January 27, 2010

Catholic school educators mark anniversaries

Schools across the nation will observe Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31-Feb. 6. As part of the observance, educators in the Denver Archdiocese’s parochial schools are recognized below for their years of service. More educator profiles will appear in the Feb. 3 Denver Catholic Register. 

45 Years

Ralph Taylor
Regis Jesuit High School
As a teacher for 47 years—45 of them at Regis Jesuit—Ralph Taylor said his role has been to “encourage free minds to seek the truth and have the courage to live out the truth they find.” Taylor currently teaches AP English literature and composition, and AP U.S. history and U.S. literature at the boys division of the school.

35 Years

Johanna O’Connell
Nativity of Our Lord
Johanna O’Connell began her career with the archdiocese at All Saints in 1975 teaching third grade. In 1979 when the school closed, she moved to Nativity where she has been for 31 years. In that time she has taught first grade, middle school science and math, eighth-grade homeroom and computer technology. Currently she serves as assistant principal. “Being in the same school for this long has allowed me to experience the greatest joy in seeing students return for visits as young adults—and even sometimes as parents of the next generation entrusted to me,” she said. She feels the most important components of educating students are faith, exploration, discovery, wonder, high expectations, love of learning, setting a good example, responsibility and achievement. O’Connell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and behavioral science with a minor in elementary education from Loretto Heights College.

30 Years

Mary Kircher
Nativity of Our Lord
Mary Kircher believes we can all learn a lot from first-graders. “There is nothing quite like reading a Bible story to a roomful of children—and watching the wonder and excitement on their faces,” she said. “It’s amazing how they love God and understand just what it is he wants from us.” Kircher described her 35 years of teaching—30 at Nativity—as a “wonderful, joyful experience.” Her goal is to educate students spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally; and to set the bar high so children can achieve their full potential. Kircher received an undergraduate degree at Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska and a master’s Degree from the University of Colorado Denver.

Susan Shaver
Nativity of Our Lord
Susan Shaver accepted a fourth-grade teaching position at Nativity in 1980 when her two sons were enrolled there. “After 30 years, I still love to teach—and I love teaching fourth-graders because they are somewhat independent, have a great sense of humor and are eager to learn,” she said. She believes it is important to teach every child responsibility, self-confidence, accountability, respect and compassion for others and that “through our loving actions, empathy, and by following the glorious example of our Lord Jesus Christ, our children will mature effectively into adult citizens.” She is inspired by Scripture as she challenges students to achieve their best in a rapidly changing world, saying, “Train children in the right way, and when old they shall not stray.” Shaver holds a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in psychology.

25 Years

Donna Fehringer
Holy Trinity
Teaching in Catholic Schools is more than just a job to kindergarten through eighth-grade music teacher Donna Fehrin-ger. “I never intended on tea-ching in a Ca-tholic Schools,” she said. “But after experiencing life as a Catholic school teacher, I didn’t want to do anything else. It is a ministry! They are my family.” Fehringer began her career with the archdiocese at Our Lady of Fatima 15 years ago, then moved to St. Mary’s, before moving to Holy Trinity. She believe teachers need to address all of their students’ needs. “They not only need to know how to read and write—but how to deal with daily situations, their emotions, how to succeed and how to relax,” she explained. She is thankful Catholic Schools continue to support the arts, as it is a means for exploring life. Fehringer holds a bachelor of art degree from Wayne State College in Nebraska.

Rebecca Peel
Christ the King
A kindergarten teacher at Christ the King, Rebecca Peel remains enthusiastic after 25 years at the school, “I still love teaching!” she said. “Every child is special and can learn.” In addition to teaching kindergarten, Peel has taught preschool; first through fifth grades; art; reading; and been the assistant director at a preschool. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Illinois State University and has completed 45 hours of graduate-level education.