Faculty

“As a school leader, my goal is to deliver a transformational educational experience that provides students with the opportunity to grow as critical thinkers and life-long learners who are ready to make a difference in the world. I strive to accomplish this by providing strategic leadership and by building strong relationships with and among the entire school community. Most importantly, I lead by example. I am always open to growth and committed to and inspired by the people I work with and serve.

I am excited to be part of The Academy because it is an amazing opportunity to work with a group of people who are deeply committed to creating an exceptional school with the best possible learning experience for each and every child that is rooted in faith and focused on student-driven outcomes. As an independent Catholic school, we get to do things differently while building upon the rich traditions of St. Joan of Arc. While many things will demand my attention this year, two of my priorities are: building a Christ-centered culture of joy where everyone feels valued and welcomed and ensuring rigorous academics where each child feels successful, challenged and engaged every day.”

 

Let's get to know Mrs. Buis: 

What is your teaching philosophy?
“Education is the foundation for a child’s future.  As a teacher at the Academy, I have the unique opportunity to be in an environment that fosters all students' academic and social-emotional growth.  I value being a lifelong learner and strive to inspire my students to have a curiosity and desire that will push them to continue to learn and grow.”

Let's get to know Mrs. Haughey:

What is your teaching philosophy?
I enjoy being back in the classroom and love watching the early learning stages of this age.

I love the challenge of identifying how each student learns. Creating an environment and a curriculum that supports each child’s learning needs and emerging confidence is essential. I want to make our preschool classroom and place where students feel happy, safe, and part of the family we so proudly call the Academy at St. Joan of Arc. 

I’m excited to be part of the Academy because it’s great to be a part of something new. New ideas, new philosophies, new leaders! I’ll focus on making every child feel unique and comfortable each day when they enter our classroom. That daily ‘warm welcome’ excites them to play and interact with their teachers and classmates.”
 

Let's get to know Mrs. Dillon:

What is your teaching philosophy?
“Teaching allows me the opportunity to help a child grow socially, emotionally, and academically. I strive to help children develop a love for learning at a young age and to be influential in helping them build self-esteem and grow in their confidence.”

What have you learned from the past 18 months?
Something positive from these past 18 months is that I have learned a lot more about technology than I ever knew before. I also enjoyed spending more time outside in nature in all kinds of weather.

What brings you joy?
What brings me the most joy is getting to spend time with my grandson. He is the same age as the children in my class are. It is fun to do things with him that I know the students in my class like to do the most!

What would you want your superpower to be?
If I could have a superpower, I would love to be able to teleport myself to different places.

Cubs, Sox, or others?  I grew up being a White Sox fan because my dad was, and we used to go to games. As an adult, I am much more of a Cubs fan than a Sox fan
 

“One thing I want my students to know about me is that I enjoy going to work. I want all of our students to feel the same excitement I do when they come to school! I’m excited to be part of The Academy because we will offer a dynamic, progressive and nurturing learning environment. I’ll be focusing on creating an interactive and enthusiastic learning experience encouraging academic, emotional and spiritual growth.”

Master of Arts, Literacy Education: Northern IL University; Endorsement, ESL (English as Second Language): National Lewis University; Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education: Loras College, Dubuque, IA

Master's Early Childhood Education: National Louis University, Bachelors of Art: Western Illinois University.  Starting her 7th year as an Early Childhood educator.

 Let's get to know Ms. Due:

What is your teaching philosophy?
“I love working with children. I want to be a strong role model that has an influence on children’s current lives and futures. I believe that I am a motivator that brings hard work, dedication, creativity and fun to the classroom. I understand the importance of adaptability, positive rapport, and recognition of each child’s current state of development.”

What have you learned from the past 18 months?
Something positive that I would like to continue is going on my daily walks/runs. It gives me time to reflect on all the good in my life and to enjoy the beauty in nature. 

What would you want your Superpower to be?
If I could have any superpower I would want to fly so that I am able to travel all over the world and explore new places. Also I am able to get places fast!

Cubs, Sox, or Other?  I am a Cubs fan. I used to serve Chicago style hotdogs on the rooftops! Watching the games with that view was so awesome.

“I am very excited and eager to pursue my career in teaching.  I have experience student   teaching on the first-and third-grade levels as well as teaching experiences at the preschool and second grade levels.   I value the importance of a high-quality Catholic education and the   special learning experiences that Catholic schools provide. It is my goal to combine my various experiences with my ability to be a compassionate, enthusiastic, hard-working teacher who will be a positive addition to your school and the community it serves.”

