b'PHOTO: JOHN JOHNSTONThats entirely by design, according to Marianist A huge part of the equation Mick Mominee, a theologyBrother Ed Brink, who, as founding director, helped The Lalanne program serves schools in the Dioceses teacher at Chaminade JulienneCatholic High School andlaunch Lalanne in 1999. The idea was to provide of Cincinnati and Cleveland in Ohio, and the Diocese Lalanne participant, with enthusiastic, well-trained teachers for under-resourced of Lansing, Michigan. At times, its geographic footprint Jacinta Mergler, director Catholic schools, he says. And central to the model, has been wider, but that made it difficult for UD to of Lalannewe envisioned that beginning teachers would live provide mentoring when young teachers needed it,together in a faith community, while receiving support according to Jacinta Mergler, Lalannes current director,and mentoring. who began working with Brother Ed in 2003.Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Lalanne Specific Lalanne placements vary each year. We gocontinues to deliver on this promise. To date, about where were needed, Jacinta says. And that part of200 teachers have completed the two-year program, the process never works the same way twice. Its earning their masters degrees during summer sessions determined both by what schools request and theat UD. One measure of its success: About 89 percent skill sets of the young teachers who apply. The impactof Lalanne participants still are working in the edu- can be significant: In one case, Lalannes presencecation profession, and 83 percent teach in Catholic helped prevent a grade school closing by providingschools. These retention rates defy national trends in teaching resources to support an enrollment that which studies show 40 to 50 percent of public school had doubled.teachers leave the profession in their first five years. Of course, first-time teachers benefit, as well. LikeAttrition rates are even higher for private schools. many Lalanne alumni, Michelle looks back on theBut Lalannes successful retention rates arent the experience with gratitude. It was a great time in mywhole story. life, she says. While today, she teaches English atmarianist.com/donate 11'