I NEVER PLANNED ON BECOMING a private Catholic school teacher. I was a product of public schools and began working in public education. My Catholic faith was important to me, but I never imagined it would become part of my professional life. Yet, God had other plans.
After earning my degree and teaching credential, I worked in public schools for a couple of years. During that time, several people encouraged me to apply for a position at St. Angela Merici Parish School, just down the street from my home. I had attended Mass there since I was young, but private school had never crossed my mind. I applied, hopeful, but I did not get the job I wanted. Then, not long after, the principal called me back about a new opening that turned out to be an even better fit. I stepped into the classroom as an advanced math teacher and immediately noticed something different about the Catholic school campus. A lesson that would typically take an hour in a public school took just 10 minutes, thanks to the strong academic culture, supportive parents and faith-centered foundation. I began to see clearly that this was where God intended me to be. Teaching became more than a career; it became a ministry where my faith and my work were beautifully intertwined.
A few years later, my husband and I were blessed with two children. Although we lived in an excellent school district, I knew in my heart that Catholic education was where my children belonged. Working in a Catholic school changed my faith and my life, and I wanted that same blessing for my children. Today, St. Angela Merici truly feels like an extension of our home. After 10 years of having my children at the same school where I work, our son will now move on to Servite High School in the fall, and our daughter will follow to Rosary High School next year to continue their Catholic school education.
After teaching advanced math, God continued to open new doors. I was invited to serve as assistant principal, an opportunity that felt daunting but ultimately became a season of learning and growth. During that time, the music teacher discovered that I played piano and repeatedly asked me to play at school Masses. I always declined, convinced I was not good enough. One day, during a homily, Father asked us to look at our hands and consider how we were using them for Christ. I knew then that God was inviting me to say “yes” once again. That simple yes led to more opportunities, and eventually I became the TK–8 music teacher to over 260 students. Teaching music has been my most joyful calling. I love singing, dancing, playing instruments and worshiping with my students. Catholic education was never part of my plan, but God’s plan was far better. By trusting Him and saying yes, I’ve found a vocation richer than I ever imagined. I am forever grateful for the nearly 20 years I have spent in Catholic education and look forward to seeing where God will lead me in the years to come.