21 Best PD Providers for Catholic Schools in the USA (2026)

The United States is home to more than 6,000 Catholic schools educating nearly 1.7 million students. The US Catholic education ecosystem is supported by a robust infrastructure of national organizations, university partnerships, diocesan offices, and independent consultants. But finding the right professional development provider for your Catholic school still takes effort.

This guide brings together 21 of the best professional development providers serving Catholic schools across the United States. From national associations and university programs to specialist consultants and speaker organizations, these providers understand what makes Catholic education different. They work with dioceses, parishes, school boards, and individual schools to deliver professional learning that strengthens both teaching and mission.

Each listing includes the provider's specialty, who they are best suited for, and what makes them worth considering. Whether you are a superintendent planning diocesan PD, a principal sourcing a keynote speaker, or a teacher seeking a graduate program in Catholic school leadership, this list will save you hours of research.

How to Choose the Right PD Provider for Your Catholic School

Before you start scrolling, it helps to know what you are looking for. The best PD investment for your school depends on your current challenges, budget, and goals. A school struggling with enrollment needs something very different from one seeking to strengthen its classical curriculum.

Consider whether you want PD that is specifically Catholic in content (faith formation, Catholic identity, religious education) or PD that is universal in application but delivered by someone who understands the Catholic school context (leadership, team dynamics, instructional practice, wellbeing). Both have their place, and the strongest schools invest in both.

1. Jonno White, Clarity Group Global

Specialty: Leadership Development, Team Dynamics, Working Genius Facilitation

Best For: Catholic school leadership teams, executive offsites, staff PD days, conference keynotes

Jonno White is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author, and leadership keynote speaker who works with Catholic schools internationally including across the United States. His book Step Up or Step Out has sold over 10,000 copies globally and addresses the difficult conversations that school leaders navigate daily. His Working Genius workshops help Catholic school teams discover why some work energizes them while other work drains them, transforming how staff collaborate on everything from curriculum planning to pastoral care.

Jonno has been part of Gateway Baptist Church in Brisbane since he was one year old, and served as a pastor for a season before moving into leadership consulting full-time. His deep conviction is that Christian organizations should be the healthiest in the world, and that passion drives his love of investing in Catholic schools and education systems. He hosts The Leadership Conversations Podcast with over 230 episodes reaching listeners in more than 150 countries, and founded The 7 Questions Movement with over 6,000 participating leaders. His sessions complement the spiritual formation work your diocese already provides.

Regions served: USA, Australia, UK, Singapore, Canada, India, South Africa (in-person and virtual)

Contact: jonno@consultclarity.org | consultclarity.org

2. National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Specialty: National Conventions, Professional Learning, Catholic Identity

Best For: All Catholic educators, system leaders, teachers, principals

NCEA is the largest private education association in the world, and their annual Convention and Expo brings together thousands of Catholic educators for professional development. They provide ongoing professional learning resources, the Catholic Leadership Summit for superintendents, and the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools (NSBECS). Every Catholic school leader in the US should be connected to NCEA.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: ncea.org

3. Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), University of Notre Dame

Specialty: Teacher Formation, Leadership Development, School Sustainability

Best For: New Catholic school teachers, aspiring principals, dioceses seeking teacher pipeline

ACE at the University of Notre Dame is one of the most respected Catholic education programs in the world. Their teacher service program places outstanding graduates in under-resourced Catholic schools, their Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program develops principals, and their research informs Catholic education policy nationally. ACE's influence on the quality of Catholic school teaching and leadership across the United States is substantial.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: ace.nd.edu

4. Roche Center for Catholic Education, Boston College

Specialty: Catholic School Leadership, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Research

Best For: Current and aspiring Catholic school leaders, urban Catholic schools

The Roche Center at Boston College's Lynch School of Education forms Catholic school educators to become agents of change. Their Catholic Leadership Cohort enables educators to earn a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy. The Urban Catholic Teacher Corps places master's candidates in Catholic schools, and their research on culturally and linguistically diverse Catholic schools informs practice nationally.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: bc.edu/roche

5. Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education (ITCE)

