Ignatian Pedagogy for Public Schools: Character Formation for Urban Youth in New York City

This book shows how the pedagogical philosophy of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) founder, Ignatius of Loyola, can be used and applied in public school settings in the USA and around the world without dismantling the separation of church and state. Ignatian Pedagogy should be considered a historical precursor to modern practical and pedagogical theories such as culturally relevant pedagogy and equity frameworks in education, with Jesuit foundational texts such as the Ratio Studiorum including material about working within and valuing the context of the culture surrounding schools, emphasizing student voice and empowering the student as a co-teacher.

Based on new research carried out in New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) schools the author argues for universal character formation programs based on already existing and highly effective programs at Jesuit-sponsored schools. The research shows that universal character formation programs are highly effective in developing students flourishing, strengthening their relationships with themselves and others, and enabling critical, reflective thought. Based on the theory of Ignatius of Loyola and the work of thinkers including Paulo Freire, Mahatma Gandhi, Elisabeth Johnson and Martin Luther King, Brenkert presents a theological-philosophical framework for creating a ’beloved community’ free from oppression, poverty and hate.

Benjamin J. Brenkert is Adjunct Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Saint John’s University, USA, and Tenured School Social Worker at the New York City Department of Education, USA. He is the author of the memoir A Catechism of the Heart: A Jesuit Missioned to the Laity (Bloomsbury, 2020), and publishes widely in venues like The Advocate, The Daily Beast and The Washington Post.