“WE DON’T DO IT FOR the money!” I hear this joke a lot – a light-hearted way to talk about the massive undertaking that comes with being a teacher. These cliché words ring true for many of us in education, but especially to those of us in Catholic schools. So then, why? Why do Catholic school educators choose this path? More importantly, why do so many of us stay?
Teaching in a Catholic school was not my original plan. In this way, I see God’s hand in guiding our lives — how He truly calls each of us to serve in His mission. Reflecting on the start of my career in Catholic education, I feel lucky that when He called, I was listening.
My journey in Catholic education began before I became a teacher. In fact, I am a proud product of it. Today, I have the privilege of teaching at St. Irenaeus, the same school I attended from kindergarten through eighth grade. While I have been an educator at this school for 11 years, I like to say I have truly been here for 20 years.
As a teacher, I have taught TK, kindergarten, and sixth through eighth grade. This has given me the unique perspective of seeing how our students enter our school and how they leave it, solidifying for me the “why” behind Catholic education. Yes, I get to celebrate the growth of my students academically, but it does not compare to the fulfillment that comes from watching their spiritual growth – seeing them become the faith-filled, active Catholics God calls them to be. Here, as Catholic school teachers, we get to model the values of Christianity and the virtues that come from scripture. Here, we build strong morals rooted in our beliefs. And here, we get to acknowledge our God-given gifts and how these gifts can be used to answer God’s greatest commandment to “above all, love one another.” This integration of faith, education and community is what sets Catholic schools apart. One of the best gifts of my career is being able to share the beauty of Catholicism in an environment where it will be nurtured, where I can grow in faith alongside my students, their families and the dedicated staff I work with.
In this community, I see the face of God every day.
The relationships that we build, the ability to teach with purpose, and the privilege of forming young disciples: This is why I teach at a Catholic school. These are the reasons I chose to send my own daughter to St. Irenaeus, and why I will also send my son. These are the reasons why I stay. Because no, I am not in it for the money. I am in it for impact. I am in it for the mission.