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Heart of the School Winners During Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 31-Feb. 4), 16 teachers in the Archdiocese of Chicago are being recognized for reflecting the heart of the Catholic schools in which they work. On these pages are the four high school teachers and 12 grade school teachers who have been chosen for the honor by their peers. Along with their photos are comments on their accomplishments from their principals and (in italics) their own reasons for teaching in a Catholic school.
HIGH SCHOOLS Jerry Rejc A math teacher at Carmel for 21 years, Rejc is known for his incredible gift for explaining complex matters to struggling students. His presentations are crystal clear and he arranges material in bite-size chunks with plenty of reinforcement. … He is compassion personified. “Being a Catholic school teacher is a totally fulfilling profession for me.”
Sheila Chilton-Davis A biology teacher for 12 years, Chilton-Davis always has something “live” in her room, in addition to using the outdoors in her presentations. She is known for her caring, affirming way with students, even offering Sunday review sessions to benefit them. “Every member of the Nazareth family is as much ‘the heart of the school’ as I am. That is the true reason I continue to teach in a Catholic school.”
Helen Murray Not only is Murray’s classroom always full of interesting teaching
aids, but the geography and world history teacher organizes Saturday
excursions to museums, dance groups and Indian mounds. Now in
her fourth year of teaching, her own enthusiasm for learning is
infectious.
Matthew Smith Smith’s chemistry classroom is always alive with activity, yet never out of control. Over his 49 years on the job, his teaching style has evolved as the curriculum has changed to meet new challenges. “I have stayed for so long because of the unique chance to teach science in a curriculum in which God is not excluded.”
GRADE SCHOOLS Denise DiPaolo “As an educator I feel comfortable teaching in a system that encourages the morals and values that I strive to live.”
Kathy Moroney Director of the computer program for grades kindergarten through eight, she places no limit on skills to be developed, assesses ability and provides next-step challenges. Her willingness to share knowledge and expertise has been extended not only to teaching staff but to the parish. “I have chosen to be a professional educator in a Catholic school because I believe in Catholic education. It is a ministry and a challenge to guide our youth in preparing for their future.”
Anzie Campbell This junior high teacher and assistant principal has been teaching in Catholic schools for 26 years, the past 16 years at St. Bride. A warm, caring and dedicated person, builds up her students’ self-confidence and rewards positive actions. Cooperative learning is a large part of her instruction and her teaching is exciting and fast-paced. “I was raised a Catholic in a small town in Mississippi where there were few Catholics. I love my religion. It just seemed natural to put all my loves together—teaching, children, religion.”
Carol Cox A creative first-grade teacher who searches for new and meaningful experience for her students, she is known to come early and stay late to assist children who need extra help and individual attention. “It was a small occurrence that led me to the Catholic school of Northbrook and it’s still the little things that keep me here. It’s been a family to me. It’s been a pleasure in the past few years to see the school’s growth return and see the optimism for the future in the eyes of our young families.”
Arlene Redmond As supervisor for the hearing impaired at the Holy Trinity campus of Children of Peace school, she has worked in every classroom and was instrumental in setting up a new science program for the three campuses. She is involved with piloting new curriculum for both the hearing and the deaf. “I have wanted to give back to my church community what I have received from others and take the challenge to minister to others through service.”
Ann Feeney A kindergarten teacher who is unit leader for the primary floor, she has generously extended her time, resources and ideas for five newly hired teachers. The students respect and love her as well. “I am very happy and proud to be a teacher in a Catholic school, I feel it is an important part of my everyday plan to include Jesus’ teaching in my classroom.”
Patricia Pesce As assistant principal, art and religion teacher and director of the learning resource program, she brings energy to all her different jobs. As the school’s full-time art teacher, she provides a classroom/studio where students can be creative, inventive and imaginative. As the assistant principal, she is tireless in finding new and better ways to achieve her goals and the mission of the school. “What is profoundly important to me is the atmosphere that is created in the Catholic schools. If we indeed follow the message of Jesus, our schools have a counter-cultural atmosphere.”
Brian J. Wilms “Coming back to St. Maria Goretti as a computer teacher gave me a chance to fulfill my dream. My heart will always be with this school that I love, with the students I teach, who are my other family.”
Sally Stephens A second-grade teacher for 18 years, she deals with every child on an individual basis—always one to one. The older students and past graduates always come back to see her. They remember how well she treated them. “I thoroughly enjoy teaching my students about God and taking them to church to encourage a long- lasting relationship with the church and its teachings.”
Janet Joyce “I believe strongly in the value of Catholic education and the differences it makes in the lives of the children I teach. I have a chance to shape not only my students’ intellect but their hearts and souls as well.”
Laura Keil A kindergarten teacher for seven years, she also helps in the after-school extended care program. She uses a variety of techniques to teach her students—especially in the language arts areas. “Opportunities to work with faculty and families of IHM as partners in teaching Catholic values have helped to renew these values in my own life. The joy, the fun, the laughter at IHM … what choice did I have?”
Wallene Swentko A teacher in Catholic schools for 32 years, she has been at St. Ann for four years, teaching grades five and six. She brings out the best in her students but makes it seem as though it were their own idea. All her classes are spontaneous, innovative and memorable, reflecting her deep faith. “Witnessing my parents’ sacrifices during my 17 years in Catholic schools, I realized that my ministry in life would be to teach in one. I have worked to create a God-centered classroom where students are nurtured, stretched, loved and accountable.”
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