December 26, 2018 // Schools
Dec. 26 Featured Light of Learning Award Winners!
Each week, Today’s Catholic will be featuring some of our amazing 2019 Light of Learning award winners! To meet other winners, click here.
Patricia Faroh, Sacred Heart, Warsaw
School Grade/Subject You Teach
2nd grade
How many years have you been a teacher?
This is my 39th year of teaching. I have taught at Sacred Heart School for the past eight years.
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended Catholic schools up through college. I attended St. John’s Catholic School in Goshen for grades three through 6. I also attended St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame, earning my Bachelor of Arts in Education degree.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
The most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School is experiencing the Catholic family atmosphere of Sacred Heart School. Catholic schools allow me the opportunity to do everything under the umbrella of the Catholic Faith. Teaching is so much more rewarding when including religion in everything we do.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
The advantage of Catholic Schools for me as a teacher is sharing our faith with children. I get the opportunity to pass on the teachings of the church and teach as Jesus did. A Catholic education for students builds a stronger foundation as a Catholic and gives students a stronger basis for leading a better life.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
Many of my teachers from Catholic Schools inspired me to become a teacher. I saw their joy in teaching and it inspired me for a future career.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
Whenever we as a school experience a serious concern for someone in our school family, we can come together to share our thoughts in prayer. When Father Phil was so ill last year, we came together as a school and prayed the rosary. I remember being in awe that so many prayers were being said at one time for Father Phil. It gave all of us some peace knowing we could do this for Father Phil. The prayers of children somehow seem more impactful. Teaching in a Catholic school is a vocation that is an honor and joy!
From the Principal
“Mrs. Patricia Faroh is an excellent nomination for the Light of Learning Award because when I think of what an excellent Catholic School Teacher is, she immediately comes to my mind as the perfect example. She literally teaches her students with a student’s first philosophy and like Jesus did.” – Jim Faroh, principal
Virginia Simpson, Queen of Angels, Fort Wayne
School Grade/Subject You Teach
Kindergarten
How many years have you been a teacher?
I have taught in the diocese for 34 years.
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended St. Vincent de Paul School in Fort Wayne as well as Bishop Dwenger High School.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
One of the most rewarding things for me as a teacher in a Catholic School is being able to pray each day with my students and talk about Jesus and Mary with them in everyday situations.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
I feel that students, as well as teachers, have an advantage in a Catholic school because the school is like a family. There is respect for each other and the students and staff work as a team in many areas.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
There is not just one person who inspired me to be a teacher. While I had many very good teachers growing up, I was also inspired by my parents, who showed my siblings and I unconditional love and taught us a great work ethic. I wanted to be an elementary school teacher as young as 5-6 grade, and in 8 th grade when I got to “help” the 1 st graders, I knew it was my calling.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
Many years ago, in 1991, my husband and I were expecting our first child. That child was born very sick and lived for only 3 short months. The love, prayers, financial support, etc. that we received from my school family (students, parents, coworkers) was overwhelming. I feel this impacted my teaching by making me more understanding/aware of some children’s personal issues that they come to school with each day. I believe I became a better teacher and a stronger person.
From the Principal
“Virginia Simpson has spent the last 28 years serving as the kindergarten teacher at Queen of Angels. She has a passion for teaching kindergarten, has an in-depth knowledge of students needs and strives to make the classroom a positive learning environment. Visitors to her classroom will see a well disciplined, yet loving and nurturing environment for her students. Her love for Queen of Angels School is surpassed only by her devotion to Queen of Angels Parish, and her service on Parish committees often includes involving the school students in these service activities.” – Marsha Jordan, acting principal
Heather Briggs, Bishop Luers High School, Fort Wayne
School Grade/Subject You Teach
9-12 Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science
How many years have you been a teacher?
This is my 20th year.
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended Huntington Catholic Grade School.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
Being able to pray with my students, being able to make real connections with my students, having strong parental support.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
Having a sense of family at the school. We truly care about each other.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
My dad was an educator and I always admired what he did. My favorite teacher in school was Mrs. Ballinger, my high school Chemistry teacher. I enjoyed the way she taught and related to the students.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
When my parents had heart surgery, knowing that people that didn’t even know them were praying for them. Knowing that we support each other (adults and students) helps the day to day work that is involved in teaching.
