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Mr. Oberdorf, Principal |
I joined St. John the Evangelist's community as principal for the 2021-22 school year. I look forward to serving you as we grow in faith and knowledge. I became an educator 17 years ago with the goal of making the world a better place, one student at a time. I still have the same goal today. I want to be a part of a team that provides a Christ-centered, stimulating, challenging, and safe learning environment that will develop future leaders. I am comfortable working with students of all ages and enjoy guiding students to successful outcomes. I have provided teachers support and coaching throughout my years in education, and I look forward to continuing to help others develop their talents to serve our students best. I enjoy interacting with people and look forward to developing strong, positive relationships with you to help our St. John’s community grow spiritually and academically. |
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Mrs. Nosbisch Administrative Assistant |
St. John the Evangelist has a reputation for being a place to grow in education and faith as a Christian school, home, and community, and I want to share in that. I have been an Administrative Assistant for 20+ years in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and prior in the world of banking. I can honestly say this job is my calling, and I love sharing my time and talents with the students, families, and faculty. One of the most rewarding things about working in the school is to see former graduates in the outside world and share where their lives have taken them. I am a wife and mother of two daughters and three grandchildren. They are my biggest accomplishments and joy. |
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Mrs. Tillman, K4 Teacher |
As an Early Childhood teacher, I believe it is important to help children discover the joy of learning through play. In order to assist each child on their learning journey, students will have a variety of activities that coincide with what we will be learning in the classroom, for example, playing alphabet or number bingo, using playdough to create letters, numbers or shapes, and other fun games. I strive to help children reach their fullest potential by providing them with the tools and resources to grow as an individual as well as together with others. We will focus on the following social skills: learning the difference between right and wrong, using words to express feelings or needs, sharing or taking turns, playing alone or together with other children, and becoming independent. I believe these social skills are important for children to learn to respect, gain independence, and how to cooperate with each other. Together, we work towards building a community with one another and growing with our Catholic faith. |
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Ms. Schein, K5 Teacher |
Our Catholic faith is very important to me, and so I try to incorporate a deeper understanding of the faith and profound love of God throughout the whole school day. We are all called to live holy lives, and it is my goal that students strive to always follow in Jesus’ footsteps and become the people and the saints God wants them to be. It warms my heart when a young student tells me he/she wants to become a saint and go to heaven! I love teaching K5 students because they are so eager to learn. Their minds are sponges that soak up any information that you give them. My goal is to keep learning play-based and fun while still helping students strive to be independent in their school work, solve problems, work well with others, use their imagination, and persevere through something that they struggle with. My classroom is a place where the students should feel free to express themselves in many ways. It is a place where students can safely make mistakes and then find a solution. My favorite thing is when a student is excited by a discovery they made and wants to tell everyone! |
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Mrs. Prideaux, Grade 1 |
I am so excited to be teaching at St. John the Evangelist. This is the parish that I have called home for the past decade. I have over ten years of teaching experience. My children attend school here at St. John the Evangelist. They are Max, Michaela, and Josiah. While my children were small, I was a stay-at-home mom. I feel very blessed to have a career that I truly love and to teach in the grade that I love. My passion is teaching children how to read! I also feel blessed to be able to share my Catholic faith with my students. Catholic education is unique. It not only prepares the student academically but spiritually as well. This aspect of Catholic education sets it apart from other schools. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to play sports, hike, and watch movies (Marvel movies are my favorite!) Some of my hobbies include weight lifting, running, kickboxing, cooking, studying foreign languages, woodworking, and crafting with my kids. |
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Mrs. Kazik, Grade 2 |
I am truly blessed to be working at St. John the Evangelist. I graduated from Alverno College in 1995. I have been married for over 30 years, and we have three beautiful adopted children. We are a very close family and love playing games together and going on adventures when possible. We are very active with dance, volleyball, or just working out to stay healthy and strong. I have been a classroom teacher for over 20 years before coming to St. John the Evangelist. Most of my years have been with 3rd grade, but when I found out about the 2nd grade position being open, I knew God was calling me. Second grade is a very special year because the students prepare and receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. I feel so special to be called to help the students as they receive these two special sacraments. My faith is so important to me. This comes out throughout the day. It can be seen as we work together on reading, writing, math, or religion class times. Thank you for entrusting me with your children to grow in their academics and faith. |
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Mrs. Unger, Grade 3 |
I am happy to be a part of the St. John the Evangelist School community. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. I graduated from the University of Kansas with both a B.S. and an M.S. in Education. My husband and I have two daughters. Our family is very active in parish life at St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee, and both girls are enrolled in our parish school. The mission of our school is “St. John the Evangelist: a community modeling and nurturing Catholic values and academic excellence in partnership with families.” Truly, our ultimate mission is to help each other get to heaven! I firmly believe that in a Catholic school, we not only teach our children math, reading, and science, but we also teach our children how to be effective members of the Catholic community. As a teacher, it is my duty to get to know your children and help them be the best they can be. Teachers identify strengths and growing edges. It is my earnest desire to impart to your child the tools to become successful lifelong learners. |
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Mrs. Thiel, Grade 4 |
Catholic Education is a precious gift from God. I am so blessed to be teaching at St. John the Evangelist and continuing my journey of Catholic Education. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and am a diehard Cubs and Bears fan (I just had to get that in). I made my way to Wisconsin when I attended Marquette University. I graduated from Marquette with a BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. After moving permanently to the Milwaukee area, I began working in the field of social work as a foster care case manager at La Causa, Inc., which is located on the near south side of Milwaukee. After spending a few years in social work, I decided to return to school to earn my teaching degree. After receiving my teaching degree, I started working at a Catholic School on the near south side of Milwaukee and have been teaching in Catholic Schools ever since. For me, the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic School is being able to share this spiritual journey with my colleagues, families, and students while knowing that it is God who is guiding me on this mission. I have been teaching 4th grade for many years and absolutely love it. Fourth graders are extremely enthusiastic and eager to learn. My job is to nurture their enthusiasm and create a classroom environment that encourages students to take risks, develop a growth mindset, and attain academic goals. I am looking forward to getting to know and learn from each of my students during the school year.
