The Catholic schools in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington have a long history of providing a high-quality education that is rooted in faith. For many of the teachers and administrators who work in these schools, their experiences as students in Catholic education have played a significant role in their decision to pursue careers in this field.

Hannah Ruckstuhl, the assistant principal at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, recalls her time as a student at St. Mary’s fondly. "I had such a great experience as a student in a Catholic school," she said. "From a young age I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and even told my second grade teacher that I would grow up to teach second grade at St. Mary’s. Clearly that dream came true for me, and I spent many, many great years in that position."

For Theresa Kucevich, a fourth grade teacher at St. Pius X Regional School in Bowie, Maryland, the sense of community service and the Gospel message that was instilled in her during her Catholic education at St. Pius X continues to influence her teaching today.

“My Catholic education instilled a sense of community service that I try to pass along to my own students today,” Kucevich said. “The Gospel message that we are called to show love to everyone is reflected in all components of my teaching today because of what my teachers demonstrated when I was young.”

Chrissy Leishear, an art teacher at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Silver Spring, Maryland, also credits her former art teacher with inspiring her to pursue a career in education. She attended St. Matthias Apostle School in Lanham, Maryland.

“My former art and music teacher, Mrs. Bensch, brought her passion and love of art to the classroom every day,” Leishear said. “I remember always enjoying her classes and the opportunity to explore different mediums. Originally, I thought I wanted to pursue graphic design as my career but ultimately, I decided I wanted to share my love of art with others, like she did.”

The unique and supportive community culture that exists in Catholic schools is also a major draw for these educators. “There is something unique infused into every Catholic school lesson because the faith is a part of everything we do in Catholic schools,” Kucevich said.

Ruckstuhl added, “The community and family culture that we have at St. Mary’s cannot be matched, and I truly feel blessed to be working in the Archdiocese of Washington.”

It is clear that the teachers and administrators who work in Catholic schools in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that is rooted in faith and values. They are passionate about sharing their love of learning and their faith with their students and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a supportive and tight-knit community.

(Vicky McCann serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Advancement and Enrollment for Catholic schools in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.)