ALVERA BELL |
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I began my own education at St. Nicholas
School, then went to Holy Family, Cardinal Mooney, and Nazareth College
in Kalamazoo MI. I started teaching in 1974 and all my teaching years,
I am proud to say, have been in Catholic schools -- St. Nicholas, St.
Paul in Salem, Blessed Sacrament in Warren, St. John Eudes in Chatsworth
CA. Between CCD and full-time teaching, I have taught every grade from
K-9. My spirit is in Catholic education.
One of my greatest thrills as a teacher is that of touching the lives of students and families. Wherever I go I run into former students. I am especially blessed to be involved in more than the academics. I can |
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share Jesus and His love with my students. I can
permeate all subjects with Gospel values so much needed in today's world.
I can remind students that God loves them and always will, unconditionally.
With my husband, who is a teacher at Cardinal Mooney, I believe that
our true value lies in being able to share Jesus with those we teach.
Fifth grade has been my class for many years, a time
when students are begriming to find out who they really are. They are
full of questions and wonderings. I seek to guide them to see the ability
they have in themselves to learn. I challenge them to try to be their
best and do their best. I help each student discover how they learn
through projects, research, study groups, peer tutoring, one-on-one
help, creative activities, song, mnemonics, posters, art and many other
types of learning.
I have received recognition as an Ohio nominee for
the Disney Teacher of the Year, a Class Act Teacher. I have received
the Making the Grade Award, Teacher of the Week, the Environment Award
from the Mayor of Struthers and commendations from Governor Voinovich
and Vice President Al Gore for environmental studies.
Teaching at St. Nicholas has been an important part
of my career and life. I have also been a Lector, Eucharistic Minister,
CCD teacher, Folk Group member, Altar Server chairperson, and Bingo
caller here. I have organized the Pet Fair, Camp field trips, Career
Fair, Retreat Days, service projects and Christmas caroling among other
things. The St. Nicholas School community has become my family. The
families of this school and parish make me want to be involved. Teaching
here is a ministry of which I am both proud and humbled to have lived.
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