After 23 years of teaching half-day kindergarten at Saint Paul Catholic School, Jan McCorkle said "I love seeing the growth my children make in 9 months and the twinkle in their eyes when they finally get something!" The class has been busy reciting nursery rhymes, making cut-outs of themselves and 6 students even read to the class!
In her 13th year of teaching kindergarten, Donna Shane says "every year is a new and wonderful experience because of the students." She continues her "stuffed animal" tradition of letting each student bring in their own the first day and then all go on a hunt through the school looking for the class' stuffed friend. As they search they discover important places like the library and computer room. Every weekend a student takes their new friend home to share with their family while learning responsibility and friendship.
Big Kid Stuff
"I love teaching 1st grade" said Debbi Czapla, beginner her 13th year of teaching. "Seeing the growth and learning that takes place is amazing!" She tells her students "everything you need to succeed in school you learn in 1st grade." "You cannot do algebra or calculus if you don't know how to add and subtract. You cannot read and write if you don't know how to decode a word. My students understand how important their 'job' as a first grader is and I feel blessed to have the privilege of teaching them."
My Favorite
Pam Rowley, in her 10th year of teaching, said 2nd grade is her favorite "because the kids are so eager and excited to learn new things". "I love to make learning fun and they are able to build from prior knowledge and share it so willingly and with enthusiasm." One of her students, Erik Schultz, said "I can't wait to write in cursive!"
Lynn MacLean, also a 2nd grade teacher at SPCS, offers many rich experiences due to years of teaching. When asked what is special to her about teaching 2nd, she said "It is my great honor to help prepare them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Getting them involved in our class' celebration of the mass is also right up there. We also created something unique at this Catholic school called Family Friday and it compliments all the other things that make teaching 2nd grade at SPCS special for me."