Radically Evangelizing through Urban Education
Where can STF take you?
We know that education needs to be accessible for teachers too!
Now more than ever, it is necessary and dignifying for schools to develop teachers for success. We need to invest in our educators' formation, provide meaningful culture and community to participate in, offer competitive pay, and prepare teachers for leadership roles.
Here ate Seton, we know the first few years of teaching are hard, so we're doing everything we can to make sure you don't have to do it without support! Take a look at some of our former Fellows below, and see how our fellowship and schools have prepared (and invested in) them for success.
Spencer Garret
Cohort 5 (2018-'19)
What was your undergrad degree?
I studied at UC Berkeley with a major in bioengineering and linguistics, and a minor in conservation and resource studies.
Why did you want to teach?
I didn't have a specific area that I wanted to teach, but I knew that I wanted to work in the Catholic school setting and help provide whole-student education. As a Fellow I taught kindergarten, and then I taught middle school science and religion for a few years.
How did STF form you?
My year as a Fellow gave me my first real experience of education, and helped shape my educational philosophy, especially living in a faith-based community and rooting the work of education within the embodiment of Christ the Teacher. The Fellowship also opened up new avenues for my career in education.
Where do you serve now?
I currently serve as the director of special services at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. I work to advocate for all of our students with special education services so that students' unique and specific needs can be met in a Catholic school setting. I've also served as a small group leader to NYC Fellows for the last 3 years.
Did you receive further education or development?
Aside from ongoing professional development, I have most substantially grown through the completion of a masters in educational leadership in the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame
Sami Craver
Cohort 6 (2019-'20)
What was your undergrad degree?
I went to Troy University in Troy, AL, and received a B.S. in Elementary Education.
Why did you want to teach?
When I was a kid, I loved everything about school! I was impacted by my teachers in so many positive ways. From the age of seven, being a teacher was my dream job. I knew that I could use my gifts and talents in a classroom. I expected to find myself teaching 2nd or 3rd grade at a public school but then encountered Seton Teaching Fellows.
How did STF form you?
The Fellowship laid a great foundation for me! I was encouraged to see each student first and foremost as a child of God. It helped me recognize the importance of praying with and for my students and supporting more than just their academic growth.
Where do you serve now?
I was a Fellow in NYC, but now serve our network as the 1st grade teacher for Romero Academy at Resurrection. I teach by developing the intellect, forming the character, and engaging the faith of each student!
Did you receive further education or development?
We have bi-weekly professional development at Romero Academy. These sessions are in addition to the regular bi-weekly coaching I receive from an instructional coach at Romero. I'm also blessed to be receiving a masters in education at Mount St. Joseph University through a donor and my school.
Antonio Mata
Cohort 7 (2020-'21)
What was your undergrad degree?
I attended the University of St. Thomas in Houston where I received my bachelors in theology with minors in education and classical languages.
Why did you want to teach?
I was initially interested in catechesis at the parish level but knew the school setting could be an option as well. By the end of college I was considering teaching world religions in public schools or theology in a Catholic high school. STF totally changed my trajectory when I accepted the call to work in early childhood education.
How did STF form you?
I grew so much as an educator by teaching Pre-K which was very different from what I studied for in college. I came to love the importance of growing the foundation of the youngest scholars we serve and planting precious seeds in the lives of our kids.
Where do you serve now?
I am still serving at my Fellows' placement—Romero Academy at Resurrection—as the lead pre-kindergarten teacher.
Did you receive further education or development?
I am actually pursuing my masters right now through a wonderful opportunity at our school. I will be graduating this Spring with my masters in teaching from Mount St. Joseph's University!
Sabrina Morales
Cohort 6 (2019-'20)
What was your undergrad degree?
I went to Christendom College in Front Royal, VA. I earned a BA with a major in philosophy and minor in theology
Why did you want to teach?
I was interested in teaching at the elementary level. I loved that age group and wanted to share my faith and pass on the liberal arts education I was blessed to receive when I was younger.
How did STF form you?
As a Fellow, I was given the opportunity to work with experienced educators and master teachers who shared best practices with me and gave me feedback on my instructional skills. My grade team was very encouraging and formed me through their example, and I had many opportunities to teach in both catechetical and academic classes.
Where do you serve now?
I am still teaching in New York City, at Brilla Pax Elementary! I teach kindergarten and also serve in a leadership role facilitating professional development as the character lead.
Did you receive further education or development?
Aside from the development that my school provides, I also graduated with my masters in early childhood education from Relay University last year, which received funding through our school network.
Thank You Teachers!
Educators give so much to their students—we want to give back.
STF has beautiful opportunities for educators of all backgrounds to step into the classroom and lead. Here's what our missionary Fellowship provides aspiring teachers:
- Paid work in an exciting new educational model. Serve part of the day as an "El Camino" catechist, and the rest of the day as an academic classroom teacher, learning specialist, fine arts teacher, or operations associate.
- Be part of a school and community that prioritizes culture, professional development, quality curriculum, and instructional support.
- Receive bi-weekly instruction and feedback that charitably forms you to be the best teacher you can be—make an impact while growing in classroom management, routines and procedures, differentiation, lesson planning, and instruction.
- Embark on a vibrant career that leads to competitive salaries, funded masters degrees, thoughtful benefits, leadership tracks, and more!
- A one-of-a-kind network that merges vibrant Catholic identity with the best in academic practices. Share your faith with your students!