Contact The Summit

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700
fx: 513-871-22xx

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Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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1st Year at The Summit

Degrees:

Julia P. Almaguer, B.A., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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10 Years at The Summit

18 Years in Education

11 Years at The Summit

 

Degrees:

Barbara A. Brammer, B.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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21 Years at The Summit

Lower School
3rd Grade

Education:
B.A. Marymount Manhatten College
M.Ed. Xavier University

Certification:
K-8
Principal Certificate

Teaching Experience: 24 years
22 years at The Summit

 

After college, I worked as a Speech Therapist for the New York City Board of Education. My own children had been at The Summit for 6 years when I applied to teach here. In my interview I told Mr. Tyrrell that I sent my children here because I believed The Summit to be the best school in the city and I wanted no less for myself.

My teaching philosophy is that each child should be known as an individual and respectfully treated that way.

I serve on Summit's Professional Development Committee, as well as the Steering Committee for the last two ISACS evaluations. I have also been a member of ASCD for 6 years. I received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study Philosophy for Children in the summer of 2004. I attended the Differentiated Instruction convention in 2005. Finally, in 2006 I completed a workshop which identified the best current fiction selections and offered ideas on how to use them in teaching.

I am married with two children and two grandchildren.

 

 

 

Degrees:

Helen C. Clark, B.A., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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12 Years at The Summit

Lower School
4th Grade

Education:
B.A. Education from Wilmington College

Certification:
1-8 Elementary Education

Teaching Experience: 13 years
13 years at The Summit

My inspiration for teaching has always come from what I consider a true calling to work with children and a love of learning. I came to The Summit after my husband, Emil Nelson, was hired to teach Social Studies in the Middle School. At the time, we were living in Wilmington, Ohio and he had also been offered a job there. We both viewed The Summit as a wonderful opportunity for him and our children. I then proceeded to work as a substitute here for the next two years. When the 4th grade Language Arts position opened up, I jumped at the opportunity. What an amazing and unique opportunity for our family! I would be able to work with my husband and be with my children throughout their education. This school is more than a place to teach, it is our extended family.

I believe it is so vital that children are in an environment where they feel safe and respected. Learning is a creative process. Children need to experiment with different methods to find how they learn best. It is so important to learn the fundamentals, but it takes on more meaning when they become a part of the learning experience. Ultimately, I want my students to approach new challenges with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

I have three children- Sierra is 15 and a sophomore in the Upper School. Rowan is 13 and an 8th grader in the Middle School. Tiernan is 8 and in 3rd grade in the Lower School. I have a ferocious guard dog, my 8 lb. Chihuahua, Buffy. I also have a motley crew of cats - Peppermint, Persephone, and Pip. My new favorite hobby is Raks Balady, otherwise known as belly dancing. 

 

 

Degrees:

Cammie Corder-Nelson, B.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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7 Years at The Summit

8 Years in Education

8 Years at The Summit

 

Degrees:

Christina M. Feldhaus
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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6 Years at The Summit

Lower School
2nd Grade

Education:
B.S. Eastern Michigan, Elementary Education
20 additional hours of graduate credit

Certification:
K-8

Teaching Experience: 22 years 
7 years at The Summit
 

Hello, I am Susan Flaig. I have enjoyed teaching second grade at Summit for six years. My teaching experience also includes teaching third grade at St. Gertrude in Madeira for six years, first grade for three years, and kindergarten for three years. I have been a private tutor and taught nursery school. Although I have not been a classroom teacher exclusively, I have been involved in education for over thirty years. I was involved in many volunteer organizations like Catholic Women of Cincinnati, while at home when our family was young. I was also deeply involved in parish activities at that time, such as President of the parent group and Parish Council. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University. I have acquired numerous graduated courses and continuing education credits throughout my teaching career. I am currently taking a religious education course through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to continue working towards permanent catechist certification.

While teaching at Summit I have had the opportunity to serve as Language Arts coordinator for second grade. I was asked to participate on a committee of teachers from all divisions to examine the learning style needs of the students of our school in 2004-05. We worked throughout the year, under the leadership of Joseph Devlin to determine how we can better serve all learners at Summit. We planned in service opportunities for the faculty in this area. I attended The Schools Attuned Workshop in Akron during the summer of 2005. This week long conference was based on Mel Levine's theories of 'how children learn' and how the brain works. I enjoy continuing my education because life is a journey of learning.

