Hello, my name is Caitlin Bockerstett and I teach 2nd grade at Holy Spirit School; the school I graduated from in 2007. My favorite part about teaching 2nd grade is hearing and seeing the students’ excitement before and after receiving Reconciliation and the Eucharist for the first time. I always tell them, that although I am preparing them for their first time to receive these Sacraments, more importantly, I am preparing them for their third, 89th, 300th, etc. times.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Quincy University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in December 2014. I specifically chose Quincy University because of the early integration that was provided for students in the Education Department. Almost every class was held in local public or private schools. This allowed my classes to be split into two parts. We would spend half of the time in small lectures and discussions and the other half in specific classrooms doing a variety of tasks. This provided me with immense opportunities to hone my skills with a large range of ages and abilities. These classes also helped to solidify my decision to teach in a Catholic school. I have always been interested in American Sign Language (ASL), and received a minor in ASL from Quincy University as well. I love to use this language in my classroom as a management tool and to help my kinesthetic learners. By the end of my schooling at Quincy University I was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education.

When I came back to student teach at Holy Spirit, I could have never guessed what God had in store for me. I am happy to see that the strong academic and faith-filled school I attended is still thriving. It is great to be back at the school that gave me such a strong foundation and I am thrilled to be a part of this instruction for the next generation. Many people and philosophies have influenced my teaching including St. John Bosco and St. Philip Neri. I hope to pass on their joyous love of the Gospel to my students.