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A Happy Partnership

Not surprisingly the person with whom I share my ministry is someone I have known for many, many years. She was a quiet yet happy child, studious
and curious about learning. She was a child in my first class teaching at Saint Vincent Ferrer School in Vallejo more years ago than either one of us wish to admit.

Carolyn Hoffman Maher has always been a part of Saint Vincent Ferrer parish. She was student in the school, a mother helping in the school office, and she is a teacher here today.

We collaborate to inspire forty sixth grade students to enjoy learning. Carolyn is methodical. She takes the time to explain carefully and clearly. She takes the time to speak softly to a puzzled student. She never raises her voice or publicly corrects a student. I learn from Carolyn and I am reminded, without words but by example, of what a Catholic school teacher's ministry really means.

We spend time each morning talking about what is happening for the day, whether it is a change in schedule or our concerns about a particular student. We easily adjust our schedules and agree upon who is doing what to clarify the student's needs. We support each other if there is something not quite right about how we feel or a problem from outside of school that is affecting us.

We both love teaching. We like children and we enjoy the challenge of helping them satisfy their curiosity. We try to discover what is prohibiting them from learning and we share in the ideas for the solution. Without Carolyn's encouragement, happy spirit and constant positive approach, my teaching at Saint Vincent's would be less successful. Carolyn is a strong person who helps me stand up straight and adjust. Carolyn makes certain we are on the right page.

After all, Carolyn and I are teaching in the same school and the same classroom where we first met as student and teacher many, many years ago. Something has to be unique about our teaching together today.

By Sister Billie Ollin, OP