7th Grade Math Teacher, Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

Terry Fitzgerald’s professional career has taken her from oil rigs and F16s to the 7th grade classroom! Hailing from Houston, TX, she attended nearby Texas A&M where she received her bachelor’s degree in engineering. For the next 10 years, her line of business included time spent training on oil rigs at Arco Oil & Gas and working as an Industrial Engineer at an F16 fighter jet plant. “Working at an F16 plant was definitely a fun job,” she maintains. Although engineers worked in their individual cubicles, she said they “often needed to visit the floor, where the assembly line was over 1 mile long!”

During that time, her husband’s career as an Industrial Chemical Distributor Sales Manager took them to several locations. As an engineer, she easily found work first at Zenith and then a print circuit manufacturing company.

Their last move brought the Fitzgeralds to northwest Ohio and at that point, Terry made the decision to spend more time with their kids and be a stay-at-home mom. However, she still needed to keep busy when the kids were in school so she began teaching preschool where her children attended. “I absolutely loved it and taught for 8 years,” notes Terry.

Chris Stockwell, the Director at Olivet Christian Nursery School where she taught, encouraged Terry to pursue her dreams to teach beyond preschool. She took the advice and received her Teaching Certificate from Lourdes in Social Studies and Math. The following 7 years saw her subbing in public and private schools in Sylvania and the surrounding area before being offered her current position at the Franciscan Academy.

“Regardless if it’s working at an F16 plant or an academy, I still get to do something I love,” adds Terry. “I get to work with numbers and most importantly – I now have the opportunity to infuse these young students with the love of learning.”

Kindergarten Teacher, Crissey Elementary School, Springfield, OH

Kim Hohlbein is a busy individual. A few of her accomplishments include professional storyteller, kindergarten teacher, brain-based learning specialist, mentor, Safety Town teacher and currently a member of the Lourdes Education Advisory Board and Vice President of the Lourdes Education Alumni Association. A nominee of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation 2012 Master Teacher Award, Kim is well respected by her peers, administration and most importantly, her students.

She equates her professional skills to the components of a quilt. “Comprised of an array of colors and patterns that is ever-changing, a quilt still serves its purpose in a variety of ways,” notes Kim. “Just as that quilt serves a purpose, I have a purpose and that is the task of building the foundational skills in my students to help them become successful independent learners that continue to be curious about their world and surroundings.”

Kim expands her focus beyond basic competency by setting high expectations and standards. “It is important for my students to not only know the content, but be able to use 21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication to extend their knowledge. By differentiating the curriculum, I am meeting the needs of each of my students.”

After graduating from Lourdes, Kim received her Master of Education degree in Special Education from The University of Toledo. She utilizes that expertise at Crissey Elementary where she teaches kindergarten to a full inclusion class where children of all levels of development are blended.

This past summer, she made herself available to one of her young students – Seth, a youngster with a cognitive delay who had just lost his father when a tree fell on him during a storm. “I spent time with him and wanted him to know he could count on me to be there for him for support.” Kim knows that the road for Seth and his younger sister will be tough. “I want to continue to be a part of Seth’s life.”

A lifelong learner, Kim holds 4 degrees – 2 associate degrees, a bachelor degree and her master’s degree. “My original goal was to be an administrator of day care,” she says. “With my degree in data processing, I began teaching computers in day care centers and fell in love with the children and teaching. It is now one of my greatest loves and passions. Children are so curious and wondrous about the world. I don’t consider teaching a job.”

She models herself after her high school English teacher – Cynthia Beekley. “What I remember about her was that she genuinely cared about us as students. She would have us keep a personal journal and write in it daily. I remember looking forward to going to class and seeing her notes written next to my prior day’s journal entry. That meant so much to me and the other students. It’s what educators need to do – to instill the faith we have in them within themselves.”

Having taught kindergarten for 16 years, she taught at Our Lady of Lourdes for 6 years before coming to Crissey Elementary. Her philosophy as an educator is threefold. “An educator needs to first build a rapport with his or her students, be organized and finally, know the content for each lesson.”

When not working her day job, Kim and her good friend Laurie Skowronski enchant others through storytelling. The pair often brings to life fun characters including Mrs. Claus and Ellie the Elf, Matilda and Hilda the Witch Sisters, Jack Rabbit and Bunny Hunny and Ducktectives Dudley and Daffy.

