Meet the New School Leaders: Barbara Monsegur

Tell us about yourself: Who are you? Where are your from? What’s your new position now? 
My name is Dr. Barbara Monsegur, principal of St. Augustine Catholic High School. I was born in Winslow, Arizona, a product of public education, and one of the few native Arizonans when I began my undergrad studies at the UofA. Since then I have had the opportunity to experience Catholic higher education on both the west coast and east coast, culminating in my doctoral program from the Catholic University of America.

What led you to being called to work in Catholic education?
I began as a middle school teacher right out of college. I loved teaching, but struggled with the public school system bureaucracy. After three years I was given the opportunity to teach at Our Mother of Sorrows School, and what a difference! I believe this difference is best explained as stated in the introduction to the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary School, “Catholic Schools in collaboration with parents and guardians as the primary educators, seek to educate the whole child by providing an excellent education rooted in Gospel values."

What would you like your new staff and students to know about you?
My philosophy of education is that all of us, faculty and staff, regardless of our roles are educators, and the best way to teach is through example.

What are you most excited about for this new school year?
What I am most excited about this year, is what has always brought me excitement throughout my career as a Catholic school educator: the endless possibilities for our students, the opportunity to bring them closer to God, and the joy one experiences with each of their successes, both big and small.

What do you think will be the most challenging part about your new position?
The most challenging part this year is certainly know how best to support students, teachers, staff, parents and guardians as we transition to in-person learning. We need to be aware not only of the academic learning loss experienced by some, but also the effects online learning has had on social emotional learning.

What has given you hope for this new position?
What gives me hope is my conviction that being a Catholic school educator is a vocation, and when we say “yes” to God’s invitation, we experience peace knowing God has our back.

What Catholic devotions do you have that help you with the work that you do?
More than Catholic devotions, I find my strength in celebrating the Eucharist in community, personal prayer and retreats. These opportunities support me in my ministry of proclaim the Gospel, building community, and serving others.

What piece of advice would you like to give to your fellow colleagues who are also transitioning to a new school leadership position?
Know that you are not alone. The support offered by the Department of Catholic Schools, and the amazing community of fellow Catholic school principals is there for you!