in catholic schools. Since I had done enough research, I was able to answer the student satisfactorily. Therefore, when did nuns stop teaching in catholic schools?
A few nuns still teach in Catholic schools. According to a study done in the USA at the Holy Cross Academy in Delran, New Jersey, the lay teachers make up the majority of the catholic school teaching fraternity. There are only two nuns left in the school. The number of nuns in the states has reduced from 180,000 to 45,000. It implies that most schools are not taught by nuns but lay teachers.
In this article, I explore when nuns stopped teaching in catholic schools. Join me on this journey as we delve into whether nuns still teach at catholic schools and whether they were qualified and certified to teach in these schools. Keep reading this for much more!
Do nuns still teach at Catholic schools?
Yes, nuns still teach in catholic schools though the numbers have reduced tremendously. According to research, nuns still play a crucial role in teaching and the general administration of catholic schools. At Holy Cross Academy in the USA, studies indicate two nuns are teachers in this school. However, the teaching staff comprises lay teachers. The study shows the numbers have reduced from 180,000- 45,000 nuns over the years.
Are nuns qualified and certified teachers?
Although it’s not clear whether nuns were qualified, some were qualified and certified others were not. According to Bill Powers, women taught in classrooms before they attained a college degree. However, they attended afternoon classes to get their degree as qualified teachers. Some even had master’s degrees and Ph.D. degrees.
Were nuns strict in catholic schools?
According to Linda Kryvoruka, in catholic school systems across US and Canada, nuns were very strict as they imposed corporal punishment for any misbehavior among learners. Those who misbehaved were met with brutal punishment that is not known to the outside world. They had mysterious criteria for punishing learners depending on their mood. Nuns were strict to the extend those punished feared to tell their parents since nuns were seen as omnipotent and unchallenged.
How long were nuns teaching in Catholic schools?
It is not clear how long nuns taught in catholic schools. According to a study at St. Gertrude school, the school always had a principal nun and three nuns as teachers for different grades who served for a couple of years before they embarked on other assignments.
Why did nuns stop teaching in catholic schools?
Nuns’ stopping to teach in catholic schools is attributed to a decline in the interest of catholic religious life. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, the number of nuns reduced from 58,000-38,000. Catholic schools were forced to employ lay teachers since the number of nuns was few and they were experiencing competition from charter schools. In addition the remaining few were focused on other social areas like health and refugees.
Do catholic schools hire qualified teachers now?
Catholic schools hire qualified teachers similar to those teaching in public schools; however, since they are not state-funded, they are not obliged to meet the strict state regulations to hire teachers. They get high-quality teachers since achievement is dependent on the quality of teachers.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