I am a native of Michigan, but have resided in Cincinnati with my husband Jim for thirty years. We have been blessed with five lovely children. Amanda and her husband Nick live in Cleveland where she in Vice President of Media Relations for the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Nick is doing his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Emily and her husband Matt live in Ft. Thomas, Ky. Matt is an engineer and Emily is a physical therapist. They recently welcomed Evelyn Kaylee, our first grandchild, into the family. Laura lives in New Jersey, and works as a product manager for Macy's corporate offices in New York City. Adam, our only son, is a senior at Ohio University studying audio and visual production. Elyse is a junior at Sycamore and looks forward to pursuing a career in the equine field. She has participated in summer mission trips with the Good Shepherd youth group for three years, and she is planning to go to West Virginia this summer. Our family pet is Scout, a 13 year old Gordon Setter. We have raised our family in Blue Ash, and truly enjoy living in this great community. 

 

 

 

Degrees:

Susan K. Flaig, B.S.
 

Location: Montessori
ph: 513-871-4700

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3 Years at The Summit

4 Years in Teaching

4 Years at The Summit

 

Degrees:

Megan A. Gardner, B.A., M.A.
 

ph: 513-471-8700

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Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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22 Years at The Summit

Lower School
1st Grade

Education:
B.A. Miami University
M.Ed. Xavier University

Certification:
K-12

Teaching Experience: 27 years
23 years at The Summit
 

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I loved "playing school" when I was little. I had a classroom set up and made my younger brothers be my students.

I was in a graduate class with Bob Gorey's wife and she told me about an opening at The Summit. I remember driving past the beautiful building on Grandin Road, hoping that this was the place for me. Twenty one years later and I'm still here!

My goal is to provide fun and enriching activities where the needs of each child are being met. I hope I motivate the students to do their best and be proud of their accomplishments. I want school to be a place in which they look forward to coming.

I have attended a number of conferences focused on the first grader and the needs of first grade learners. I am excited to be attending a conference this fall which will enhance our math program.

I married my tennis teacher, Mike. Our family has grown to include a big gray dog named Ali and our beautiful daughter, Erin. Ali is my walking buddy through all kinds of weather. Erin has brought us immeasurable joy and I love spending time with her. I like to read and work in my garden. I love the Reds, Redhawks, Xavier basketball and the Bengals. 

 

 

Degrees:

Cecelia A. Johnson, B.S., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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32 Years at The Summit

 

Lower School
2nd grade

Education:
B.A. University of Kentucky
M.Ed. Xavier University

Certification:
K-8

Teaching Experience: 34 years
33 years at The Summit

I became interested in teaching because I really love working with children and enjoy seeing them learn new skills. I chose to come to The Summit because it is a place where being a teacher means being part of a family. There is a positive network of support coming from the parents and the administration. Children have to be proud of themselves and of their accomplishments. Children need to develop good study skills and study habits and here they can do that.

I am a mother of two students, Colleen and Frank Jr. Also, I am the mother of a Summit graduate, Meghan.

In the community I have been involved with the Kids Cafe and the Meals on Wheels at the Santa Maria Community Service.

My husband, Frank, is the President of Klimat Master Pools. My daughter, Meghan, is a sophomore at St. Louis University; my other daughter Colleen is a junior at The Summit and my son Frank is a sophomore at The Summit. We have two cats and one dog. I enjoy cooking. 

 

 

Degrees:

M. Kathleen Kane, B.A., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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7 Years at The Summit

Lower School
1st Grade

Education:
B.A. University of Arizona

Certification:
K-8

Teaching Experience: 19 years 
8 years at The Summit

My love, passion and devotion to children inspired me to become a teacher. When I attended first grade in Cleveland, Ohio, my teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. My response was to be a teacher. We then made an illustration. My mother saved it, framed it, and gave it back to be when I got my first teaching job.

The Summit is a wonderful institution with a great reputation, small class sizes, great colleagues and fantastic parents. The students are challenged on a daily basis and consistently worked with on a individualized basis. I absolutely love the fact that I have the flexibility of implementing new ideas into the current curriculum.

I apply my philosophy to the learning experience of teaching; to promote success and a positive self-image in my students. Education is the basis to everything we do. My teaching effectiveness is implemented through the practice of a variety of organizational strategies. There are many trends in education today. Change, new methods, materials and technology are developing continually. With my awareness and knowledge of these trends, I am willing to apply new techniques to improve my teaching strategies. The field of education is very challenging and rewarding.

I have done a lot of course work affiliated with education: Differentiated Instruction, Responsive Classroom, First Grade Instruction, Literacy, Math with Marcy Cook, and Classroom Management Systems.

I have two daughters: Abby ,17 and Stephanie, 13 who both attend Sycamore. We have a dog and a hamster. I am a Wizard of Oz and Just the Right Shoe collector, and I love to dance, read, and cook. 

