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Mr. Oberdorf |
I joined St. John the Evangelist's community as principal at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. I look forward to continuing to serve the families of SJE as we grow in faith and knowledge. When I entered the field of education, my goal was to make the world a better place, one student at a time. I still have the same goal today. I want to be part of a team that provides a Christ-centered, stimulating, challenging, and safe learning environment that fosters the development of future leaders. I am comfortable working with students of all ages and enjoy guiding students to successful outcomes. Throughout my years in education, I have supported and coached teachers, 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 |
St. John the Evangelist has a reputation for being a Christian school, home, and community where students can grow in education and faith, and I want to share that. I have been an Administrative Assistant for over 20 years in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and previously in the banking industry. 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 aspects of working in the school is seeing graduates in the outside world and witnessing where their lives have taken them. I am a wife and mom of two daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons. They are my greatest accomplishments and source of joy. I am also a bonus mom of three sons, one daughter, and three grandsons. |
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Ms. Woytych |
I’m thrilled to be the K4 teacher at St. John the Evangelist School! I’ve worked at SJE in different capacities. Most recently, I was the K5 Aide and a learning resource teacher. I spent two years at my previous school as a K-3 aide and directed an after-school program. Having received my teaching license and Master’s in Education from Cardinal Stritch University, I’m excited to teach K4. I studied Philosophy and Theology for my undergraduate degree at Christendom College, a small Catholic college located on the East Coast. I learned the Catholic faith well there, but most importantly, I learned how to welcome and foster an intimate relationship with Christ. From this background, I aim to instill in my students a love of Christ, learning, and one another. In K4, my students learn through play, music, kinesthetic activities, and many other engaging experiences. Outside of school, I enjoy singing in my parish choir, reading the classics, and completing minor home renovation projects. I’m blessed to be at SJE. |
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Mrs. Rillorta |
As a mom, the most important thing to me is teaching my children about God and our Catholic faith. I believe that we should not only focus on teaching our children academics, especially at a young age, but also focus on teaching them discipline, respect, and responsibility, which are crucial for young children—it’s the foundation for how they will become true children of God.
Having a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I never imagined that I would be nurturing the youngest students of St. John’s. Having three children of my own who all graduated from St. John's, and being a parishioner for 20 years now, I love St. John's and value the true meaning of Catholic education.
I am grateful to you for entrusting your children to our Catholic school, and I appreciate the confidence you have placed in us.
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Mrs. Cannistra |
Our Catholic faith is very important to me, so I strive to incorporate a deeper understanding of the faith and a profound love of God throughout the entire school day. We are all called to live holy lives, and my goal is 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 want 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 continue learning through play-based and fun activities while still helping students strive to be independent in their schoolwork, solve problems, work well with others, use their imagination, and persevere through challenges 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 students are excited about a discovery they've made and want to share it with everyone! |
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Mrs. Payton Booth |
I joined the St. John the Evangelist School community in the fall of 2023 as a K5 aide. My role involves supporting the classroom teacher and the students. I enjoy working with the children and being a part of their spiritual and academic growth. I love being in an environment that nurtures and cares for the children as they learn. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of such a nurturing and caring environment. My day starts with greeting the students and generating excitement for the day’s learning opportunities. I assist and reinforce learning throughout the classroom. I provide extra support where needed. I enjoy interacting with and working with students in both group and individual settings. I am fortunate to work directly with the students. I get to know each of them individually and learn what they need to continue to progress successfully. I am grateful to see the positive impact I have on the students each day. My strong interpersonal skills have been instrumental in building meaningful relationships with school staff, students, and families. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with the children and their families. I am incredibly grateful that my life journey has led me to this wonderful school community.