Specialty: Teacher Formation, SEL, Catholic Identity, Accreditation

Best For: Diocesan PD days, faculty formation, Catholic school improvement

ITCE at the Catholic University of America offers keynote speakers Dr. Daryl Hagan and Dr. Andrew Kremer for school conferences and back-to-school events. Their Insight program is the first social and emotional learning PD specifically designed for Catholic school educators, integrating psychological sciences with the Catholic intellectual tradition through the lens of Saint Thomas Aquinas. They collaborate with schools and dioceses to develop tailored teacher formation programs.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: itce.catholic.edu

6. Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE)

Specialty: Classical Catholic Education, Teacher Credential, Liberal Arts

Best For: Catholic schools adopting classical curriculum, teacher formation

ICLE's Catholic Educator Formation and Credential Program (CEFC) is an 18-month program designed to fill the gap in teacher formation based entirely in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The credential is designed to be portable and recognized by dioceses nationwide. For Catholic schools moving toward or strengthening a classical liberal arts approach, ICLE provides essential formation that connects pedagogy with Catholic philosophy of education.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: catholicliberaleducation.org

7. Solution Tree

Specialty: Professional Learning Communities, Assessment, Response to Intervention

Best For: Whole-school instructional improvement, PLC implementation

While not Catholic-specific, Solution Tree's Professional Learning Communities framework has been widely adopted by Catholic schools across the United States and Australia. Their conferences, consultant services, and extensive book catalog provide research-based approaches to collaborative teaching and learning improvement. Many diocesan offices partner with Solution Tree to provide system-wide PD on PLCs, assessment literacy, and differentiated instruction.

Regions served: United States, Global

Learn more: solutiontree.com

8. Christian Brothers Services (CBS)

Specialty: Strategic Planning, Development, Governance, Catholic School Consulting

Best For: Catholic school administrators, development directors, boards

CBS hosts customized workshops, seminars, conferences, and keynote presentations for Catholic schools on staff development, leadership, and organizational vitality. Their strategic planning process has produced over 140 plans for Catholic organizations, and their Four-Year Development Program helps elementary schools build sustainable fundraising without dedicated development staff. Their consultants understand both canon law and civil law requirements for Catholic school governance.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: cbservices.org

9. Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD)

Specialty: Advancement, Fundraising, Strategic Planning, Enrollment

Best For: Catholic school principals, development directors, pastors

ISPD works exclusively with Catholic institutions and has helped raise over $750 million in the past 35 years. Their Summer Development School conference, online courses in partnership with the University of Dayton, and consulting processes cover assessment, strategic planning, enrollment management, feasibility studies, and capital campaigns. Founded by Frank Donaldson, who has authored six books on Catholic development and stewardship.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: ispdconsulting.com

10. Catholic Speakers Organization

Specialty: Faith-Based Keynote Speakers, Catholic Events, Diocesan Gatherings

Best For: Catholic school assemblies, diocesan conferences, parent events

The Catholic Speakers Organization is the leading resource for booking faith-based professional and celebrity speakers for Catholic events. Their roster includes authors, athletes, entertainers, and ministry leaders who can speak at Catholic school events, parent gatherings, and diocesan conferences. They are particularly useful for schools seeking speakers who can address faith, values, and Catholic identity with authenticity and engagement.

Regions served: United States, Global

Learn more: catholicspeakers.com

11. Ave Maria University, M.Ed. in Catholic Educational Leadership

Specialty: Catholic Leadership Formation, Graduate Studies

Best For: Aspiring and current Catholic school principals and leaders

Ave Maria University's Master of Education in Catholic Educational Leadership addresses elements missing from secular programs, including advancing Catholic mission and identity, nurturing formation of mind, body, and spirit, and leading with moral standards faithful to the Church. The program combines distance learning with intensive two-week summer residencies, making it accessible to working educators.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: avemaria.edu

12. Loyola Marymount University, Catholic School Leadership Academy

Specialty: Catholic School Administration, Graduate Certificate

Best For: Novice and prospective Catholic school leaders in underserved areas

LMU's Catholic School Leadership Academy partners with Catholic Extension Society to offer a graduate-level virtual Certificate in Catholic School Administration. The program specifically targets leaders in Catholic schools in Extension dioceses where professional development opportunities are limited by cost and distance. Catholic Extension covers 80% of tuition costs, making this an exceptionally accessible leadership development pathway.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: lmu.edu