 

 

 

Degrees:

Sharon M. Kessel, B.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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7 Years at The Summit

8 Years in Education

8 Years at The Summit

 

Degrees:

Mary K. Lozen, A.D.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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4 Years at The Summit

16 Years in Education

5 Years at The Summit

 

Degrees:

Patricia K. Manier, B.S.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

10 Years at The Summit

24 Years in Teaching

11 Years at The Summit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Degrees:

Marianne Martin, B.S.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

10 Years at The Summit

Lower School
Physical Education

Education:
B.A. University of Kentucky, physical education and health education
Currently working on masters degree at Northern Kentucky University

Certification:
Physical Education K-12

Teaching Experience: 12 years 
11 years at The Summit

Here at The Summit, I teach physical education to students Montessori through third grade. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have been given the opportunity to coach our athletic teams at The Summit. During this time, I have coached the Middle School boys soccer, lacrosse and football teams, as well as the Middle School girls basketball and soccer teams. I believe working with these students outside the classroom setting has allowed me to know them better than if I had not been their coach.

Outside of The Summit, I have spent time volunteering at clinics designed to help children who have been abused either physically or emotionally. I also enjoy working with children who participate in the Special Olympics.

 

 

 

Degrees:

Brian R. Miller, B.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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14 Years at The Summit

Montessori through Middle School
French

Education:
M.A. in French Literature
B.Ed. (Major in History and ESL)
European Baccalaureate

Certification:
French

Teaching Experience: 19 years
15 years at The Summit

 

With identifying my own aspirations and beliefs with the mission of the Summit, I am proud to belong to its community which feels like my family's second home.

As a teacher I believe in the necessity of global education for the next generation. I strive to teach my students to become multi-lingual and multi-culturally sensitive. I believe in student-centered education, meeting each child at his or her own level and building on their strengths. I try to present activities that stimulate students and encourage participation.

In doing so I encourage multiple approaches, including technology, to meet the various individuals present in a classroom, in order to make the classes meaningful for each one of my students. This approach surrounds my belief that education should be based on a cooperation between the family, the teacher and the administration to promote a harmonious growth of each student.

Outside of The Summit, I have been part of an effort to send school supplies to schools in rural parts of my native country, Romania. I also take advantage of various workshops that allow me to stay updated in my teachings, both generally and in the foreign languages.

I am married with one son (a Summit graduate) and a daughter (a Summit student). I love traveling, the outdoors (hiking, skiing, biking), reading and music. I also have three pets: a dog, cat and hamster.

 

 

 

Degrees:

Ioana L. Moneta, B.Ed., M.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

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20 Years at The Summit

23 Years in Teaching

21 Years at The Summit

When third-grade teacher Stacy Remke was teaching a unit on spiders to her class, she turned to an unusual scientific resource: Charlotte's Web. "When you're teaching science to young children, it's much easier to make the light go on if you use material that has a personal connection for them," explains Stacy. "Because Charlotte is a character who's familiar to the students, I can use her life story to help introduce other concepts about spiders as a species."

For Stacy, being a great teacher means going the extra mile to ensure that every student in her class moves forward at the right pace. "I work hard to make learning fun for my students, but I also monitor their progress carefully," she explains. "For example, when we're dealing with a new math concept, I do individual assessments, identify students who may need remedial help, and then pair up students according to their skill level."

Her Follow-through is Outstanding - In recognition of her devotion to students at The Summit over the past 17 years, Stacy was named the recipient of the 2004 Raymond E. Schilderink Family Faculty Chair for Distinguished Teaching. "Where Stacy really shines is in her attention to the unique needs of each student, the individual as opposed to the group," notes Lower School Director, Grades 1-4, Clare King. "Her follow-through is just outstanding."

"As a teacher, I know I'm accountable for making sure my students know what they need to know," she says. "At the same time, I appreciate that The Summit is very open to using different ideas and techniques to make concepts meaningful, whether it's a field trip, a group exercise, or a classic children's novel."

The Teacher as Student - Whether it's enrolling in professional development programs or participating in technology workshops at The Summit, Stacy excels as a teacher because she also excels as a student. "It's important for me to grow as an educator, and to discover new techniques that reflect the evolving needs of my students. That's why I'm so excited about the science lab in the new Lower School. I use a hands-on approach to science, and I'm sure the new facility will provide many opportunities to craft engaging learning experiences for my class." 