Let's get to know Mr. Payne: 
 

“I feel particularly excited to join The Academy because of the personalized learning that can take place in a smaller school. I believe the most effective learning takes place when teachers have the time and resources to invest in their students to best discover their individual strengths and weaknesses. A personal relationship between students and teachers means a better understanding of where and how to help a student develop to reach their full potential in the particular subject matter as well as in the school as a whole.”

Let's get to know Mrs. Heaton:

What's your teaching philosophy or approach to education?

A liberal education and an appreciation for the arts greatly influenced my philosophy of education. I use a cross-curricular and collaborative approach to lessons to deepen and enrich students' understanding of the content at hand and how it fits into their studies and the world. My classroom is student-centered, and I encourage students to think independently and critically, as well as to digest superior and diverse literature. 

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I followed my maternal family tradition to teach. I started my career at Saint Francis Xavier School in Wilmette, as did my mom and grandma (Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Dunn, respectively, for anyone who attended!). I wanted to feel the joy and fulfillment they radiated when talking to me about their students.

RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher), YogaFit Teacher Training

 Let's get to know Mr. Manicalco:

What is your teaching philosophy?
“I am excited to be part of building a great school. Being at The Academy allows me to connect with the students on an individual level. I always look forward to engaging with the students and continuing to grow as an educator.”

If I could have one superpower, what would it be?
It would be to fly!

Cubs, Sox, or other?  I am a Laker fan.
 

 Let's get to know Ms. Ryan

What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is truly rooted in relationships. My ultimate goal is for each of my students to know that I love them, I love their creativity, and I believe in them. Through openness, laughter, support and conversation, I promote a climate where my students are free to express themselves through their work. The three keys to the rapport I share with my students: Love | Care | Respect

What have you learned from the past 18 months?
Life brings with it a whole lotta unnecessary background noise. The silver lining from the pandemic for me is the ability to turn off that background noise, become much more present and practice gratitude EACH and EVERY DAY.

What brings you joy?
Children's enthusiasm for creating and their love for all things silly gives me so much joy. My beautiful niece and four awesome nephews also bring immeasurable joy!

What would you want your Superpower to be?
To have superhuman endurance, strength, and resilience. This would allow me to take on all challenges in spite of ANY adverse circumstance. It would also allow me to survive/thrive on very little sleep!

Cubs, Sox, or Other? Cubs (duh!)

“Being part of The Academy is going to be a wonderful experience. I see it as a positive opportunity to connect with a strong community in order to foster independent growth and lifelong learning in our youth. Being a part of The Academy means that I will be given a chance to do what I love and to share my knowledge with my students and help them find their strengths.”

Bachelor of Music, Trumpet Performance (2011)
Saint Xavier University

What are you excited about at The Academy?

"I'm excited to share my love of and for music with the students. I look forward to fostering a collaborative environment where students are challenged to think for themselves, feel safe expressing their individuality and celebrating common threads, and where students can begin to draw connections between music and other artistic/scientific disciplines."

What brings you joy?

"Performing, recording, and teaching music. Witnessing the a-ha!/lightbulb moments and genuine collaboration between students."

What would you like students to take from my class?

"I hope students know I care about them, want to see them succeed, and believe they can accomplish anything they genuinely apply themselves to.

What would you like to see?

"A Sox vs. Cubs World Series. A guy can dream." 
 

 Let's get to know Mrs. Pitlosh:

I am excited to be a member of The Academy of St. Joan of Arc's Family because of the opportunity to work in an individualized setting.

What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy center's around teaching the whole child. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work and learn at The Academy of St. Joan of Arc. Working in a smaller educational setting gives me the opportunity and time to foster relationships with my students and colleagues. I believe strongly in following the child and supporting a gradual release of control to foster independence. This quote by Marie Clay supports my vision for every child, "If children are apparently unable to learn, we should assume that we have not as yet found the right way to teach them."

Let's get to know Mrs. Hendricks:
 

Over the last 10 years of teaching, my philosophy is to be fully present with the students and lead by example.  Take one day at a time, every day is a new day to start over.  

I am excited to be part of the Academy's mission to encourage kindness, compassion, inclusion & gratitude.

"I am excited to be part of The Academy because we have an opportunity as a team to re-imagine Catholic education. I’ll be focusing on spreading the word about the robust community thriving at The Academy.”

Let's get to know Mrs. Pickering:

What do you love about being part of ASJA?
The people! I have never been part of a more inclusive, generous, selfless, and positive group of people. The “Find a Way” mantra permeates the entire community -  from the students to the teachers, to our alumni and donors and volunteers - and never fails to inspire me.

 Do you have any favorite books or authors you'd recommend?
I love reading, so I love this question! My two favorite books of the last few years were Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne.

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote that you would like to share with us?
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

Or, to quote my mom, “I’m just happy to be here.”