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Middle School Social Studies |
Born in Upper Michigan, my parents were big on family road trips. As a result, I have had a meal in a majority (42) of these United States and visited hundreds of historical and natural sites. I also have a collection of cultural artifacts from around the world that support my interest in international affairs. I have taught in a number of unique school environments, from the Menominee Indian Reservation, urban government schools, an all-girls orthodox Jewish high school, and Catholic schools. What I have found is that relevancy is the greatest support or obstacle to student learning. If we (students and I) can find how our lessons connect to our present lives, the engagement goes way up. Returning to a school where I can unabashedly express my Catholic beliefs has been a boon to not only my spirit but also to my teaching. I give prayers of thanksgiving to God for the path he has guided me on. My educational philosophy is that Social Studies can be used to build the skills necessary for success in a student's post-academic life. The three pillars of this philosophy are the collection, analysis, and communication of information. By teaching students how to take notes, do authoritative online research, or interview those with relative experiences, then synthesizing the facts into a coherent thesis, and finally demonstrating how to teach others through a formal report, a 3D model, digital presentation or even a theatrical presentation, is the goal of my classes. |
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Ms. Dunning, Grade 6 Middle School Math |
As a product of 17 years of Catholic education, I have been drawn to teaching positions where I can express my faith and use it to build deeper relationships with others. I am a very enthusiastic person who enjoys service-based learning. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of God and the Catholic faith with others, especially sharing my personal faith journey with the future of the Catholic faith – our youth. I have taught religious education both in Catholic elementary schools and in my parish’s religious education program. I believe that all children have individual needs that educators should know and address to ensure that students receive the best possible education. Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with students of various levels and ages and have incorporated the use of manipulatives, technology, audio and visual tools, and various grouping strategies to ensure that all students succeed in meeting their educational goals. I also believe that my faith can inspire and energize me to look outside of myself and be the hands and feet of God on earth. I have always set high expectations for the students that I have been given the opportunity to guide and assist through their educational and faith journey. I ask the students to set personal goals during the first week of school and post these goals as a constant reminder that we need to work together to meet and exceed these goals. I provide the students with a safe and respectful environment where they can feel comfortable to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Students will learn that their educational success depends on their willingness to follow all class expectations, including completing their assignments, paying attention in class, participating in classroom discussions, and preparing themselves appropriately for assessments. Coming prepared to learn with the proper materials and a positive attitude is a requirement for all members of our classroom community. |
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Mrs. Wisniewski Grade 7, Middle School Language Arts |
I believe my responsibility as a teacher is to provide the guidance and encouragement each child needs to develop the knowledge and skills to help him or her succeed. Each child is unique, especially in how he or she learns best. I draw from my own experiences as a student and from research and best practices to create an environment in which each child can grow as an individual. I try to involve students in decisions in the classroom to foster independence and to encourage students to feel ownership over their education. Middle school students have a lot to say, and I aim to help my students develop their voices through speaking, listening, reading, and writing so that they can become articulate, well-educated citizens of society. I feel blessed to teach in a Catholic school where God is at the center. I love that my job encompasses more than just academics; as a teacher at St. John the Evangelist, I have the opportunity to help children develop socially and spiritually, as well. Prayer, games, discussions, and questions are all a part of the classroom as we build a community of Catholics searching for knowledge and truth. |
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Mr. Courchane, Grade 8 Middle School Science |
I came to St. John the Evangelist in 2017, with more than 20 years of experience in Catholic Education. After a brief career as a lawyer in Chicago, I realized my future lay in education. I received my education credentials from Loyola University in Chicago. After working as a substitute teacher in Chicago area schools, I moved to Greendale, WI, in 1996 with my wife, Dr. Sandra Scalzitti. We have a child in high school and another beginning college, so I know how education has changed over the years in ways that affect families as well as teachers. I found a job teaching 7th and 8th grade at St. Matthew’s in Milwaukee (later Prince of Peace School). My move and my rooms here reflect my passion for science. I believe science is vital for understanding the world around us. In my room, students will pursue investigations into the world around them. I believe science should involve hands-on learning coupled with an understanding of the history of science. Students will learn and apply the scientific method throughout the year. My science lessons are tailored around the Next Generation Science Standards. To paraphrase this large set of information, my science instruction is based around a few key ideas. Teach less, but teach it deeper. We may not learn the name of every mammal in North America, but we will learn how animals are adapted to their specific environments. Cross-Cutting Concepts: develop students’ ability to do things such as find cause and effect relationships whether they are studying how plants grow, water changes state, or continents drift. We will develop scientific skills: making and using models, gathering and analyzing data, investigating problems, and designing solutions. Evaluating sources of information. Science is based on fact, not opinion. We will learn how to determine the difference between these two things and how to find facts among various sources of information. |
