Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners
From Think Inclusive by Tim Villegas
February 26, 2026 · 1h 6m · Season 13 · Episode 23
About this episode
The episode discusses practical strategies for supporting all learners in faith-based schools, focusing on the true meaning of inclusion.
Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks are co-founders of Inclusion Solutions. Colleen has experience as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and curriculum director in Catholic schools and has worked closely with dioceses and school leaders on systems change. Crystal is a speech-language pathologist and former state agency specialist whose work focuses on evidence-based instruction, inclusive classroom design, and supporting educators to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. In this episode, the conversation focuses on what it really means for faith-based schools to say yes to inclusion. Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks talk about how inclusion is often misunderstood and how definitions of inclusion can unintentionally lead to separation instead of belonging. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/inclusive-education-in-faith-based-schools-practical-strategies-for-supporting-all-learners-1323/
People in this episode
Host: Tim Villegas
Guests: Colleen McCoy-Cejka, Crystal Brooks
Topics covered
- inclusive education
- faith-based schools
- supporting learners
- systems change
- evidence-based instruction
- classroom design
- belonging
Keywords
- inclusive education
- faith-based schools
- Colleen McCoy-Cejka
- Crystal Brooks
- Inclusion Solutions
- evidence-based instruction
- classroom design
- belonging
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Inclusion Solutions, Catholic schools, dioceses, state agency, mcie.org
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