Thomas Shields and the Renewal of Catholic Education

"Catholic education in the West often involves an amalgam of secular educational theories infused with a religious content. Given that Catholic education involves the formation of the mind and character, it is important that we take a more holistic approach to the process of education itself. This should start by basing our educational theories on a true Catholic anthropology. Thomas Shields did just that, and so this excellent study of his work is timely given the urgent need to re-evangelize our culture."

~Phillip Booth, St. Mary’s University, London

"Well-researched and masterfully written, by a seasoned scholar and educator, this book is a must-read for every educator, in Catholic or secular institutions of higher learning. Shields Master Plan of teaching the old in the new, of introducing reform and renewal steeped deeply in the relation between faith and reason and interdisciplinarity, and his reform pedagogy which is not only theoretical but practical and part of the divine vocation of every educator is still relevant. The book guides one to be a reformer while being formator, an innovator while staying steadfastly true to tradition, forward-thinking while valuing the core of the Catholic education. The study provides a road map for educators as they seek to combine truth-seeking with novel opportunities."

~Ines A. Murzaku, Seton Hall University

"To paraphrase the first chapter of this timely volume, Professor Franchi’s contribution to the history of Catholic education in the United States contains things old and new. The life and work of Thomas Shields is well covered. The striking feature of this well written and researched account is how the rationale for Shields’ work resonate with modern audiences who often find themselves grappling with similar issues. Franchi outlines how the genesis of Shields’ educational thinking can be seen as a response to the philosophical position of Dewey and the progressivist movement. And here we see and ongoing challenge for Catholic educators, that is, how best to engage with the great cultural issues of the day. Shields was also concerned with the formation of teachers, another perennial topic for Catholic educators. This book is highly recommended for those who see the value of exploring and reflecting on the past to better understand the present and the future."

~Richard Rymarz, Director of Research and Head of Religious Education, BBI-TAITE. Sydney, Australia

"Thomas Shields made a major contribution to Catholic education in the early twentieth century and deserves significant credit for improving the quality of Catholic schools and placing these schools within the vibrant national debate on education, which was an important component of Progressive Era reforms. Thomas Shields and the Renewal of Catholic Education provides a clear delineation of his contributions and lasting effects. Some analysis of constructive feedback from Catholic sisters on the effectiveness of the Catholic Education Series and the various resources would have provided an additional dimension of the story. Overall, an excellent contribution to the history of Catholic education that will be of interest to historians, curriculum scholars, educators, and catechists."

~American Catholic Studies (ACHS)

"A succinct and well-written narrative has opened up the story of this remarkable teacher to a new generation of educators. This is a timely book, meticulously researched and very well written. It merits wide circulation in particular in the American academic community concerned with Catholic Education. This is their origin story, but it is more than that, it is a voice that speaks down through the decades to our present age and current praxis, and encourages us towards excellence in the field of Catholic Education."

~Irish Theological Quarterly