Intermediate School Teachers
The intermediate unit of St. Joseph School is comprised of grades 3, 4 & 5.

  Caitlin Merkel
  Grade 3 Instructor       3rdgrade@stjosephgrafton.org

   Caitlin joins us from Marquette University.  She is a strong advocate of Catholic education and has become an important role model for our students.  Her creative teaching techniques have made the subject of science much more fun, exciting and understandable for our students.



Caitlin’s Teaching Philosophy
"I believe that one of the most important functions, or purpose, a school should serve is helping children find excitement in learning and guiding them by showing how they can use their knowledge to succeed. I find it very important for a teacher to help students find the love for learning in the classroom and outside of the classroom. A child that finds a love for learning at a young age has every capability of continuing their education more and more throughout their life. It is one of my goals to help my students know that I truly believe in them as students and growing individuals. I want my students to increase their self-confidence by knowing they can and will succeed in school and in life."

Why I love St. Joe's
"I am so blessed to be a part of St. Joseph's Parish School and I could not be happier. The staff is absolutely amazing and we all learn things from each other. I love coming to work and seeing my co-workers, but they are so much more; they are family.

The students and parents at St. Joe's are wonderful. The parents are so involved, always communicating and willing to help. The students are exciting to teach and each day brings something new. Their enthusiasm and insight are inspiring to me and I am able to push myself to be the best teacher I can be."

Amanda Matthews
Grade 4 Instructor         4thgrade@stjosephgrafton.org

Amanda has an amazing gift of blending the high expectations placed on 3rd grade students with a nurturing and caring classroom atmosphere.  She is an outstanding educator and a vital part of the success of our school. We continue to benefit from her exceptional instruction and care of our children.

Amanda’s Teaching Philosophy
"I believe that children learn through their experiences. Therefore, it is the teacher’s job to provide their students with authentic and meaningful life-long learning experiences, which will benefit them in the future. I also believe that all students have different learning styles. As a result, I strive to design lessons that are challenging, but not frustrating and reach all types of learners in my classroom. Finally, I believe that students learn best when they are allowed to freely express their ideas and opinions. I consistently allow my students many opportunities to discuss classroom material in small and whole group settings. When students are sharing their knowledge with other students they are teaching them what they know. Thus resulting in a deeper understanding of classroom content."

Why does Amanda love Saint Joseph Parish School?
"I really enjoy working at SJPS because of the highly educated, professional, caring and supportive staff. The teachers at this school work very hard to help their students succeed. This can be seen daily through their creative lesson plans, positive attitudes, and nurturing personalities.

The extensive parental support that can be seen at SJPS keeps me coming back each day as well. It is obvious that the parents in this school care about their children’s education deeply. They consistently take time out of their busy lives to donate items to the classroom, come to school and volunteer, and help their child with their homework every night."

Julie Dich
Grade 5 Instructor        5thgrade@stjosephgrafton.org

We feel so blessed that Julie chose to share her knowledge and expertise in the field of education with our wonderful school.  Attending a Catholic school herself as an elementary student, Julie knows the importance that a Catholic education can have on children and she shares her faith each and every day with her students!
 

Julie's Teaching Philosophy
"I believe that every child has the potential to learn and it is the teacher's responsibility to guide the learning to the best of the ability of the child.  The key is to remember that everyone reaches the same goal, but at different times and through different methods.  Regardless of how long it takes students to reach a certain point, they all eventually get there.  Finally, I strongly believe that it is vital to model the idea that all learners have the right to be included in the learning community to ensure positive human relations for all students."

What Julie likes best about St. Joseph Parish School
"The welcoming and caring atmosphere here at St. Joseph School makes one feel safe, nurtured, and fully supported.  There is always a smile and a warm hello waiting around the corner!  All of that positive energy can't help but spill over to the students, which in turn helps them to learn in the best environment possible."