8 AUGUST 2023

Saint Joseph Catholic School welcomes a new teacher in the 2023-24 year, Laurie Kolling.  She will teaching 6th-8th grade language arts, 4th-5th grade English, and Kindergarten-2nd grade math.  Talk about a range!

"Our Spirit Newsletter" posed a number of questions to Laurie, producing the essay that follows.  

 

My name is Laurie Kolling.  I am originally from a small town in upstate New York. My family moved to Kansas with Fuller Brush when I was 12 years old.  I went to Holy Family School for 1 year and then we went to Lincoln Elementary in Great Bend. 

 

I finished my education at Fort Hays State University where I received  my Bachelors in Elementary Education and Special Education in 1985.  I completed my Master’s in 2013 in Building Leadership. 

 

I have been in education since 1985.  I have taught as a 3rd/4th grade combination room teacher, a 4th grade teacher, a math coach at Great Bend Middle School, a math coach at Eisenhower Elementary School, a principal at Eisenhower Elementary School, and a Principal at Haskins Learning Center in Pratt. 

 

Scott and I were married in 2022.  We have 5 children together and 6 grandchildren, with 2 more on the way.

 

I attended a Catholic School as a child and was taught by the most amazing sister in 2nd grade.  That was when I decided to become a teacher.  I love teaching for all the little reasons- the students.  I am empowered by their willingness to learn and their hearts. 

 

My goal in education is to make a difference in the lives of those that I interact with. I chose to teach at St. Joseph’s Catholic School because I feel that I am coming full circle.  I want to finish my career like I started my education, in a Catholic School setting. 

 

My hope for this stage in my career is to support students in their growth.  I want to be a part of an amazing team that provides the community with students that are kind, compassionate, respectful, and motivated top be the best they can be. 

 

I am excited for this new stage in my life.  I have already felt welcomed by the staff and parents at St. Joseph’s Catholic School.