13. Mount St. Mary's University, Center for Catholic School Excellence

Specialty: Principal Development, Consulting, Catholic School Improvement

Best For: Catholic school principals, assistant principals, diocesan educators

Founded in 2009, the Center for Catholic School Excellence promotes reflection, strategic planning, and inquiry with parish and diocesan leaders. Their Principals' Leadership Institute for Advanced Study (PLIAS) fosters collaboration among Catholic school leaders. The Center provides consulting services covering curriculum, assessment, school culture, and Catholic identity for K-12 Catholic schools.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: msmary.edu

14. Saint Paul Seminary, Certificate in Catholic School Leadership

Specialty: Contemplative Leadership, Faith Formation, Catholic School Culture

Best For: Current and aspiring Catholic school principals

This 14-month hybrid certificate program has positively influenced over 20,000 students through its graduates. The curriculum focuses on contemplative leadership, a model that integrates prayerful reflection with intentional decision-making. Focus areas include Catholic school culture, academic excellence, and organizational leadership. Thanks to benefactors, the 2026 cohort tuition is just $3,000.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: saintpaulseminary.org

15. Catholic Extension Society

Specialty: Leadership Development, School Sustainability, Mission Support

Best For: Catholic schools in underserved dioceses, rural Catholic education

Catholic Extension supports Catholic schools in mission dioceses across the United States, particularly in rural and underserved areas where professional development access is limited. Their partnership with Loyola Marymount University and other initiatives provide leadership development, financial support, and capacity building for schools that might otherwise lack these resources.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: catholicextension.org

16. TEEN TRUTH

Specialty: Student Engagement, School Culture, Mental Health

Best For: Catholic secondary schools, student assemblies, staff PD

TEEN TRUTH delivers powerful programs for Catholic schools focused on student engagement, mental health, and school culture. Producer JC Pohl has reached over 11 million people across more than 7,000 schools. Their Rising Up program empowers students to build positive school environments. For Catholic schools seeking assembly speakers who combine professional production values with meaningful messages about resilience, TEEN TRUTH delivers.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: teentruth.net

17. National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD)

Specialty: Disability Inclusion, Accessibility, Catholic Schools

Best For: Catholic schools seeking to welcome students with special needs

NCPD serves as a central resource for professional development on disability and inclusion in Catholic settings. They connect Catholic schools with inclusion consultants, host the biennial FIRE Foundation conference on inclusive Catholic education, and curate resources from specialist organizations. For Catholic schools called to be more inclusive, NCPD is the essential starting point.

Regions served: United States, Global resources

Learn more: ncpd.org

18. Catholic Inclusion LLC

Specialty: Inclusive Education, Special Needs, Disability Support

Best For: Catholic schools beginning or expanding inclusion programs

Catholic Inclusion specializes in accompanying Catholic schools as they take their first steps in including students with intellectual disabilities. They work with schools to develop plans for teacher and administration capacity building, from implementing peer support arrangements to training instructional support staff. A dedicated and experienced partner for schools answering the call to welcome all learners.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: Via NCPD (ncpd.org)

19. Sophia Institute for Teachers

Specialty: Catholic Curriculum Resources, Lesson Plans, Teacher Formation

Best For: Catholic school teachers seeking faith-integrated curriculum

Sophia Institute for Teachers provides free Catholic curriculum resources, lesson plans, and teacher formation materials that integrate faith across subject areas. Their resources help teachers connect Catholic teaching with daily classroom practice in practical, accessible ways. For Catholic schools seeking ready-made resources that strengthen Catholic identity across the curriculum without expensive consulting, Sophia Institute is an excellent free starting point.

