We are so thankful that the Roadmap to Success Program includes getting to work alongside talented and passionate teachers who care deeply for their students. To recognize the hard work that our teachers pour into their professions and into our curriculum, we are starting a teacher of the month program.
Our first teacher of the month for January 2016 is Ms. Pajda from Santa Clara of Assisi Catholic Academy. Here’s a little bit more about this exceptional educator!
Alma Mater: St Edwards University, and a current graduate student at Saint Louis University.
Area of Study: Major: Secondary Religious Education. I am also getting my Masters in Catholic School Leadership.
Favorite college memory: I was the manager for the volleyball team all four years of my college experience. I was able to make friends and learn so much about my favorite sport from a different side.
Why did you choose to become a teacher? I felt a calling to provide the same education that I was offered as a student. I am very passionate about my subject and sharing my knowledge with my students as well as making it relevant for them. I want to motivate my students to make a difference in the world through what they learn in my classroom.
Favorite quote: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai
Favorite activity/lesson in the Roadmap to Success Program: I really enjoyed the lesson on Resumes. I was able to print my personal resume and share it with the students. It was awesome to see them so involved in the process of creating their own!
Impact Manager Andy Lovley nominated Ms. Pajda to be our first teacher of the month. Here’s what he had to say about her:
“Ms. Pajda has championed the Roadmap to Success program from Day 1. I am always impressed with the engaging, insightful discussions I observe in her 6th-8th grade classes each Friday at Santa Clara Academy.”
