Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education
Saint Louis University's Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education serves the larger educational needs of the Catholic Church by designing and delivering academic and professional development for Catholic school educators and leaders, advancing the research on Catholic educational institutions and engaging in active work on the critical issues facing Catholic schools.
Strategic Priorities
Catholic schools are a vital ministry of the Church. The Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education at SLU's College of Education partners with members of the Catholic school community to ensure that this ministry remains strong in its ability to teach all to know, love and serve God.
The Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education creates multiple opportunities to support the professional development of Catholic school educators and leaders. Through traditional academic channels as well as customized professional development opportunities, the Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education accompanies Catholic educators in their quest to enhance their professional skills to better meet the needs of all learners.
Current programs:
- Teacher education: Billiken Teacher Corps
- Leadership development: M.A. in Catholic Educational Leadership and Ed.D. in Catholic Educational Leadership
The Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education engages in research on the critical issues important to Catholic schools. Engaging in scholarly investigation with a Catholic perspective, the Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education investigates ideas and concepts that will enhance the effectiveness of Catholic schools.
- Current partnership: Prime Center
The Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education advocates with its Catholic school partners to strategically address the varied issues that today’s Catholic schools face. Through networking and advocacy, the Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education works to create solutions for these challenges, particularly for those students who have been marginalized at the local and global levels.
- Current local school outreach: St. Louis Catholic Academy Middle School
- Current global outreach: Belize 2020
Herrmann Center Spotlight: Advancing Inclusion in Catholic Education
In May 2025, the Herrmann Center hosted a first-of-its-kind national convening on disabilities and Catholic education. Leaders from Catholic schools, dioceses, universities, and advocacy organizations gathered to address how Catholic schools can better serve students with disabilities.
The convening culminated in a set of actionable priorities to advance inclusive practices rooted in Catholic identity and mission.