An avid boater, Kim spends her weekends on the water with her loved ones. While the kids are now grown up, she credits her husband and children for her success today. “They truly had to take up a lot of the chores and were so supportive during my 10-year educational pursuit. Without them, I would not have been able to fulfill my passion to teach and in turn, inspire others to achieve their dreams.”

Teacher, Rosenwald Elementary School, Florence, SC

“I love to work with kids, to help develop their minds, and skills, and most importantly, give them hope,” begins Angela Konwinski, a teacher at Rosenwald Elementary School, an inner city Catholic elementary school. “Teaching is very rewarding. Educators have the chance and gift to assist young students in realizing their potential – that they truly can become something.”

Inspired by her mom Rosalie, Angela says her mom was very supportive of her and her siblings. “Dad was often traveling for work, so mom was the one who raised 5 kids. She had very strong shoulders and she imparted her belief in us and really everyone. She was and still is such a caring individual.”

Working first at Queen of Peace Apostles School in Toledo and now at Rosenwald, Angela knows that inner city schools need teachers who possess a special set of skills. “Many of the teachers at Queen of Apostles had been working at the school for 15 or more years,” remarks Angela. “They and all teachers who work in inner city schools realize the important role we play in our students’ lives. Many of our students face daily challenges – in their home and neighborhood, with gangs, peer pressure and other stresses. They definitely face more obstacles than suburban kids. They truly need educators who are dedicated to their success and who are open minded.”

She began working at Queen of Apostles student teaching, was offered a long-term sub position and was eventually hired full-time. Every day, she looked forward to making a difference in her students’ lives and education. Today she continues her work with students and fellow educators at Rosenwald Elementary School. “The move to South Carolina definitely happened fast, but I’m still doing what I love.”

One of the favorite aspects of being an educator for Angela is seeing the students succeed. While at Queen of Apostles School, many of her students returned to share their good news. “They shared with me their achievements including making honors in science while in high school! That’s when you know they realize their potential and are striving to achieve their goals.” Following in her mother’s footsteps, Angela is sharing her caring and supportive spirit to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s successful and caring citizens.

Kindergarten Connection Teacher, Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

Kendra Leiser is both an educator and an innovator. “My goal is never be complacent, to keep searching for ways to improve our educational programs.” This philosophy was true for Kendra when she was a Lourdes student. As the first Executive Orientation Leader, she helped create the New Student Orientation program that is still being utilized today.

After graduation, Kendra taught at Montessori Day School and at the Franciscan Academy before being offered the Kindergarten Connection position at the Franciscan Academy, known for its unique learning model that allows university education students and current educators to put the latest 21st century learning programs into practice. “When the Head Master (Richard Kohler, PhD) offered me a job as a preschool teacher, I shared with him my idea for Kindergarten Connection. He wanted to pursue the project so I challenged him to allow me to write the curriculum, establish and teach it!”

The Academy is one of the few schools in the northwest Ohio region to offer this innovative learning environment for youngsters. The program blends advanced Pre-K students with students not quite ready for kindergarten. After completing the program, students then go on to complete kindergarten. “It’s a win-win situation,” adds Kendra. “It allows students who would be bored in pre-K to receive more challenging curriculum and students who might fall behind the extra year to get caught up, hopefully, never having to face repeating a grade.” She is excited and anxious for the school year to begin so she can “work with the students, live the experience, and see the results.”

One of the benefits of the Lourdes educational experience for Kendra is to teach the important values of caring and service to her young students. “All students face challenges, no matter where they live. In the inner cities, many children are faced with difficult home lives, and poverty that can lead to academic challenges. However, in private schools, many students are lucky enough to not have those challenges. That allows us to focus on academic and personal goals and values. We are able to work on the importance of being kind, caring, and understanding as well as the value of service to the community.”

Kendra has already begun to address this challenge. “As educators, we can instill this importance through our everyday actions, our expectations in the classrooms and including community service as part of the curriculum.” She isn’t stopping there though. Kendra has begun working with Lourdes personnel to create community-service and innovative learning opportunities for the Academy students. “We’re hoping to have some programming in place soon,” she adds.

4th Grade Math Teacher, Winterfield Venture Academy, Toledo, OH

Kimberly Scribner is living her childhood dream. “From the time I was just 3 years old, I wanted to teach. I remember teaching ABC’s to my stuffed animals! My mom bought a School Years Book and saved everything about my school years, including kindergarten. I still have that book today.”

