NAME :
Kathy Tierney
SCHOOL :
St. Raphael
CLASS Reading Specialist:
Reading Specialist
SCHOOL E-Mail :
ktierney@st-raphaelcatholicschool.com
About 15 years ago I was a parent on Home and School with 2 children
attending here. There was a huge need, with 35 students in the classrooms,
for reading support. My bachelor degree was in elementary education, so
after approaching the principal at the time, I volunteered with another
mom, to help begin a reading support program. I had no idea of where to
begin. I started by attending workshops and conferences, subscribing to
reading journals and reading anything I could get my hands on. Reading
teachers from our local districts invited me into their classrooms so I could
observe their programs. They assisted me by giving me materials, guidance
and additional instruction. My program began to evolve and I became a full
time teacher.
In the mean time my daughter graduated from college and began her career
as a middle school teacher. She invited me to join her in graduate school.
After some thought, I jumped at the opportunity to see how I had evolved as a
reading teacher. I knew I could learn more, and help my students better. In
July, 2008, along with my daughter, I received my Masters in Reading from
Concordia University.
I have learned much from my years here at St. Raphael, but my most
treasured memories, are those of my students. Their smiles and enthusiasm
will stay with me always.
My mission for the students is simple; to love to read. When you love
something, you want to do it more, when you do it more, the better you do it.
