Teacher Feature: Monicya Okoeguale

Monica hails from the southside of Chicago and is a graduate of Illinois State University and National Louis University . During her thirty years as an educator, she has taught preschool, fourth, fifth and second grades. These days, Monicya has the privilege of teaching the children of former students that she has taught over the years. Her hobbies include reading, crafting, dancing and fragrances. Singing with her eleven year old daughter is her absolute favorite activity to do!

What motivates you to be a Catholic school teacher?

I am Catholic, and what motivates me most as a Catholic school teacher is never having to remove God from my teaching.

What do you love most about your school???

Our school has the best family atmosphere; we are all vested in the children we teach. This definitely is embodied by our principal, Mrs. Sharon Leamy.

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What are your hopes and dreams for the faith life of your students and their families??

My hope and dream for the faith life of my students is that it carries over to their daily life while not at school. I wish that as they grow that they continue to rely on God’s teachings. I hope that I provide a good example for my students to follow.

What are some ways that you engage your students in practices of their faith and as scholars in religion? ?

In addition to the regular religion curriculum, I teach the students over twenty scriptures throughout the year. I absolutely love when they recognize a scripture that we have learned during our weekly Mass or their church service.

What advice would you give Catholic school teachers to guide them in their role as faith leaders in their classrooms?

The advice that I will give to Catholic school teachers to guide them as faith leaders is to be authentic. Just by being an educator we are instant role models and we need to be true to ourselves. Give yourself and your students grace and understanding; we are all navigating life. Remember we all bring the baggage of our upbringing, circumstances and life with us each day.