 

 

Degrees:

Stacy P. Remke, B.S.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

6 Years at The Summit

Lower School
1st Grade

Education:
B.S.H.E. Early Childhood Education, University of Georgia
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University
30+ additional graduate hours in Middle School Education

Certification:
K-3 and 4-8

Teaching Experience: 31 years 
7 years at The Summit 

 

 

Degrees:

Sally W. Ryan, B.S., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

32 Years at The Summit

Lower School
4th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

Education:
B.A. The College of Mount Saint Joseph
Graduate credits from the University of Dayton

Certification:
Grades 1-8

Teaching Experience: 34 years
33 years at The Summit

 

 

 

Degrees:

Barbara L. Sander, B.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

2 Years at The Summit

Lower School
2nd Grade

Education:
B.S. Xavier University, Early Childhood Education
M.Ed. Xavier University, Education Administration

Certification:
K- 4
pre K- 3 in Ohio

Teaching Experience: 4 years 
3 years at The Summit

When I was in the second grade I decided I wanted to be a second grade teacher. I have always loved working with children and helping them reach their fullest potential.

I chose The Summit for several reasons. I, of course, wanted to teach at the best school in the city. I also believe in Catholic education with a strong focus on serving others. I was able to find all of that here! There is nowhere I would rather be.

I want to inspire children to be well rounded, educated, loving citizens of the world. I believe it is important to teach children the importance of helping others and making the world a better place for everyone. I want the children in my class to love learning and every day at school. Children should be guided by their teacher to create learning that meets their individual needs.

I spent a year doing the Jesuit Volunteer Corps working with homeless women and children. That year inspired me to always help others. I volunteer regularly at the Center for Respite Care here in Cincinnati. I have trained for a triathlon and raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I am always involved in something in an effort to do my part!

I enjoy competing in Triathlons in my spare time, so I spend a lot of time swimming, biking and running. 

 

 

Degrees:

Martha M. Schlaudecker, B.S., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

8 Years at The Summit

Lower School
First Grade

Education:
B.S. Xavier University, Montessori/ Elementary Education
M.Ed. Xavier University

Certification:
I am certified to teach preschool Montessori Education ages 3-6, Elementary Education K-8 and Special Education K-12.

Teaching Experience: 21 years 
8 years at The Summit

When I was in high school I did part of my senior search in the Summit Montessori helping children.  I realized through this experience that I wanted to help eager students to learn and so went on to earn my degree in Montessori and elementary education at Xavier University.  I later earned a Masters in Learning Disabilities at Xavier University.

I have taught Montessori education and I am presently teaching first grade, specializing in first grade science.  Every year I am in charge of having COSI come to our school and do a science program.  This year I attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for a two-day workshop in Cleveland.  I am excited to use many of the techniques I learned at this conferences in my math classes. 

I love inspiring children through learning. I grew up attending The Summit and know that each child is treated as an individual. My wish in teaching, is to help children to discover their own personal goals and talents in life.

I have been married for sixteen years. I have four boys ranging in age from 4 to 10 years old. My husband and I love spending time with our four active boys.  They love the outdoors and especially love to bike and ski. As a family we love going to the Bengals games.   

 

 

Degrees:

Sherry L. Schneider, B.S., M.Ed. ‘81
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

22 Years at The Summit

30 Years in Teaching

23 Years at The Summit

 

 

Degrees:

Patricia E. Seta, B.S.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

8 Years at The Summit

Lower School
Music

Education:
B.S. Ball State University, Music Education, piano and voice
M.M. Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, piano accompanying

Certification:
K-12

Teaching Experience: 23 years 
9 Years at The Summit

In the past, I have taught High School Choral Music, Music Theory, K - 8 general music, Kindermusik (music program for preschool children), as well as piano and piano-related courses at Xavier University.

My children were already attending The Summit when I decided to teach here. I already knew it was a great school. I love being in their environment.

My approach to early music education is process-oriented. I believe children can learn by doing. We focus on steady beat and singing in tune.

In the primary grades I use an Orff-Schulwerk based approach, which again involves active participation in music. We sing, play instruments, move, and learn about composers in an active, fun way. Musical literacy is an important component of the Primary music curriculum.

Outside of The Summit, I am the Music Director at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood, Kentucky. Over the Summer, I received two Evans grants. I also received training in "Music Together," an early childhood curriculum. I also took a workshop about how to improve children in music liturgy.

I have been married to Jeff for 20 years. We have two boys attending The Summit and two cats.

 

 

 

 

Degrees:

Rebecca A. Slater, B.S., M.M.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

13 Years at The Summit

18 Years in Education

14 Years at The Summit

 

Degrees:

Susan R. Swinarski, B.A.
 

ph: 513-471-8700

Other Information:

I have been working with a variety of children with all levels of need over the past four years. I was most recently at St. Aloysius Orphanage, where I completed my counseling internship and clinical residency. As an employee of SAO, I counseled children at East End Community Heritage School and Rockdale Academy. My experience with children from such a varying degree of backgrounds has helped prepare me for my work at The Summit. I am excited to learn more about the wonderful children and families at this school.

