No fluff. No filler. Just faith-filled teaching that works.
Nobody wants to sit through another boring in-service while papers pile up on their desk.
Jared Dees delivers fast-paced, faith-filled sessions packed with inspirational stories and practical strategies that teachers can apply the very next day.
Trusted by Dioceses and Schools Across North America
Who is Jared Dees?
JARED DEES is the creator of The Religion Teacher (TheReligionTeacher.com), a popular website that provides practical resources and teaching strategies for religious educators. A respected graduate of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program at the University of Notre Dame, Dees holds master’s degrees in education and theology, both from Notre Dame.
Jared has given more than 100 keynote speeches and workshops to Catholic schools, parishes, and dioceses all across North America. He lives near South Bend, Indiana, with his wife and children.
Jared Dees is available for:
- Keynote Speeches
- Event Workshops
- After-school Staff Meetings (Virtual)
- Teacher In-services
Booking Now for December 2025
đź’ś Advent Virtual Retreat for Catholic Educators
Give your teachers and catechists the gift of spiritual renewal this Advent. In this live, virtual retreat on “The Angels of Advent,” educator and author Jared Dees leads participants in prayer and reflection on the angelic messages to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds—discovering how these words speak to their daily vocation as Catholic educators. Offered via Zoom and easy to organize after school or during a staff gathering, this retreat provides a peaceful pause for reflection, prayer, and renewal this Advent season.
Why this retreat is right for you:
- ✨ Easy to organize: One Zoom link for your whole staff—join together or from individual desks.
- 🙏 Spiritually enriching: Scripture-based reflections designed for Catholic educators.
- đź’¬ Interactive format: Includes guided prayer, personal reflection, and small-group sharing.
- ⏰ Flexible scheduling: Perfect for after-school meetings or Advent formation gatherings.
- đź’ˇ Practical inspiration: Encourages educators to connect faith, vocation, and classroom mission.
Limited availability due to scheduling—reserve your preferred date & time soon.
Jared’s Featured Keynotes & Workshops
The Call to Catholic Education
(Or: The Call to Catechesis)
Help your teachers rediscover their calling as educators and witnesses of faith.
Jesus Christ is calling you. As a religious educator you will take on the role of leader and teacher of a class of young people in need of the Lord’s love in their lives. This workshop will provide you with the time to reflect on the specific plan God has in store for you this year as a witness of faith for your students. Discover your catechetical calling and the ways in which you can make lasting impact on the children you teach this year by following the model of Jesus Christ the Master-Teacher.
Christ in the Classroom: Lesson Planning for the Heart and Mind
Go beyond lesson plans that teach facts—learn to plan encounters that help students meet Christ in your classroom.
As a religious educator, your mission extends beyond intellectual education. Your goal is to lead your students into an encounter with Christ. That makes you different from the teacher of any other subject your students will learn in school. A different goal requires a different approach and in this workshop you will receive a set of tools to focus your efforts on a religious education of encounter. You will be equipped with a unique lesson-planning process and a collection of activity ideas to transform your classes.
Integrating Religion Across the Curriculum
Empower every teacher to make faith an integral part of their subject—not an afterthought—with simple strategies that bring the Catholic mission to life in every classroom.
Every Catholic school teacher is a religion teacher whether teaching religion or not. In this workshop, teachers will reflect on what makes teaching in a Catholic school uniquely Catholic. They will uncover practical ways to approach teaching all subjects with the Catholic faith in mind—not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the educational experience. They will also experience a new mindset when approaching the vocation of teaching while working in a Catholic school. With a combination of prayerful support and practical tools to share, each teacher will return to class with a renewed sense of mission.
Why Invite Jared to Speak at Your School, Parish, or Event?
- Practical: Your educators will walk away feeling equipped with new ideas.
- Inspiring: Your educators will feel inspired by stories of what works best in the world today.
- Heartfelt: Your educators will reflect on pray because we must never forget we are not alone. God is with us.
- Customized: Your educators will discover relevant resources and ideas for their specific situation.
- Actionable: Your educators will see immediate results by trying what they have learned the next time they teach.