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Mrs. Prideaux, Grade 1 Teacher |
I am so excited to be teaching at St. John the Evangelist. This is the parish that has been my 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 I genuinely love and to teach in the grade I love. My passion is teaching children how to read! I also feel blessed to share my Catholic faith with my students. Catholic education is unique. It prepares the student not only academically but also spiritually. 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, go hiking, and watch movies (Marvel movies are my favorites!). My hobbies include weight lifting, running, kickboxing, cooking, studying foreign languages, woodworking, and crafting with my kids. |
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Mrs. Kazik |
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 active with dance, volleyball, or just working out to stay healthy and strong. I have been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, prior to joining St. John the Evangelist. Most of my years have been spent in third grade, but when I found out about the second-grade position being open, I knew God was calling me. Second grade is a 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, so they can grow academically and in their faith. |
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Mrs. Unger |
I am happy to be a part of the St. John the Evangelist School community. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated from the University of Kansas with 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. Our school's mission is “St. John the Evangelist: a community modeling and nurturing Catholic values and academic excellence in partnership with families.” Indeed, our ultimate mission is to help one another get to heaven. I firmly believe that in a Catholic school, we not only teach our children math, reading, and science but also teach them how to be effective members of the Catholic community. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to get to know your children and help them reach their full potential. Teachers identify strengths and growth areas. I earnestly desire to impart the tools to help your child become a successful lifelong learner. |
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Mrs. Wolak |
I am excited to begin my teaching journey at St. John the Evangelist, where I am honored to contribute to the faith-filled environment of our Catholic community. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with a degree in Elementary Education. Throughout my academic journey, I have always been driven by the desire to nurture not only the intellectual but also the spiritual growth of my students. As a new teacher, I am committed to creating a welcoming and supportive classroom where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their unique gifts. I believe in fostering a deep respect for God, self, and others, and I look forward to guiding my students in building a strong moral foundation that will support them in both their academic and personal lives. |
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Mr. Payant |
Born in Upper Michigan, my parents were big on family road trips. As a result, I have had a meal in most (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. I have found that relevancy is the greatest support or obstacle to student learning. If we (students and I) can discover 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 not only to my spirit but also to my teaching. I give thanks to God for the path He has guided me. 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 relevant 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 |
As a product of 17 years of Catholic education, I have been drawn to teaching positions that allow me to 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 in Catholic elementary schools and 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, incorporating manipulatives, technology, audiovisual 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 and have been given the opportunity to guide and assist them through their educational and faith journey. I ask students to set personal goals during the first week of school and post them 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 taking risks and learning 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 Homeroom & Middle School Language Arts Teacher |
I believe my responsibility as a teacher is to provide the guidance and encouragement each child needs to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to help them succeed. Each child is unique, especially in how they learn best. I draw on my own experiences as a student, as well as research and best practices, to create an environment where each child can thrive and grow. I try to involve students in classroom decisions to foster independence and encourage them 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. Prayer, games, discussions, and questions are all part of the classroom as we build a community of Catholics seeking knowledge and truth. |
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Mr. Courchane |
I joined St. John the Evangelist in 2017 with over 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 understand how education has evolved over the years, affecting both families and teachers. I found a job teaching 7th and 8th grade at St. Matthew’s in Milwaukee (later Prince of Peace School). My move and the rooms I've chosen 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 to the Next Generation Science Standards. To paraphrase this extensive information set, my science instruction is grounded in 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 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 distinguish between these two concepts and how to identify facts among various sources of information. |
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Mrs. Pitcher |
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 enjoy being active. These two forums have allowed me 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 have also come to know and love the sense of family that this school and parish offer. 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, rather than focusing on quantity. I hope to instill a desire and confidence to be active forever. I feel very blessed and honored to work with you in helping these students become the best they can be.
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Mrs. Weyer |
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, recognize what we hear in music, and create our own songs. Our music activities include singing, games, dancing, drumming, and listening. It is an absolute joy for me to make music with children of all ages. For over 16 years, I taught full-time in K-8 public schools. While teaching, I earned my Master's 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 at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, where I teach 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 excited to work at both 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 |
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 enables me to help my students reach their full potential. My top priority as an educator is to motivate my students to succeed. When intrinsic motivation is combined with students possessing the necessary skills to succeed in school, there is no stopping them! I have been teaching since 2003. My experience primarily involves working 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 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 would like to extend a big thank you to all of your parents for sharing your wonderful children with me!
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¡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 K-5 through 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 lifelong 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. I love camping with my family in my spare time, 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 what they are learning in la clase de español! |
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Mrs. Cone |
My name is Jennifer Cone, and I am an art teacher and academic support teacher at St. John the Evangelist. I attended Alverno College to pursue my degree in Education. Before attending Alverno, I went to Milwaukee High School of the Arts. I am passionate about learning and helping students do their best. I know that every student can learn and sometimes needs an extra boost. That is what makes my position special at SJE. I can help give students the extra boost they need to succeed. |
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Mrs. Girard |
I joined the St. John the Evangelist staff in 2024, but I have been a member of the SJE community for approximately eight years. I first began as a parent volunteer, then served as a substitute teacher for the last three years, and am now part-time staff. I hold several roles as a staff member, including serving as an in-house Substitute Teacher, Marketing Coordinator, and providing Staff Support. You'll often see me taking photos for the school's social media channels at events or even just in the classrooms, showcasing the amazing work that our teachers are doing with their students. I also assist in the classrooms, especially during math, reading, and science classes. I also work in small groups with students to further strengthen the skills and lessons they are learning in their classrooms. I highly value Catholic education, as I myself have attended Catholic schools my entire life. I attended St. Roman's Grade School, Pius XI High School, and Mount Mary University, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Communication Design, a blend of Communications, Marketing, and Graphic Design. I also hold a substitute teaching license. I firmly believe that Catholic schools had an integral role in developing who I am as a person. At St. John the Evangelist, I appreciate how our teaching staff incorporates the Catholic faith into all aspects of learning. It was an easy choice for my husband and me when we chose this school for our own children. I hope to inspire students to work hard, put forth their best effort, and grow closer to Jesus throughout their education. Outside of St. John the Evangelist, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two children, and our golden retriever. Family movie nights and game nights are our favorite! We enjoy walking our dog, and hope to spend more time outside as we begin our own garden. I also spend a lot of time in the kitchen baking. I have also set a goal to travel more often. |
Mrs. Fiedler
