Cristo Rey Jesuit lovingly remembers the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Our school community celebrates our first Latin American pope and only Jesuit pope, who walked with us and taught us to “move forward with courage and with hope.”

Visit our tribute page and learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit's special connection to Pope Francis. 

Remembering Pope Francis

Anna Chapin, freshman and senior biology teacher at Cristo Rey Jesuit, embarked on a transformative journey last fall when she joined the Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA). Hosted by Boston College’s Roche Center for Catholic Education, the TLA is a professional development program sponsored by the Cristo Rey Network, designed to develop teacher-leaders who play a critical role in shaping school culture, enhancing team effectiveness, and improving student learning outcomes.

During this two-year program, Anna honed her leadership skills and competencies alongside a small cohort of Cristo Rey educators. Together they addressed theories, research, and practical strategies to develop a shared understanding of what it means to be a "teacher-leader." A key component of the program explored the role of data-informed decision-making in planning, implementing, and assessing student-impact initiatives.

Anna was nominated for the program by Cristo Rey Jesuit principal Mayra Gradilla, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to apply. Reflecting on her selection, Anna shared, “The program seemed like a perfect way to receive some mentoring and support as I grew into my role as the Freshman Grade Level Team lead, and I was pleased to be offered one of the spots in the cohort.”

Throughout the program, Anna had the opportunity to collaborate with leaders from other Cristo Rey schools in her cohort through monthly virtual sessions. “I have learned so much from my colleagues at other Cristo Rey schools!" she shared. "It's inspiring to hear about the variety of work they're doing across the country — all in service of the mission of the Cristo Rey Network. While we're all at Cristo Rey schools, the challenges we face vary. We often help each other think through complex questions, offer support and encouragement, and celebrate each other’s successes.”

The key program theme Anna brings back to Cristo Rey is the use of data to guide decisions. With her background in science, Anna has always valued evidence-based decision making. “Over the last two years, I've been able to gain more experience with a wider variety of data — designing reliable ways to collect it, analyzing it effectively, and using it to plan next steps. I will continue to use data to drive our work in the future.”

At the end of each year of the program, participants give an impact presentation. Anna’s presentation last school year focused on the growth and effectiveness of her work as the freshman Grade Level Team lead (GLT). The Freshman GLT is made up of freshman teachers and asesores (homeroom advisors), as well as the Director of Counseling, CWSP training staff, math interventionalist, and school nurse. The purpose of a GLT is to focus on the needs of a particular grade level, and as a team develop level-wide policies and interventions designed to support student learning and wellbeing. "Through my work with the TLA, I was able to focus the Freshman GLT on setting the conditions for freshman success, as the needs of freshmen are quite different from the needs of the seniors," she explained. "In addition, I presented on the work we did with students — increasing the feeling of belonging in the school community and building executive functioning skills — and how it led to a successful year for these students.” Anna is currently preparing her final impact presentation for this year, which focuses on how the freshman GTL modified their work in response to the new freshman class and their unique needs.

Reflecting on her time in the program, Anna expressed deep gratitude. “I'm grateful to have been part of the TLA. It has helped me to further develop the skills and confidence required to be a good leader. I've always been grateful for my colleagues, but this experience has helped to deepen that gratitude. Teaching is hard work, and Cristo Rey is lucky to have such an incredible team of adults dedicated to our students. I'm excited to continue leading and supporting the people who work with students in their freshman year — a critical year that sets the foundations for success not just in high school, but in college as well.”

Anna's experience through the Teacher Leadership Academy shows the power of professional development and collaboration and highlights the importance of investing in teacher-leaders to help foster a thriving school community and improve student outcomes.