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Mrs. Pitcher Physical Education/Health |
I graduated from UW-LaCrosse with a degree in Physical Education. I have taught on and off in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and with the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators Organization. I love my faith, and I love to be active. These two forums have given me the opportunity to share my love for both! Being a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist allows me to share my faith with my students at Mass. I also have come to know and love the sense of family that this school and parish offers. I believe that we can only be our best when we are spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually 'fit.' I use my time with my students to promote these four areas because they are so intermingled. I promote accountability for oneself, working hard to achieve the highest potential and quality of work over quantity. I hope to instill a desire and confidence to be active for a lifetime. I feel very blessed and honored to work with you in helping these students to be the best that they can be.
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Mrs. Weyer Music |
I believe that music is in everyone! I love helping children find their singing voice through songs and games. We learn to sing in tune, clap rhythms, and move to a steady beat. We then learn to read/write rhythm and melody notes, recognizing what we hear in music and creating our own songs. Our music activities include singing games, dancing, drumming, and listening. It is an absolute joy for me to make music with the children of all ages. For over 16 years, I taught full-time in K-8 public schools. While teaching, I earned my Masters in Music Education at Silver Lake College. Then, I was gifted with twin girls and decided to work part-time. I am a music instructor for the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in their Community Connections and Early Childhood Music programs and a private piano teacher. I am also an active member of St Stephen Catholic Church in Oak Creek. As my children are now in school, I am very excited to work both at the Conservatory and St. John the Evangelist. It means a great deal to me that I may share my gift of music and my love of the Catholic faith with my students. St Augustine said, "When you sing, you pray twice."
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Mrs. Julie Sostre Learning Resource Coordinator |
I feel blessed to be part of the SJE school community! I have known I would be a teacher since I was a young child. Teaching is truly a calling. St. John the Evangelist embodies a school environment that allows me to help my students flourish to their full potential. My number one goal as an educator is to motivate my students to succeed! When intrinsic motivation is combined with students having the skills needed to be successful in school, there is no stopping them! I have been teaching since 2003. My experience lies mostly with middle school students. A few years ago, I decided to put my master's degree in educational policy and leadership to use. I have worked with new and struggling teachers as an instructional coach around the Milwaukee area. I have also been teaching aspiring teachers at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Although these experiences have been wonderful, I really missed working with children. Being the resource teacher at St. John the Evangelist allows me to work with kids again, which is my passion. I want to give a big thank you to all of you parents for sharing your wonderful children with me!
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Spanish |
¡HOLA! Me llamo Señora Fiedler. After spending several years as a stay-at-home mom to my three children, I am thrilled to return to my previous career as a Spanish teacher. As a resident of Greenfield, I live only a few minutes away from SJE, and I have enjoyed becoming a part of this tight-knit school community. SJE contracts with my employer, Futura Language Professionals, to provide a Spanish program for grades K5-8. Futura strives to create a positive, welcoming language-learning environment. Spanish is taught through games, songs, and hands-on activities. Cultural topics are integrated into language instruction. Academic rigor increases gradually in age-appropriate ways. My primary goal is that your children LOVE Spanish and become life-long Spanish learners. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from UW-Eau Claire and a master’s degree in Education from UW-Stout. I studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain, and have traveled throughout Spain and Mexico. I have taught middle and high school Spanish (Levels 1-5) in the Madison and Minneapolis metro areas. In my spare time, I love camping with my family, especially at Peninsula State Park in Door County. I enjoy drawing, crafting, and cake decorating. Music is very important to me, and I have played in the handbell choir at my church for many years. I hope that students of all ages will be excited to share with you what they are learning in la clase de español! |
Mr. Payant, Grade 5
Mrs. Fiedler