I was never a huge reader growing up, but I realized I had a love for being in libraries and learning the organization of them. I wanted to work in a school library to connect students to books and help them find a love of reading.
Fear hinders knowledge and confidence, so when I can help a child face their obstacles, whether artistically or academically, I feel the happiest.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” In education, there is not a more fitting statement.
As a sculptor living a symbiotic relationship of teaching and making, I hope my students continue to create even if they don’t pursue a career in fine art.
In the STEAM lab, I see each student's unique way of problem solving and creative thinking. I love seeing the imagination, wonder, and curiosity in each of them.
My students constantly amaze me by how hard they work and the amount of time they put in to complete an assignment.
In a society that is polarized and divided, it is wonderful to witness our students engaging each other with respect and understanding.
What works for one student will not always work for another, so I introduce my students to several study strategies and help them pick which works best for their individual needs.
A successful Spanish student is one who knows not just colors, objects, and people but also how to pray, sing songs, and speak basic sentences in Spanish.
Truth is convincing, goodness is eloquent, and beauty is compelling; I have the joy of presenting them as we find them in Jesus Christ and handed on by the Catholic Church.
The process of art is so important to how children learn to express themselves—it helps them cope with their emotions and establish themselves as individuals.
I consider the year a success if my students leave my classroom with a passion for learning and helping others. The kindness, love, and faith I see in each student will always amaze me.
The intrinsic drive to learn for its utility for problem solving and decision making are critical markers for student understanding and mastery.
The beautiful thing about studying great literature is that you will encounter many complex and intricate characters. It is in them that you will also meet yourself--your strengths and your weaknesses, your joys and your sorrows.
In reading stories, we realize that we also are a part of a profound story and are necessary characters in it.
My office is covered in student art. It reminds me of the incredible talent nurtured in each of our students.
I love when students who have been struggling with a concept are able to understand it, and I love being able to celebrate those moments with them.
I teach Latin because I find great peace and beauty in structures, systems, and patterns.
Intellectual growth happens best when students are allowed to explore God's world through the lenses of the liberal arts, sciences, and Catholic teaching.
I make sure that students get the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments, big and small.
The most important part of teaching is making sure my kids know they’re loved and have my support, even if they make a mistake.
I want my investment in student's lives and their academic success to be blatantly obvious. Of all the responsibilities I take on as a teacher, the most important is making those in my classroom feel like others care about them and what they bring to this world.
Sixth grade students are forming an awareness of their place in the world. As their teacher, I get a glimpse of the individual qualities that will create strong, successful adults with unique perspectives.
I am the happiest when I see our parents get involved in activities. To me, this is a reflection on how much they love our school.
By introducing students to a small sample of multiple disciplines in science, I hope that they will develop a scientific mind with good lab techniques and leave my class with a spark of interest in one of those disciplines.
When a student is uncertain about life, school, or their future, I always tell them that God has a plan and it is in His time.
I never cease to be surprised on the various ways my students respond to how God is present in the text we are analyzing.
I rejoice whenever I see my students achieve the concrete results of diligence and hard work.
I encourage my students to learn a new bible verse each week. It’s amazing to see how proud they are to recite their verse on Friday mornings!
If you want to better understand Shakespeare, you read more of his plays. If you want to better understand Monet, you look more closely at his paintings. Likewise, by studying, observing, and digging deeper into nature and the Earth, we can better understand its Creator.
Anyone can learn math. Intelligence, skills, and ability are not fixed. I want students to know that they will face challenges, but overcoming those challenges will make learning more meaningful.
Besides the faith formation at HSP, the best aspect of the school is the pure, subtle joy among the school family.
The happiest part of being a teacher is knowing that, in some small way, I have inspired another person to be a better reader, mathematician, writer, and friend.
In Seton Center, students learn to be better readers, debaters, thinkers, and philosophers.
It makes me happy when a student suddenly or gradually finds the deeper meanings of the great mysteries of our faith.
The more you read, the better your writing will be. But writing starts with reading. Reading is transformative. Reading can save your life. Read, read, read!
I love when a student is completely immersed in what we are learning, so much so that he or she is asking questions that I may not even know the answer to and have to look up with the class.
Teaching preschool is a blessing. I love integrating play into learning and tapping into their natural curiosity when teaching new concepts.
School doesn't always come naturally to everyone, so I like helping students figure out what works for them and help them achieve success.
I love being able to work in a community where we are free to share, grow, and support each other in our faith.
I love working with middle school students because every day is different and exciting. You never know what is going to happen next!
I’m from Virginia Beach, so my classroom has a beach theme! I have had many students bring me shells to add to the room, and it makes me smile to know that my students think about me and our classroom while on vacation!
Facilitating deeper understandings and thought-provoking conversations while exploring novels, poetry, and short stories creates an active and engaging classroom.
The moments when students click “submit” or receive their first acceptances are really special, and it’s an honor to get to be a part of them.
Padre Nuestro and Ave María help us begin each class with faith in our hearts. The students pray out loud in Spanish with devotion, connecting the Spanish culture and language with our faith.
I love this school because I can practice, teach and nurture my faith and am surrounded by a community of colleagues, friends, and families who do the same.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William Arthur Ward
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” – Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird Learning is a two-way street, occupied by both students and teachers. As a teacher, I try to consider where the kids are coming from and what they’re bringing to the class, and in doing so, I try to meet them in the middle. I try to engage them on their level, encouraging them to explore and empowering them to take risks. When this happens, there is a sense of wonder and appreciation that is visible on a student’s face. And that’s what teaching and learning are all about: Meeting in the middle so everyone benefits.
Learning how to ask good questions, analyze information, solve problems, and think critically is far more important than learning the chemistry itself.
Working with three-year-olds allows me the opportunity to notice the little gifts God has given to all of us. Whether it is a bug or a hug, we take the time together as a class to enjoy it all!
I believe that, with the right instruction, every student is capable of creating beautiful works of art. I hear students say they won't take an art class because they don't know how to draw. I always ask if they knew how to do calculus before they took the class. Art is a learned skill and anyone with the desire can be successful.
I had many inspirational teachers in my schooling, but my grandfather’s stories of being a spy in World War II and leading our Civilian Air Force Intelligence at the Pentagon definitely led me down the path to become a history teacher.
Our focus is on not only the academic learning but also the spiritual growth of each student. We provide an environment where each child can blossom at his or her own level.
We tend to paint the past with generalizations, portraying its players as either good or evil, when in reality, history is much more nuanced because people are full of inconsistencies and contradictions.
Being a part of forming our graduates is an honor, a privilege, and a role that I take seriously and with much love.
I have watched our students celebrate college graduations, weddings, births, and deaths. Their capacity to love and support one another, in good times and in bad, is the most beautiful and lasting gift our students take with them.
I feel that the Holy Spirit has brought me to this community of faith that is dedicated to Him, to be a channel of His grace to many people.
My goal is to provide a positive, supportive learning environment. I want to help all students realize their potential and become successful learners.
I am always amazed at the hidden talents of our students—artists, performers, and so much more.
When students begin to depend on my help less and less, the more confident I am in their ability to deal with problems and issues in their own life.
The best part of counseling is being able to help students recognize their own potential and empowering them with their strengths.
I want our students to rejoice in the talents given to them by God and not despair if they are not the same as the person sitting next to them. How dull the world would be if we were all the same.
Hard work beats talent, if talent fails to work hard.
It’s wonderful to see a child I helped learn how to read in Kindergarten reach their full potential and read the Epistle at an all-school or Lower School Mass.