The road to becoming an educator was hampered by life’s necessities. After graduating from high school, Kimberly worked full-time at Verizon and soon thereafter; began pursuing her degree part-time. After several years of following this schedule, she faced being laid off in 2010. Coping with the reality that she had no immediate job, she took her husband Jermaine’s advice. “He challenged me to see the positive and use this opportunity to finally pursue my goal of teaching full time.”

Her mentors at Lourdes included Sr. Valerie Grondin, OSF, Director of the Adolescence to Young Adult Education program, and Nance Wilson, PhD, Director of the Middle Childhood Education program. “They always gave me great feedback and direction. They are truly amazing educators.”

When it came time to fulfilling her student teaching requirement, Kimberly was placed at Winterfield Venture Academy and absolutely loved it. “I set my sights on securing a job after graduation. It was my springboard to employment.” Her tactics included sending her lessons to the teacher and principal for review, and inviting other teachers and the principal in to her class to evaluate her teaching skills “each and every week.”

Her enthusiasm, dedication and passion paid off. Upon graduation from Lourdes and successfully completing the Ohio Achievement Assessment, Kimberly was offered the position of 4th grade math teacher at the charter school. In this role, she will teach 3 periods with approximately 26 students per class.

A Toledoan herself, Kimberly enjoys teaching in an urban charter school. “The students come from various backgrounds, many of them from poverty. As educators, we need to believe and see the abilities they have and help them realize it and achieve success.”

One of her favorite memories to date involved one of her most challenging and troubled students. “While I was student teaching, he would just talk, talk, talk. I kept reminding him and all the students to stay focused during class. To do that, I would write the inspirational message ‘Do Now’ on the board before every class. Then one day, while I was teaching, he called me a ‘smurf.’ I was so shocked and then the laughter came which I’m sure wasn’t the reaction he was looking for. From that moment on, I knew we were making great progress in his education.”

Kimberly believes in charter schools. “As parents, my husband and I realize these schools are such a great option and resource for parents, especially those that live in the inner city.” Now that her main goal of teaching has become a reality, Kimberly says she looks forward to her first full year as a teacher as well as her first summer off. “I will now have the opportunity to spend more time with our children – Isaiah (11) and my little spit fire Taylor (6)!”

Kindergarten Teacher, St. Michael Indian School, St. Michaels, AZ

After graduating this spring, Annessa Stahler was looking for a unique working experience. She found it at St. Michael Indian School in Arizona. “This working environment is very different from anything I’ve ever experienced before. I thought it’d be a fun, new adventure at this time in my life, and it is.”

No stranger to new experiences, Annessa traveled to Assisi and Rome, Italy in 2009, as part of Lourdes University’s annual Student Pilgrimage program. “I wanted to get back in touch with my own faith and to become even closer to God and St. Francis.” It’s no surprise that once again, Annessa has chosen to immerse herself in a Catholic environment.

St. Michael Indian School was founded in 1902 by St. Katharine Drezel who sought to provide a Catholic education to Native Americans that would be sensitive to their heritage, teach leadership skills, and enable students to contribute in a culturally diverse world. Annessa’s workday revolves around her 23 kindergarten charges. “During the summer, I had a blast setting up my classroom and now I’m having so much fun teaching and interacting with the class. You know, education is one of the few careers that truly is less like work and more like an amusement park.”

Believing teachers need to have patience, possess great organizational skills and remain open-minded, Annessa prides herself on connecting with her young students. “As teachers, we need to provide the best learning environment possible. We need to demonstrate our belief in them and empower them to achieve their own educational success.”

Middle School Science Teacher (5-8th grade), Homeroom Teacher (6th grade), Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

Desiring to be either a veterinarian or a teacher as a youngster, Adrianne’s career decision was finally made in junior high. “I discovered my passion for science,” she says. Today, in addition to teaching science, she is also certified to teach social studies for 4-9th graders, and holds a P-12 reading endorsement.

Originally enrolled at a local public university, Adrianne transferred to Lourdes. “The education faculty is so different than at other schools. They share their prior classroom experiences and best practices learned while teaching young students and working with parents. That is such valuable information for education students!”

Her professional mentor is Judy McEwen, who taught Adrianne science in the 7th grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. “She changed my view of science.” For those currently pursuing their education degree, Adrianne offers the following advice. “Be flexible. Make sure your lessons are planned well in advance. Realize that things pop up and you may need to change a day’s lesson at a moment’s notice.” She says most importantly, “Laugh with your students.”

“Educators need to know their students; to put their mindset to that of their students. Know what they are going through and what they are thinking. It helps in the educational process. They will realize your passion for education and your belief that they can succeed.”

After graduating from Lourdes, Adrianne taught 5-8th grade science at St. Mary’s of the Snows School in Mansfield, OH. From there, she accepted a Title I teaching job at Imagine Madison Avenue School of the Arts. Once the school year ended, she was offered her current position at the Franciscan Academy.

One of positives at the Academy is the student diversity. “We have children from Korea and India enrolled,” adds Adrianne. “The students learn about each other’s cultures and gain an appreciation for being culturally aware.” Adrianne took the learning opportunity one step further this past year and included culture awareness into the lesson plan. One of the Hindu parents came into the class and shared with the young students what the daily life was like for a Hindu family living in America. In retrospect, Adrianne says, “The diversity component really enhanced the overall learning experience for my students and me.”

Adrianne also learns from her students. An avid reader, she says her most recent read was a book her students were reading – The Hunger Games. “Although I love reading all genres, it was educational for me to gain more insight into what their interests are.” When not reading, she also enjoys going to Detroit Tigers games and is a huge fan of Notre Dame football. Another passion she hopes to spend more time pursuing is travel. “I have been to several states, but my goal is to experience Ireland, Italy and the Caribbean.”

3rd Grade Teacher, Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

Two of Lourdes University’s core values are learning and service. Marcia Swint has exhibited these qualities in her professional careers – in health and education. In 1984, she graduated from The University of Toledo with her associate degree in respiratory therapy. She worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist from 1984-2006, providing service and care to patients in the Pulmonary Rehab Center at Flower Hospital. After a successful career, with the support of her husband Kevin and their 4 children, she decided to return to college to become an educator.

“I love children,” states Marcia. “As a teacher, I not only have the privilege of working with and educating children, but I also am able to use my creativity.” After graduating from Lourdes, Marcia has been educating youngsters at St. Anthony’s School in Temperance, MI, The Knight Academy in Toledo, and since 2011 at the Franciscan Academy in Sylvania.

In the short time she has been educating students at the Academy, she has created project based learning integrating technology and the arts, incorporated a writing program in which students designed a published class book, initiated service projects in the school and nearby community, created a library area in her classroom to facilitate reading through a variety of print and communicated with parents through a weekly newsletter.

Two Lourdes professors were instrumental in her return to school – Barbara Walters, Assistant Professor of Education and Sr. Valerie Grondin, OSF, Director of the Adolescence to Young Adult Education program. “They were helpful while I was receiving my education and still remain so today,” she adds. As for today’s education majors, Marcia encourages them to volunteer and sign up for as many teaching and interactive opportunities possible with children. “Your goal is to be a teacher; however, you need lots of experience to truly know the age group.” She also recommends educators utilize Pinterest to learn the latest classroom ideas and to also share their lesson plans.

Marcia also exhibits service outside of the classroom, as well as the value of community. She has been a Sunday School Teacher at St. Joseph’s Parish in Sylvania, a member of the First Books Organization, a Girl Scout Leader, cross country coach, assistant track coach and has volunteered with Make a Wish Foundation. “These endeavors allow me to fulfill my need to give back to my community.”

Always looking for new ideas to become a better teacher, Marcia does enjoy time spent with her family camping, as well as the individual enjoyment of walking, reading science fiction novels, and caring for her vegetable garden. “My vegetables are the main ingredients for one of my specialty recipes – spicy salsa!”

Principal, Whiteford Elementary School, Sylvania, OH

Having completed his first year as Principal of Whiteford Elementary School, Josh Tyburski spent his past summer managing Sylvania Schools’ Summer program at Timberstone Junior High. Now in his 10th year of educating young students, Josh says he chose his profession a little later in life.

“I had attended The University of Toledo on and off after high school and just truly never found myself aspiring to do anything in particular,” offers Josh. “My days consisted of volunteering and coaching at Start High School. I really enjoyed working with kids and decided to become an educator.” He took the advice of his friend and attended Lourdes and said he “knew from the minute I walked on campus that I was in the correct place.”

Josh committed himself completely to achieving his goal. He completed his degree in less than 4 years and is thankful to many Lourdes educators including Sr. Rosine Sobczak, OSF, Associate Professor of Biology; Sr. Rebecca LaPoint, OSF, Assistant Professor of Education, Linda Penn, Program Coordinator for the former Life Lab, Jim Chamberlain, Instructor of Biology & Health Sciences; Karen Roadruck, Director of the Early Childhood Education program, and Dean Michael Smith, PhD.

His career path first took him and his wife, a hospice nurse, to the Florida Gulf Coast where he taught biology for 1 year at a local high school. However, they decided to return to northwest Ohio to be closer to family. Back in the Toledo area, Josh taught biology at Waite High School for 1 year, and for 3 years at Northview High School before becoming Assistant Principal at Arbor Hills Junior High. He held that position for 3 years before accepting his current role.

Whenever possible, Josh enjoys traveling with his family, riding his motorcycle, and as he puts it – playing golf. “Mind you, playing golf is not the same as being a golfer,” he adds with a laugh.

One of the best roles Josh has as an educator is being able to work with students. “It’s wonderful to see them grow their skills and knowledge from the time they begin school in September to when they leave in June. They really are information sponges and their capabilities never cease to amaze me. In addition, they are all completely tech-savvy and ready to learn.”

“Education as a whole never stops evolving and it’s challenging,” cautions Josh. “Educators are more accountable today and need to set high expectations of themselves and their students.”

For those pursuing their education degree, Josh recommends “never lose focus on your reason for becoming an educator. You are here for the children. Make sure you and all educators do what’s right for the kids.” When he is hiring a new employee, Josh looks for someone who has a good disposition, has the necessary skill set and who possesses formative assessment knowledge with special education.

As an education leader, his daily job includes setting the tone, climate and atmosphere in the school. “I have to be an example to the teachers and the students.” The 3 words he often uses everyday to set the tone include model, motivate and inspire. “These words sum up what we as educators do.”

With over 400 students and 45 employees, Josh says it is not unusual to see him assisting when the buses arrive, picking up trash, helping ill students, working in the cafeteria, assisting students in and out of the classrooms, walking through the halls while catching up with students, and more. “It’s all part of the fun of each day.”

Social Studies Teacher, Lake Erie Academy, Toledo, OH

“Educators are forever learning,” offers William White, a Summer Reading Instructor who has also worked in the Partners in Education College Readiness Grant Program at Woodward and Rogers High Schools. “Educators should never fall into preconceived notions. We must be open-minded. We need to get to know who our students are not who we think they should be.”

Born and raised in Toledo, William graduated from Macomber High School. After 8 years as a senior pipe fitter for Columbia Gas, he took a company buy-out rather than be laid off. “At that point, I knew I needed to return to school and knew what my major would be,” notes William. “I remembered my education at MLK Elementary School and Robinson Junior High and knew what did and did not motivate and challenge me. As an educator, I knew I could bring to today’s learner a unique educational experience that was based on my own experiences.”

William and many educators believe that today’s 21st century learner is very different from the learners who were in place when the educational system first began. “The system needs an overhaul,” he says. “We are now living in very different times. Kids have more problems, and many of these problems are at the surface, not hidden. Educators need to recognize and address these problems. If we’re able to do that, we can conquer the problems in the educational system.”

While pursuing his own college education, William worked several jobs. “As an adult, you realize you can accomplish anything. I was working a job, pursuing my degree and raising my family. Throughout those years, it was important for me to instill a strong work ethic in my sons.”

One of the jobs sought out was as a Para at Lake Erie Academy and George A. Phillips Academy, both inner-city charter schools. “I would do whatever was needed because I wanted to get exposure working with the very students I would soon be teaching.”

William believes wholeheartedly that students today need their educators to be optimistic, honest, and most importantly, have integrity. These are definitely qualities he possesses and exhibits when teaching high school students.

Next fall, William hopes to pursue his master’s degree in education and “ultimately, my PhD.” William has returned to Lake Erie Academy to teach social studies in their junior high/high school department. At this time, William is also enjoying his sons’ successes. His older son plays football for Wayne State University and is on full scholarship and the younger son is hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps, only in basketball. “My sons understand the important role they play. Their success is inspiring others. It’s a cycle we need to foster – to continually build optimism in our young people and our community.”