A Perfect Fit

Kristin Morris - junior high teacher:

For me, the best part about teaching in a Catholic school is being open about my faith and being able to incorporate religion into any subject I teach. Following my student teaching semester in public schools, I spent two years teaching 4th grade at a public school.

When I would come to school wearing my crucifix necklace or with ashes on my forehead after an Ash Wednesday Mass, I always got questions from the kids (and some faculty) about what I believed. I enjoy discussing my faith and am usually very open about my beliefs, but I was always a bit hesitant to answer the students' questions regarding faith because I worried my principal would come in as I was answering a question about Jesus or an angry parent would hear that I had answered a question and be unhappy with me.

I understand the separation of church and state and understand why I couldn't openly teach religion in a public school. Other teachers had told me that, if I was answering questions that the students had initiated, it was probably OK, even if those questions were about my faith. However, I always felt guilty and as though I might "get in trouble" when the subject came up.

All that being said, it is probably easy to see why I feel so comfortable teaching in the Catholic schools. I truly enjoy not only answering questions about faith, but being able to challenge students with questions about faith, morality, and religion. I can wear my crucifix and have ashes on my forehead and still be in the norm here at a Catholic school. It's been a very special experience for me to be open about my faith, and I am glad to have that opportunity to share that with students.