February 10, 2010

Catholic educators teach reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic—and religion

By Denver Catholic Register

Last week, schools across the nation observed Catholic Schools Week. Below are profiles of educators in the Denver Archdiocese marking milestone anniversaries. Read other profiles in the Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 Denver Catholic Register online archives at www.archden.org/dcr.

30 Years

Jan Greer
Good Shepherd
Jan Greer’s roots at Good Shepherd School go back even further than the 30 years she has been program coordinator for the enrichment and before-and-after-care programs. Greer spent her elementary years at St. John’s, which later joined with St. Philomena’s to form Good Shepherd. The enrichment program at Good Shepherd is an opportunity to build on the classroom academics. “The enrichment program is based on the belief that a well-rounded child is a happier and more productive individual,” she said. “Recreational activities as well as academic activities make for a happier individual.” Greer holds a bachelor’s degree in special education, a master’s degree in early childhood, and has completed post-graduate work in school administration.

25 Years

Barbara Markulik
St. Thomas More
Middle School assistant principal at St. Thomas More School in Centennial, Barbara Markulik, said teaching is not just about ‘reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic,’ but about helping to instill respect and responsibility in students. “It is a gift to share with parents their child’s school journey from kindergarten to eighth grade—to witness children achieve academic success, develop a talent or overcome an obstacle,” she said. “It’s especially gratifying to be in a Catholic school and see children mature in their faith—this profession has been, and continues to be, joy without measure.” Before serving as administrator, Markulik taught language arts at STM for 16 years. Prior to STM, she taught in Catholic Schools for 10 years including Nativity of Our Lord in Broomfield, St. Louis in Englewood and St. Ambrose in Ohio. Markulik holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Cleveland State University, a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado, and has completed administrative coursework through the University of Phoenix.

Barbara Peister
St. Mary’s Academy
Barbara Peister, third-grade teacher and Destination Imagination School coordinator at St. Mary’s Academy, feels teaching is like coming to a new job everyday. “There is always challenge, change and the occasional miracle,” she said. “I believe that all children have a gift. I look for the strengths in a student, try to encourage creativity and strive to make learning enjoyable.” Peister has taught second and third graders at St. Mary’s Academy since 1985. Prior to that, she taught second and third grade at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in California; and was a stay-at-mom for several years. She holds a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from California State University and received the Lifetime Teacher Credential from there as well.

Susan Stahley
St. Anthony
Member of the St. Anthony School family since 1984, Susan Stahley, says a kindergartener’s eagerness to learn is contagious “St. Anthony kindergarten is filled with God’s presence, new challenges, new friends, and plenty of fun and excitement,” she said. “Our Catholic environment allows us to have the Lord present in every part of our day—and to help students grow to be compassionate, caring children of God.” Stahley holds a bachelor of art degree in elementary education/early childhood through the University of Northern Colorado and is preschool director certified.

20 Years

Stephanie Brown
Holy Family High School
As librarian at Holy Family High School, Stephanie Brown works to help students become engaged in the learning process. “I want to provide a learning environment in the HFHS library in which faculty and students may ask questions, find answers, study, work and reflect.” She has served at Holy Family since 1995—and prior to that served at St. Mary’s Academy for five years. Brown holds a bachelor of art (hons) degree and a master’s degree in French from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia; as well as a master of library science degree from the University of British Columbia.