I am married and a resident of Mt. Lookout. I enjoy reading, traveling, and art.

 

Degrees:

BA- Undergraduate at University of Cincinnati, MA- Graduate Program in Counseling at Xavier University
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

18 Years at The Summit

Lower School
4th Grade Religion, Health and Study Skills

Education:
B.A. St. John's College, Education
M.Ed. John Carroll University, Education

Certification:
K-8 Elementary Education, Catechetical Certificate

Teaching Experience: 32 years
19 years at The Summit

My husband came to The Summit before me and Ken truly loved the school, its mission and the people. I also have three daughters who were lifers here and as a parent I saw first hand the excellent school that it is.

As a teacher it is my hope to teach each student at their academic ability and learning style. I believe I must provide a supportive and caring environment and be sensitive to the students' needs. As a religion teacher I want the students to love and respect God, themselves and others. I teach the students that religion is the way you live your life. Therefore I encourage our students in Christian Service by making fleece blankets for Ronald McDonald House and Problem Pregnancy Center. I want my students to learn and to be happy at The Summit.

I participate as the Lower School Religion Coordinator, Chapel Sacristan, and in the Aftercare Program here at The Summit.

Our family is very involved in our parish work. We volunteer as much as possible. My daughters and I have volunteered to prepare the second graders for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Ken is a member of our parish council.

I am married to Ken Uckotter who has been at The Summit for 29 years. We are proud parents of three Summit graduates. Margaret Ann Lebahn '99 is a high school History and Psychology teacher in Alexandria, VA. Theresa '01 is a teacher at the Montessori Center Room and studying for her Masters in Montessori Ed. at Xavier University. Karen '04 is studying to be a Middle School Social Studies and Math teacher at Xavier University. We are also the very proud grandparents of Audrey Margaret! 

 

 

 

 

Degrees:

Diane M. Uckotter, B.S., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

12 Years at The Summit

Lower School
Art

Education:
B.FA Art Education from the University of Cincinnati

Certification:
K-12

Teaching Experience: 33 years
13 years at The Summit

I grew up knowing that I was going to be an Art Teacher. I have always taught in the independent schools, valuing the freedom to teach that they afford one. So, upon my return to Cincinnati, I was looking for a school that was like my previous Cincinnati experience (Seven Hills) and was thrilled to find that The Summit was looking for an art teacher. I felt I was a good fit for the job and thankfully The Summit agreed. I have been so happy with this teaching experience.

My young students come to me as artists and my job is to keep them artists by building and developing their art skills. I believe that every art program needs as its components art criticism, art production, and art history as the means of building the art skills. Art is about risk taking and the willingness to keep trying and to keep evaluating one's efforts. Our students do this so well, they are open to the challenges and continue to amaze me with their talent and creativity.

In the summer of 2005, my husband Mark and I received a grant from the National Gallery of Art to participate in their Story Telling Art Workshops. I am involved with the Ohio Art Education Association and am currently on their Convention Planning Committee.

I am married to Mark Wiesner, the Upper School art teacher and between us we have five children, nine grandchildren and one rescued greyhound.

We try to get to our art studio in the Pendleton Art Center to continue our creative efforts. 

 

 

Degrees:

Jan R. Wiesner B.F.A.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information:

12 Years at The Summit

Lower School
2nd Grade

Education:
B.A.
M.Ed.

Certification:
K-3

Teaching Experience: 20 years
13 years at The Summit

I always loved school as a child. In fact, in June when everyone was excited about the last day of school, I was crying because I didn't want it to be over. I had loving, nurturing teachers as role models.

After teaching in public schools, I loved the Catholic identity of the Summit. I also observed the happy, busy classrooms which had an aura of peacefulness. I wanted to be a part of the joy!

I want to inspire children to develop a love of learning. I want to challenge each student to be the best that they can be. I want my students to look forward to each new school day with motivation and enthusiasm.

Outside of the classroom, my husband and I are involved in our parish. We do Children's Liturgy of the Word one Sunday per month.

I am married and have one daughter and two grandchildren. My grandchildren are my hobby and my delight. I have one dog and one cat. I also have a chinchilla and a guinea pig as my classroom pets. I love to read, travel and bask in the sun. 

 

 

Degrees:

Nancy C. Wojcik, B.S., M.Ed.
 

Location: Lower School
ph: 513-871-4700

Other Information: