National Catholic Educational Association
Non-governmental organization
AbbreviationNCEA
FormationJuly 1904
PurposeDevelopment and leadership of Catholic schools
Headquarters407 Bicksler Sq SE, Leesburg, VA 20175-3773
Region servedUnited States
MembershipCatholic educators of the U.S.; primarily elementary and secondary school teachers and staff
President/CEOLincoln Snyder
Websitencea.org

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) is a private, professional educational membership association. It represents over 150,000 educators in Catholic schools, universities, and religious education programs in the United States.[1] The NCEA is the largest private professional education association in the world.[2]

Description

The NCEA focuses on leadership development for superintendents, presidents, principals, pastors, and governing bodies, as well as professional development for teachers. It also serves as a representative for Catholic school education.[citation needed][3]

The NCEA represents 150,000 Catholic educators serving 1.9 million students in Catholic education.[1]

The NCEA is a voluntary association of educators and institutions. While the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) remains the authority for the Catholic Church in the United States, the NCEA develops and articulates a national point of view consistent with the USCCB.[citation needed]

History

At the beginning of the 20th century, there were three professional organizations in the United States for Catholic educators: the Education Conference of Catholic Seminary Faculties, founded in 1898; the Association of Catholic Colleges, founded in 1899; and the Parish School Conference, founded in 1902.[4] In a meeting held in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 12–14, 1904, the three organizations decided to unite as the Catholic Educational Association (CEA).[4] Later, in 1927, the word 'national' was added to the official CEA title, and in 1929, the association headquarters moved to Washington, DC.

In 1931, the Library Section, which had existed since 1922 and was chaired by Reverend Paul J. Foik, became an independent association, the Catholic Library Association.[5]

In 1970, the NCEA began publication of Momentum Magazine, its official journal. Each issue of Momentum includes editorials, book reviews, short essays, and opinion columns.[6][7]

In 2016, the NCEA discontinued its departments for seminaries and parish religious education departments, instead focusing on K-12 Catholic organizations in the United States.[8]

Governance

The NCEA's board of directors consists of 15 to 18 members including three ex officio members. The chair is a bishop in the American church. The current and past chairs include:

Activities

The NCEA annual convention features educators in breakout sessions and an exposition. It also provides vendor displays on technology, publications, and services. The NCEA hosts other conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposiums throughout the year.[citation needed]

Services offered include in-service programs, religious education assessments, development field services, and award programs recognizing educators and students.[13]

The NCEA provides several awards for individuals and organizations that provide "important contributions to the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church occurring in Catholic schools."[14] These include several presidential awards: the Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Awards; and the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Awards.[14][15][16]

References

  1. ^ "NCEA.org"
  2. ^ "National Catholic Educational Association". UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. 2023-07-07. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  3. ^ "About Us". www.ncea.org. Archived 2026-04-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  4. ^ "About Us". National Catholic Educational Association. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  5. ^ National Catholic Educational Association. (1931). Proceedings of the Twenty-eighth Annual Meeting (Philadelphia, PA).
  6. ^ "Momentum". ncea.org. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  7. ^ "Muck Rack | For journalists and public relations". muckrack.com. 2026-03-30. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
  8. ^ "NCEA Announces new Board of Directors to guide future direction of organization". 2016-05-20.
  9. ^ Golden, Nichole (2024-06-07). "Archbishop Hartmayer elected chairman of National Catholic Educational Association board - Georgia Bulletin". Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  10. ^ "Bishop Kicanas talks of ‘presence’ as new NCEA chair". The Clarion Herald. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  11. ^ NCEATALK (2015-02-27). "Bishop Murry of the Diocese of Youngstown Appointed NCEA Board Chair". Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  12. ^ "Bishop Cupich Named NCEA Board Chairperson | NCEA". www.ncea.org. Archived 2014-10-06 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  13. ^ Inc., Advanced Solutions International. "NCEA Awards and Seton Gala". www.ncea.org
  14. ^ "NCEA President's Awards". ncea.org. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  15. ^ "Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award". ncea.org. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  16. ^ "Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Awards". ncea.org. Retrieved 2024-05-05.