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| Ingrid Strelka Roanoke Catholic |
Catholic schools afford the opportunity for professional educators to teach within an environment where the continual presence of God is lived in a caring, respectful and prayerful atmosphere. Each teacher, both Catholic and non-Catholic shares with the children the faith they believe in and in so doing strengthens the belief of each child they meet. Of the 900 or more teachers in the Catholic schools in the diocese there is a spirit of hospitality and giving that enables each child to share in a community of faith and a challenging learning environment.
| Charlene Bechley St. Bridget's School |
I have had the privilege and honor to teach in the Catholic school system for my entire career of 18 years. It was a conscious decision I made upon graduating from college, and I have never had the desire to teach anywhere else. Being a product of Catholic education through high school, I was positively influenced and inspired by those who taught me. I wanted to give my own two children the same opportunity to develop both academically and spiritually. I am grateful to have had the chance to give back to others some of the same values and rewards my family and I received from the Catholic schools. Because of my husband's military career, I have been fortunate to teach in several dioceses and archdioceses in the country, including Chicago, Cincinnati and Louisville. It is reassuring to know that wherever I call home, I can find a place to teach that allows me, in some small way, to continue the mission of Christ's ministry.
| Louise McCallon Portsmouth Catholic |
I am an advocate of Catholic education. I went through 12 years of Catholic schools and received a strong academic foundation and a strong, firm grounding in my faith. Now, I am a parent as well as a teacher. My son attends the Catholic school where I teach. For me, teaching in a Catholic school allows me to teach and stretch my students' minds while not having to compromise my beliefs.
| Patricia L. Parker All Saints Catholic School |
I first became acquainted with Catholic schools in 1981 when I was selecting a school for my first grader to attend. I selected St. Paul Catholic School. Serving the school as a parent, volunteer, teacher and administrator has afforded me the opportunity to be involved with many aspects of school life. I continue to teach and be a part of Catholic schools because of the nurturing and warm atmosphere, which is always spiritually uplifting.