Sister Teresa Ballisty began her career in education over 30 years ago. She arrived at Saints Philip and James School (SSPJ) in 2017, at a time when the school needed supportive leadership to address a variety of challenges. Enrollment had declined, school facilities needed upgrades, and the school’s sense of culture and community needed a boost. Sister Teresa initiated a School Board of Limited Jurisdiction with the support of the pastor and the Office of Catholic Education. Taking a collaborative approach, Principal Ballisty quickly involved the newly formed School Board with teachers, parents, and other partners in developing a Strategic Five-Year Plan to improve multiple aspects of the school, including facilities, finances, and academic support.
Recognizing that school improvement takes shared leadership, Principal Ballisty empowered several committees to implement key aspects of the Strategic Plan. For example, she encouraged the Facilities Committee to rethink classroom usage, resulting in a consolidation of lower grades and the creation of a dedicated “middle-school” area. This not only optimized space but also fostered a stronger sense of community among students and staff, who were now physically closer to their colleagues and fellow students.
Improving communication and engagement with school families has been another priority. Sister Teresa, along with the School Board, implemented an annual Parent Survey, actively addressing feedback to drive positive changes. For instance, when the survey illustrated the need to better support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), she collaborated with the Finance Committee to develop innovative staffing structures to address this challenge. Student voices matter as well: Principal Ballisty listens to the Student Council’s suggestions and ideas for Spirit Days, service projects, and extracurricular activities.
Principal Ballisty is committed to helping parents who want to send their children to SSPJ but cannot afford it. Working with the Foundation for Catholic Education, she began a grant program for those who register for kindergarten and first grade and has helped match additional funding opportunities with the families that need it most.
Principal Ballisty’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through SSPJ’s consistent recognition as a School of Distinguished Instruction by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. While she takes the lead in modelling the use of data-driven instruction to address student needs, faculty and staff also have a voice in planning for instructional improvements. The whole instructional team was involved in building a STREAM room and maker space, and educators speak up when they have ideas for professional learning or improvements to the daily schedule.
To showcase the results of the schools’ commitment to high-achievement, Principal Ballisty created a highly visible “Wall of Academic Achievement” celebrating student accomplishments and awards. She also expanded access to Spanish language classes, and grew the early learning program to include 3-year-old children.
One of Sister Teresa’s most notable achievements was guiding the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike many schools, SSPJ remained open. While prioritizing student and staff safety, she ensured that families could rely on the school for stability and transparent communication.
The outcomes of her leadership include retention growth from 70% to 90%, and overall enrollment increasing by 20% during her tenure as principal. Her leadership has been instrumental in reshaping SSPJ into an institution that excels academically, nurtures a positive community, and actively involves its members.