From the Principal
“Heather is a great teacher, she loves her students while challenging them beyond what they think they can do. She is always willing to take on leadership roles and lead decision making groups, she always leads with a Catholic heart. I absolutely depend on her for advice when making important school decisions.” – James Huth, principal
Katherine Alexander, St. Anthony de Padua, South Bend
School Grade/Subject You Teach
2nd grade
How many years have you been a teacher?
This is my fourth-year teaching. I taught junior high religion, science, and art for three years. This is my first-year teaching second grade.
Did you attend Catholic school?
Yes! I went to St. Anthony’s for grade school. It is fun teaching with my former teachers, one of whom is my mom! Then I attended Marian High School and continued my Catholic education at Saint Mary’s College.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
Growing in my faith with my students.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
Students are able to build a strong relationship with Jesus. As a teacher I love being able to witness the development of my students’ faith.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
My high school physics teacher, Mr. Krizeder, who is now the principal at Marian. His lessons were as hands-on as it gets. Students who learn best kinesthetically enjoyed all the labs we did. I realized I loved science in his class and I continue to find joy in teaching and learning about science because of the interactive way it can be taught.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
My junior high students inspired me to become the youth minister at St. Anthony. There was a need and I had been praying about it for a couple months. One day during religion class I gave a survey about possible youth group ideas and there was an overwhelming response of 7th graders at the time who showed interest. The current 8th graders at St. Anthony are the pillars to our youth ministry program. We hope to expand the program to high school in the near future.
From the Principal
“Katherine received multiple nominations from the community and was selected due to her continuous Christ-like example within our community. Katherine joyfully and tirelessly propels the mission of our school – forming individuals who love to learn, who live their faith through service to others, and who practice our Catholic virtues. Katherine approaches everything she does with zeal. She maintains an excellent rapport with students, parents, and colleagues. Katherine engages learners by preparing effective lessons and creating a respectful, welcoming and supportive classroom environment. In addition to her exemplary teaching within the classroom, Katherine leads the parish youth group, coaches athletics, cheers our students on during extracurricular events, and participates in parish and school events. Our community is blessed to have such a compassionate, dedicated, talented, and joyful teacher amongst us.” – Karen Bogol, principal
Carol Sarasien, Saint Joseph Hessen Cassel, Fort Wayne
School Grade/Subject You Teach
First Grade Teacher, Music (Grades PK – 8) Teacher
How many years have you been a teacher?
I have been a teacher for 36 years, 33 of those years at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel (3 years at St. Dominic’s Catholic School in Kingsport, TN). I was also a substitute teacher for many of the Catholic schools in Ft. Wayne for a few years while my children were very young. I started teaching in 1978 at St. Joseph. Our second-grade teacher was in my first class that year.
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended St. Charles Borromeo, Fort Wayne, Bishop Dwenger High School and University of Saint Francis.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
The most rewarding thing about being a Catholic School teacher has been watching my students respond to God’s word and His message of love. They listen to Bible stories like they are listening to their favorite book!
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
The Catholic School Advantage for students is that their parents tend to be very invested in their children’s education, especially in regard to their faith education. My students are very blessed because their parents want so much to see them succeed and give them the support they need at home. The Catholic School Advantage for me as a teacher is that I am living my faith every day, blessed with students whose parents support my work in the classroom.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
I was inspired to be a teacher by my uncle, Tom Weber, who was a teacher and principal in Ohio, and also by several of my teachers at St. Charles and Bishop Dwenger.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
Besides being a First Grade Teacher, I have also been fortunate for most of my teaching career to be able to teach music to students in Grades K – 8. I have witnessed children who have been able to shine when given the opportunity to sing God’s praises at school masses, in the Christmas program, or in the Spring musical. Music is an avenue for our students to share their God-given talents! I am blessed to be able to give them that opportunity!
From the Principal
“Carol Sarasien, First Grade and Music Teacher, for St Joseph Hessen Cassel was chosen as the Light of Learning winner for the 2018-2019 school year. Carol has been teaching in the Catholic schools for over forty years. Her continued dedication and support for Catholic education does not go unnoticed. Carol Sarasien has been in charge of our Christmas program for close to 30 years and the spring musical for over 20 years. She believes that music is a way to connect with students and to stay close to God through Mass music. Carol Sarasien loves God, and is un-afraid to show that love by teaching and caring for all of her students. St. Joseph Hessen Cassel is blessed to have such a wonderful teacher like Carol Sarasien helping promote academic excellence for all and guiding our children in their spiritual development.” – Rachelle Brown, principal
Beth Fenske, Christ the King, South Bend
School 
Grade/Subject You Teach
Pre-K
How many years have you been a teacher?
13 years with 7 at Christ the King School
Did you attend Catholic school?
I did not attend Catholic school in the area, but I did attend k-12 Catholic schools in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
The most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school is spreading the Love of God to each little person through my actions and teachings.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
The advantage of being in a Catholic school is being able to have Christ in the center of all we do each and every day. Christ is our prime example of how to live out each day, how to treat others with respect, and to have peace in our schools. We are surrounded by families that share the same values and beliefs. Catholic schools provide each student and teacher an environment of mutual respect thus creating a loving atmosphere in which to work and learn.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
I was fortunate to work with an amazing woman who encouraged me to attend college. Mrs. Kohlberg not only was an example of a spiritual faith filled woman, but she invoked in me the desire to become a teacher and be the best me I could be. Mrs. Kohlberg came into my life over 30 years ago, but she continues to be an inspiration and role model for me to inspire young learners to be the best they can be.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
There is no one particular event that has impacted my teaching at Christ The King however I feel my teaching is impacted each and every day by our school families. The parents are such a huge support system not only to provide items we need in the classroom but also by volunteering their time in the classroom. With help from parents I am able to provide my students with experiences that I would not be able to do on my own. My students this year alone have been able to have personal interactions with a police officer, firefighters, librarians and zoo keepers to name a few. We even had an up close and personal experience with a live sloth in our classroom! I am able to plan special learning experiences in the classroom with the help of parent volunteers.
I am not only supported by parents in the classroom, but I am also surrounded by teachers and administration that are supportive of each other. We are constantly learning from one another thus scaffolding us to be the best teachers we can be for our students each day.
Finally, I could not be the teacher I am leaving God out of the equation. I am who I am because of God’s calling to this profession and his constant intervention in my daily life.
From the Principal
“Beth was selected for this award by the parents and then the Christ the King Committee. Beth is an exceptional teacher that always puts her students first. Beth is a leader here at Christ the King School. Beth never has a problem stepping up to do extra things for the school and parish. Beth is the lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, she used to run Vacation Bible School, and she is the Primary Unit Leader.
Beth embodies all of the characteristics that a Light of Learning Awardee should stand for. She is devoted in her faith, a model for her students, and a leader in the community. Beth is a role model that instills a and fosters a love of learning to our children.” -Stephen Hoffman, principal
Alisa Korte, Most Precious Blood, Fort Wayne
School Grade/Subject You Teach
5th grade
How many years have you been a teacher?
I have been a Catholic School teacher for 17 years, I taught in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for 14 years, and 3 years in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended Saint Joseph Catholic Grade School, and Bishop Luers High School.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
The most rewarding aspect about teaching in a Catholic School, is the teaching and sharing of faith to the community of students.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
The Catholic School advantage for me is that I am able to belong to a Christ centered community where I am able to extend the faith to all of the students that I teach. I am able to grow in my faith as I learn from my students.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
Growing up in the Catholic schools I was able to see first-hand how my mother made daily impacts on the lives of her students, and because of this I wanted to follow in her footsteps. My parents made the decision and sacrificed to send all five of their children to a Catholic grade-school and High School and this advantage helped me want to be a part of a Christ-centered education for today’s youth.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
Being an educator in a Catholic school environment allows for daily reflection on the many blessings that I get to experience with my students, their parents, and my colleagues.
From the Principal
“Ms. Korte motivates students to achieve at a high level. She connected on a personal level to be able to identify areas of academic, spiritual, social, and physical growth with her students. She individually helps students to succeed and is approachable to parents. She is a great asset to the PB community. She great classroom management to provide the optimal learning environment. Most Precious Blood is lucky to have her.” -Stan Liponoga IV, principal
Karen Tippmann, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Fort Wayne
School Grade/Subject You Teach
Kindergarten
How many years have you been a teacher?
I am going on my 4th year as a teacher at St Elizabeth. Prior to teaching here I taught in a Christian preschool for 5+ years teaching pre-k.
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended St Charles school for 8 years.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
The most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic school is the power of prayer and being able to share our faith with others. I feel the support from many families in the school and know that we all share a common goal, education in academics as well as in our faith.
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
I find that the Catholic school develops the whole child. The most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic school is the power of prayer and being able to share our faith with others. A community at a Catholic school is very warm and loving. I would like to call it a family. When one person is going through a difficult time the whole school rallies to support. When I was in 7th and 8th grade, praying is what kept my faith and trust in God alive. My dad was battling cancer and eventually lost. I knew that I was going to be supported and loved every day that I went to school. My faith, my school community, and the many decades of the Rosary that were said for my dad helped me to process and survive those difficult years. As a teacher now in the Catholic schools, I feel the same faith and community as I did as a child. My coworkers and I share that faith and we can help one during life struggles as well as celebrate the joys in life.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
My inspiration to become a teacher came from all my teachers who supported me through my education. I remember all my teachers starting in 1st grade. They molded me into the teacher I am today.
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
One year, I had a class that was very challenging. I like a good challenge; however, there were times in the year that I felt defeated and burned out. A few people on staff, recognized this challenge and without even thinking twice, they jumped in to support me. They supported me with encouraging words. They supported me with strategies and new ideas. They supported me with an ear to listen to my day. They also kept me in their prayers. They supported inside the classroom and outside the classroom. I built some strong friendship that year. I grew as teacher and I learned to think outside of the box to be a better teacher. My faith grew as I prayed a lot for this group of children. I built strong relationships with the class that made it hard to let them go at the end of the year. That year made me a stronger person and I would not have survived without the support from my colleagues.
From the Principal
“Miss Tippmann is an innovative teacher who goes above and beyond to make her classroom an environment where inquiry, excitement, collaboration, and differentiation takes place! Her kindergarten students run to her classroom every morning to see what learning is going to take place, what fun activities they are going to do in Math, Science, Reading, Social Studies, Religion, and how she incorporates technology in every subject! She adds that breath of positivity as she wears a smile every day!” — Lois Widner, Principal
Rachel Schroeder, St. Joseph, South Bend
School Grade/Subject You Teach
1st grade
How many years have you been a teacher?
13 years
Did you attend Catholic school?
I attended St. Mary of the Assumption Grade School-South Bend, Marian High School-Mishawaka and Saint Mary’s College-Notre Dame, Indiana.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching in a Catholic School?
The most rewarding thing is that I can hug my students and remind them that their families, Jesus, and I love them!
What do you feel is the Catholic school advantage for students? For you as a teacher?
At our Catholic schools, we get to work, learn, live, love, play, and PRAY together each and every day. As a teacher, I get to guide and support the children to learn how to prepare for Heaven.
Who inspired you to be a teacher?
My mom. She has always supported that I could do great things!
Tell us about a moment when being in a Catholic school environment supported or significantly impacted your work as a teacher.
I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful men and women. I watch them closely as educators who care about the whole child. I see their role within the Catholic Church to make God known, loved, and served.
From the Principal
“Rachel is one of the best teachers I have ever seen, her love and passion for teaching is evident every time I walk into her classroom. The children absolutely adore her and her parents cannot say enough good things about the care and quality of education she provides each and every student.” – George Azar, principal
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