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others. The students are not just kind to each other
but also to the adults. I am sure this comes from the
mutual respect we have for each other,” says the
26-year veteran faculty.
Maureen Wahl teaches honors biology, human
anatomy and physiology. During her 29 years on campus,
she taught all levels of biology as well as genetics; wrote
the first environmental science curriculum to utilize
NDCL’s beautiful campus; and was the school’s former
track and field coach. According to Wahl, she wouldn’t
choose any other career or school at which to work.
“I love my students because they want to learn and
become good people. Even when they make mistakes,
there are lessons learned,” says the gifted educator.
Wahl recalls one class in 1992 when a student
removed the safety cover from her scalpel. “She cut
herself so deeply she
The students are
not just kind to each
other but also to the
adults. I am sure this
comes from the
mutual respect we
have for each other,”
Donna Prince
Mathematics
needed a butterfly clamp.
Needless to say, she
repeated this the very
next time. Her lab partner
kindly suggested, ‘I'll
always remove the safety
for you.’ I tell this story
every year to my anatomy
lab students,” Wahl says,
with a chuckle.
Comparing Students 20 Years Ago to Today
Jeanne Hazen began her career at Notre Dame
Academy 33 years ago as a library assistant. She now
serves as guidance department secretary. Hazen says,”
I have witnessed many changes in education. There
have been many additions to the curriculum and more
activities and sports programs offered to student.
Students are also more outgoing than ever.”
Prince adds, “Students are more sophisticated today
because society exposes them to more information at
an earlier age than when I first began teaching.”
Sr. Nancy concurs, “Students face many more
challenges today - such as drugs, materialism, peer
pressure, breakdown of family life - than when I was
a teen and attended Notre Dame Academy.”
Adding males into the student population with the
1988 merger also changed the student dynamics. “Once
we became coed, the sciences became ‘different.’ Males
see things differently which forced the teachers to do
things differently. This was good,” insists Wahl.
Challenges Bring Positive Change
There is one challenge that is universal among
excellent teachers. “There are just not enough hours
in the day/week to do everything I need/want to do,”
laughs Zurbach.
The teachers and support staff at NDCL face other
challenges as they prepare students for the future. Pat
Schroeder, faculty member for 23 years, has taught all
aspects of art from ceramics to advanced photography,
advanced painting and advanced drawing. Still, one of
her biggest challenges is keeping pace with new technology.
“Teaching at NDCL has helped me grow – both as a
person and as an artist. I am always learning new skills
and continually improving on the old ones. I have
learned much from my fellow teachers and students,
especially computer skills,” she admits, with a smile.
In addition to teaching an appreciation of French
history and religion, Vinka Hartman puts forth every
effort to stay up- to-date with state and national
requirements. The thrust is for communication and
awareness of globalization. Hartman, a faculty member
for 20 years, admits, “Much more time is required in
preparing for class than ever before – it’s a challenge
when teaching more than two or three different topics
or levels.”
Prince heads the mathematics department and
teaches honors algebra I, honors geometry and algebra
II. Despite the changes in technology and the world,
one might assume that math is one subject that
remains the same. Not true.
“The biggest challenge of teaching is always keeping
up with the times. The world has changed with new
technology, the Internet and more. The mechanics of
mathematics does not change, but the teaching and
presentation of the material need to be updated, and I
strive to freshly incorporate the new technology,”
Prince states.
“My favorite saying is, ‘You must be like the little
engine who says I think I can, I think I can.’” Prince says.
Incorporating Faith into the Curriculum
According to Sister Emilia Castelletti, a faculty member
for 29 years as a religion and advanced placement U.S.
history teacher, faith is alive and well at NDCL. “Our
Catholic faith is infused throughout the curriculum and
in the ordinary operation of NDCL,” she explains.
An example of this infusion is beginning each
French class with prayers in French: Hail Mary and Our
Father. Hartman’s students also learn about different
saints, legends, celebrations and events in history that
involves the Catholic Church.
Schroeder tries to serve as a role model for her students.
To guide her, she looks to her faith. “Trying to do the
‘right thing’ for the right reasons is one way I incorporate
faith into my curriculum. Creating an awareness of ourselves
as well as the needs of others is a prime concern. I
try to instill this through some of my assignments,”
Schroeder says.
“Some people think science has nothing to do with
faith. However, I think it is important that I not only
model my faith but also bring up Church teachings as
they relate to biology whenever appropriate,” states
Zurbuch.
Zurbuch understands the close connection between
science and faith. “We not only start every class with
prayer, but I also make sure my students treat each
other as valued members of God's kingdom.” she says.
Her own faith was tested when during a family crisis
in March 2006. “I received prayers, hugs and little gifts
in my mailbox - all evidence of a loving, caring, prayerful
community,” she remembers.
NDCL faculty members realize that the pressure on
young people can be overwhelming; however, faith can
help them deal with the stress. “That’s why faith is what
we are all about,” insists Sr. Nancy. “We try to bring in
peace and social justice throughout our daily lesson
plans. We pray before each class and treat one another
with respect and dignity.”
For Knific, teaching young people remains a joy as
curriculum coupled with religion paves the way to
insightful discussions and learning opportunities.
“The Catholic values, although evident in all classes,
are most reflected in my best seller class where the
maturity of the students, coupled with the contemporary
reading, elicits wonderful class conversations about
10 Seasons Spring 2008 Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin