Teacher Tuesday – Meet Mrs. Bender

Teacher Tuesday – Meet Mrs. Bender

I am excited and blessed to be St. Jude the Apostle School’s new Kindergarten teacher.  As a former military spouse (my husband recently retired), our family moved often so I have had teaching certificates and experiences in different states and milieus, this being my first in Kindergarten.  My previous teaching experiences include:  Pre-school, K-2 multiage, 1^st grade, 3^rd grade, 6^th grade middle school ELA, and adjunct positions at two universities!    Teaching is not just my profession, it is my calling.  I earned my Bachelors in Elementary Education from University of North Carolina at Wilmington and my Masters in Literacy Education from Eastern New Mexico University.  We recently (as of 3 weeks ago!) relocated back to the Capital District and are overjoyed and thrilled to be home.  The military life fulfilled our passion for traveling and we intend to rediscover New York and our area.  I have enjoyed volunteering my time with our previous faith community, Our Lady of the Sandias at the Kirtland AFB Chapel, and look forward to opportunities here in the St. Jude community.  I was certified as a Catechist and taught grades 1-3, assisted as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, and was active as an MCCW (Military Council of Catholic Women) member, serving as the group’s charity liaison.  My family brings me the most joy in my life and I am most smitten with our two sons, both St. Jude the Apostle School students.  They keep me busy with taekwondo and seasonal sports!