During the Year of Lasallian Spirituality, Christian Brothers Conference is publishing reflections to provide spiritual inspiration and stir continued dialogue around Lasallian spirituality.
By Erika Lynn Whitehead
Who Am I?
I have been a dedicated member of Catalyst Schools for the past 10 years, where I was first introduced to the Lasallian education mission. This mission deeply resonated with me, offering a profound way to merge my faith, morals, and beliefs with my professional life – something I had not imagined possible in a public-school setting. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of participating in formation experiences such as the Huether Conference and the John Johnston Institute, which have further enriched my understanding of Lasallian principles. I have also served in leadership capacities at Huether, including track leader, presenter, planning committee member, and conference panelist. Currently, I serve as the Animator for our network, helping to foster mission integration across our network. Within Catalyst, I lead our Legacy Team, a role which serves as the secular equivalent of a Director of Mission/Ministry. In this role, I accompany our staff in keeping the Lasallian mission alive, ensuring that our core values continue to guide and inspire our community.
Why Does This Matter?
I am continually deepening my understanding of what it means to be a Lasallian educator and how, as a public-school educator, I am carving out a space for both my ministry and myself in this mission. This is an identity not just rooted in academic excellence, but in piety and reverence. I am learning how to faithfully embody Lasallian values in a space where traditional ministry cannot be explicitly named but can still be powerfully lived. This matters because the mission is not confined to private institutions and/or religious language. The heart of Lasallian education transcends boundaries as it champions faith in the dignity of every scholar, zeal for their growth, and a commitment to community. Teaching then is an act of compassion, an extension of justice, and a consistency of love, care, and high expectations. I am discovering how to live this mission in ways that honor both my personal calling to a ministry of help, and the sacred trust placed in me by the academic community I serve.
How Do I Find Meaning in This Work?
Saint John Baptist de La Salle said, “You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care.”
This quote highlights the transformative power of educators in shaping the lives of scholars, and emphasizes the importance of love, kindness and a genuine connection with them as the foundation for meaningful learning and positive development. The Lasallian charism is deeply rooted in the belief that education is a sacred ministry — one that not only imparts knowledge but also transforms lives through compassion, presence and an unwavering commitment to justice and equity. For me, the heart of this charism lies in the powerful truth expressed in Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s words. As an educator, a Lasallian educator, I do not take lightly the responsibility and honor of teaching minds and touching hearts. Each day, I strive to create an environment where scholars (and teachers) feel seen, valued and empowered — because I believe authentic human connection is the first and most impactful step toward any true academic or personal growth.
The 12 Virtues of a Good Teacher, as identified by de La Salle, provide a blueprint for what it means to teach with integrity, purpose, and grace. Virtues such as patience, zeal, gentleness, and vigilance are not abstract ideals but practical dispositions that I lean on daily. Patience reminds me to meet every scholar (or teacher) where they are; zeal fuels my commitment to keep showing up with energy and joy, even on the hard days. Gentleness helps me model emotional regulation and compassion, even in times when scholars struggle behaviorally, while vigilance ensures I remain attentive to the unspoken needs of my school community. These virtues are not just guiding principles – they are tools that shape my interactions, our overall school culture, and my legacy as a Lasallian educator and leader in our building and beyond.
What Is My Purpose?
To be a Lasallian educator in a public school is to hold the tension and beauty of this work with reverence. It is to model gravity, build inclusive community, and to believe against all odds in the transformative power of education. Living out the Lasallian mission means that my work is about more than test scores, professional development, and curricula – it is about purpose and responsibility. It is about teaching minds while also touching hearts. It is about recognizing that every scholar (and teacher) carries their own story and that, by leading with virtue, I can play a meaningful role in helping them realize and subsequently actualize their worth and potential. The Lasallian charism calls me to teach with purpose, to lead with love, and to serve with humility.
Ultimately, the greatest miracle I can perform is to touch the hearts of my scholars and staff — and that is a miracle I work toward each and every day.
My scholars (and staff) deserve nothing less.
Erika Lynn Whitehead is assistant principal at Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School in Chicago, Illinois.