Regions served: United States, Global (online)

Learn more: sophiainstituteforteachers.org

20. University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE)

Specialty: Catholic Teacher Pipeline, Service Programs, Research

Best For: Dioceses seeking new teacher pipeline, universities developing programs

UCCE connects university-based Catholic education service programs across the United States. Programs modeled on Notre Dame's ACE place talented graduates in Catholic schools while they earn master's degrees. The consortium includes Boston College's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps, Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers, and many others. Their collective impact on the quality and supply of Catholic school teachers is significant.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: ucce-network.org

21. University of Dayton, Institute for Pastoral Initiatives

Specialty: Online Catholic Education Courses, Development and Stewardship

Best For: Catholic school development directors, educators seeking online PD

The University of Dayton's Institute for Pastoral Initiatives partners with ISPD to teach online, for-credit courses in Catholic school and parish development. Their Marianist tradition of education brings distinctive values to Catholic school professional development. Online course delivery makes their programs accessible to Catholic educators nationwide.

Regions served: United States

Learn more: udayton.edu

22. LimeLight Group

Specialty: Speaker Representation, Conference Programming

Best For: Catholic education conference organizers in Canada

Based in Halifax, LimeLight Group provides speaker representation with a focus on the Canadian market. They connect Catholic education events with speakers across leadership, education, and personal development. For Canadian Catholic schools and conferences seeking quality speakers, LimeLight offers a curated roster and professional event support.

Regions served: Canada

Learn more: limelightgroup.com

What to Look for in a PD Provider for Your Catholic School

The best professional development providers for Catholic schools share several qualities. They understand that Catholic schools are not just schools with a chapel attached. They recognize that mission, identity, and faith formation are woven through everything from how you run staff meetings to how you handle parent complaints. The PD they deliver respects and reinforces this reality.

Look for providers who can demonstrate impact, not just engagement. A great PD day feels good, but lasting change requires follow-up, implementation support, and accountability. Ask potential providers how they ensure their work translates into changed practice back in classrooms and staffrooms.

What Does Catholic School PD Typically Cost in the USA?

National conferences like the NCEA Convention typically cost $500 to $1,500 per delegate. Individual keynote speakers and facilitators for school PD days typically range from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on the speaker's profile and travel. Ongoing consulting relationships range from $10,000 to $50,000+ per year. Graduate programs vary from free (like Sophia Institute's resources) to several thousand dollars, with many dioceses and organizations subsidizing costs.

For inquiries about Jonno White's availability and pricing for your Catholic school, email jonno@consultclarity.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes professional development for Catholic schools different from general school PD?

Catholic school PD must account for the distinctive mission, identity, and culture of Catholic education. This includes faith formation alongside professional skills, alignment with Catholic Social Teaching, understanding of diocesan governance structures, and respect for the vocation of Catholic educators. The best providers integrate these elements naturally rather than treating them as add-ons.

Do PD providers need to be Catholic to work effectively with Catholic schools?

Not necessarily. Many excellent providers deliver outstanding PD in Catholic schools because they respect the Catholic context. What matters is that the provider understands your school's mission and values. The most effective approach combines Catholic-specific formation providers with best-in-class practitioners in areas like leadership, instruction, and wellbeing.

How do I get my diocese on board with a new PD provider?

Start by connecting your diocesan education office with the provider. Many dioceses coordinate PD across their schools and can negotiate system-wide arrangements. Frame your recommendation in terms of alignment with diocesan strategic priorities. Offering to pilot the PD at your school and share results is often an effective way to build support.

About the Author

Jonno White is a leadership keynote speaker, Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out (10,000+ copies sold globally). He is the founder of Clarity Group Global and The 7 Questions Movement (6,000+ participating leaders), and host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast (230+ episodes, listeners in 150+ countries). Jonno works with Catholic schools, corporate teams, and nonprofits across Australia, the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, India, and South Africa.

To book Jonno for your Catholic school PD day, conference keynote, or leadership offsite, email jonno@consultclarity.org

Next Read: 27 Best PD Providers for Catholic Schools in Australia (2026)

Looking for professional development providers for Catholic schools in Australia and New Zealand? Our companion guide covers 27 of the best PD speakers, diocesan systems, consultants, and organizations serving Catholic education across Australia and New Zealand, from the NCEC and Brisbane Catholic Education to specialist faith formation providers and evidence-based instructional coaches.

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