To students, staff members are often seen as people who give assignments, explain lessons, grade papers and run operations around school. However, once school is over and the classrooms are empty, many of these individuals step into lives filled with hobbies, families, and passions that students rarely get to see.
“At the end of the day, teaching is only one part of who I am¨, said Senora Bassil, Spanish teacher. ¨After school, I enjoy walking in the park and enjoying nature.¨
At our school, teachers and staff do far more than just teach, they coach teams, volunteer in their communities, create art, play music, and spend time with loved ones. These activities not only shape who they are but also influence how they connect with students.
Mr. Tofil, a Social Studies teacher, who enjoys reading, explained how it helps him stay balanced.” It helps my brain to relax and calm down after a day at work,¨ he said.
Others turn to sports and fitness to manage stress. Mr. Bowen, a health teacher, said, ¨I workout to relieve the stress of my day to day life.¨
Creativity is another important outlet. Art teacher Mr. Butler described using their talents beyond school. ¨I create my own art work outside of school and display it on websites where people buy them and they are put into art shows. I love creating art and teaching my students even more¨, he said.
Family life also plays a major role for many staff members. Mr. Jablonski, Dean of Students says, ¨I loved to be involved with my kids and even help coach the girls softball team. It is a joy to see them at work everyday.¨
Faith and service remain central in a Catholic school community. Some members of the staff volunteer at parishes or local charities. ¨Service is not just a central theme at Cardinal Mooney, but in all aspects of Catholic life. For it is in serving those we come in contact with every day that we are truly living out our faith. In service to others we find unity and love.¨said Mrs. Jones, Campus Minister
Students say that learning about the lives of the staff makes them more relatable. ¨Knowing what they do after school helps me to relate to them more personally and learn more about them¨, said Natalie Blasko, senior.
In the end, teachers and staff are more than lesson planners and organizers. They are readers, athletes, artists, parents, volunteers, and lifelong learners. As Miss Cunningham puts it, ¨I try to be a built in support system for my students, making them the best versions of themselves through sharing my hobbies and interests.¨
By recognizing their full lives, teachers and staff lead beyond the school, and students can better appreciate the dedication and heart they bring to the building everyday.
-Sophia Rotunno
Staff member, Miss Cunningham interacting with students