Our Commitments
We advocate for an action-oriented and person-centered approach to promoting justice through STEM education that is grounded in four tenets, or principles. These tenets are drawn from the Catholic social tradition and yet are applicable to educators in religious and secular settings alike, to all who desire a world characterized by greater unity and justice, and grounded in love. It expresses a perspective that recognizes the solemn, inherent dignity of every person and values their capacity for human flourishing as members of community. These tenets can serve to guide the day-to-day decisions of educators.
Elevating the Dignity of the Individual
The dignity of each individual person sets the stage for an equitable approach to teaching, learning, and leadership, and it is the foundation for the other principles. At its root, this tenet claims that every person has inherent and immeasurable worth. Every person is precious, and people are more important than things; likewise, dignity does not come from what work we do, but from the people we are. This tenet plays out in a school setting in many ways (e.g. honoring students as they are, valuing all colleagues), all of which prioritize the elevation and recognition of others' human dignity.
Promoting the Common Good
When communities promote the common good, they are organized in such a way that members have the right to participate fully, and they hold paramount the sentiment that no one wins unless everyone wins. The common good fosters a sense of solidarity – a shared understanding that each person’s good is bound up in the flourishing of others. Within learning institutions, promoting the common good can take place in many forms, such as student collaboration, teacher collegiality, and administrator-teacher interactions. Members of each of these groups recognize the importance of inviting diverse opinions when moving toward a common goal and of celebrating the value of each participant in the community.
Empowering the Marginalized and Vulnerable
Working towards the human flourishing of the marginalized and vulnerable ensures justice, access, and opportunity for all people, particularly those who are disenfranchised. School settings include vulnerable populations in both obvious and imperceptible ways. Educators are called to recognize and act upon the needs of the individuals in their school communities with an intentional eye toward elevating and empowering those with the greatest needs.
Acting with Rights and Responsibilities
As members of a community, we are called to support one another, particularly by ensuring each others' fundamental rights to those things required for human decency. All people have a responsibility to one another and the greater good of humanity. For example, educators have the right to exercise their voice in collective decision-making within a school setting and the responsibility to protect the voices of other members of the community who may not be heard.