NAME:
Ms. Kowieski
SCHOOL:
St. Josaphat
CLASS:
7th Homeroom, 5th and 6th math, 7th and 8th science, 7th religion
SCHOOL PHONE:
773.549.0909
Educator Profile
I should have realized that I wanted to be a teacher when, in third grade, I’d
rush home from school to teach my little sister all I could about writing in
cursive, multiplying numbers, and photosynthesis. But, when I was faced with
so many different fascinating majors in college, I chose psychology and peace
studies rather than education. As I began to consider graduate school in
psychology, I found myself thinking about the research projects and tutoring
opportunities throughout college that allowed me to spend many wonderful hours
with elementary-aged students. At that point, I decided to apply to the
Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program and teach in a Catholic school.
It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
After teaching second grade for two years in Florida, I discovered that I had
fallen in love with teaching. I scrapped my plans to study psychology in
graduate school and headed back to the Midwest to teach. One of the things
that I love about teaching is the relationships that I am able to develop with
my students and their families. When I first began teaching at St. Josaphat,
I felt so welcomed. I continue to enjoy getting to know the families that
make up our wonderful community.
While teaching is a very important part of my life, there’s a lot more! My
mom is the oldest of seven children, and my dad is the oldest of four.
Growing up, I thought there was nothing better than spending time with my
grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I still love visiting my family,
popping in on my mom’s preschool classroom, playing tennis with my
grandfather, reading with my grandmother, and playing games with my cousins.
When I’m not at school, I love going for a run along the lakefront, reading
good books, and traveling. I also enjoy volunteering at my parish’s food
pantry and a community homeless shelter.
Teaching and Related Experience
I have taught at every level K-8 with the exceptions of kindergarten and third
grade. This year as a seventh grade homeroom teacher, I am
teaching fifth and sixth grade math, seventh and eighth grade science,
and seventh grade religion. Some of my other experiences of working with
children include teaching math at the Youth Forward Academy during the summer,
assisting with a youth group, coaching track, tutoring, and leading enrichment
classes.
Education and Certifications
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, 1997
Graduate: University of Portland, Portland, OR, 1999 (M.A.T)
Post Graduate: Currently enrolled in another graduate program in Curriculum
Studies at DePaul University this school year
Certifications: Elementary (K-9)
Professional Associations/Activities:
• Chicago Lesson Study Group
Extra-curricular/Committee work:
• Curriculum Committee
• Catholic Schools Week Committee (organizing activities for the week)
• Enrichment programs – PhatJoggers, Knitting for Novices, and Test Prep
• Trained Rainbows Facilitator
Awards and Recognition
Presenter at Annual National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Conference, 2006
Sheffield Neighborhood Association Educator's Award (2007)
Trainer of Strategic Intervention Teams (ongoing)
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is strongly rooted in my faith. Teaching is a calling
for me, rather than simply a profession, and I can’t imagine teaching anywhere
but in a Catholic school. I appreciate the opportunities we have to discuss
our faith, consider what it means to be children of God, pray together, and
build the Church. Throughout the school year, the students and I look at how
we can best build a Catholic community in our classroom, our school, and our
community at large. I strive to create a classroom in which all students feel
safe and welcome.
My teaching style is a student-centered approach. I strongly believe that
children are very capable of exploring, wrestling with, and learning about
many topics. While sometimes I might do more of the talking than the
students, I think the best lessons I have taught are ones in which the
students are allowed to explore a new concept, discuss with each other what
they are thinking, work through problems or questions, and share their
learning with their classmates.
We will establish our class mission as a class community during the first days
of school.