 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preschool(PreS) & PreKindergarten(PreK) Paula Andersen, one of our preschool teachers, says she enjoys teaching at St. Patrick's School because of the positive impact the children, families, and co-workers have on her. Paula says, "Each new day brings laughter and love at St. Pat's, and I can't wait to start my day here each morning. The support and encouragement from all is a blessing, and I feel so welcomed here." Paula has many years experience working with children, including three years as a kindergarten teacher; ten years as a preschool teacher, and eleven years as the administrator of a child care center. She received a B. A. in elementary education, with an endorsement in early childhood, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a Masters degree in early childhood education from the same school. In her preschool classroom, Paula values each child. "I believe children yearn to make sense out of their world," Paula says. "Play is a natural activity for them to engage in. I strive to provide them the wonderful opportunity to interact and experiment in the preschool classroom. I feel the most important aspect of teaching is to find what each child's gift is, and then to enhance that gift through learning centers. I want to give each child in my room the opportunity to shine. Paula is a widow and has two grown children named Andrea and Aaron.
My husband, Greg and I, moved to Omaha in the summer of 2008 from Missouri. I was a Preschool teacher, Athletic Director, and my husband coached junior high basketball for many years at Saint Peter and Paul School in Boonville, Missouri. I am a firm believer of the power of Catholic education, as we have instilled a Catholic education and values in to our young adult boys, Nathan and Justin.
My husband and I spend time shopping for antiques and avid fans of the St. Louis Cardinals and yes the Missouri Tigers. I am very blessed to have found St. Patrick’s; I am amazed of the very young vibrant Parish that has been so welcoming to me and my family. I enjoyed being a stay at home mom for several years, raising our three children. My husband Mark and I have Matthew, who attends University of Nebraska, Omaha as well as Lauren and Claire who both attend St. Patrick's School. Before becoming a stay at home mom, I earned my bachelor's degree in Business Administration and worked at Best Western Regency Hotel in the sales department. Volunteering at St. Patrick's with the safety patrol, being a lunchroom mom, helping the athletic committee and being involved with Daisies has been very enjoyable. Now I love working with Ms. Andersen as her teacher's assistant. Working with the children, listening to their stories and watching them interact with each other are just a few of the many rewards. St. Patrick's School has the right balance between academics and spirituality. They challenge the students to do their best and make learning fun. St. Patrick's is truly the nicest place on earth. I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful school. Our energetic preschool aid, Mary Beth McGuire, has served in education for several years. She decided to do so because she's always had a passion for working with children. This feeling only intensified when she became a mother, and now we are blessed with her talents. Action movies are her favorite, and we believe her as she has chosen an age group to work with that is the epitome of action! She notes that the most enjoyable aspects of her position include watching the children interact with one another, listening to the stories they share, and seeing them develop their own gifts. In the future, she plans on being the best wife, mom, and teaching assistant she can be, while living her life to the fullest.
|
Paula Andersen - PreS & PreK Teacher
Lori Oswald - Fulltime PreS & PreK Teacher's Assistant
