Mrs. Kathryn Manley
About Mrs. Manley
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I value the strong spiritual, academic, social, and emotional knowledge that I have gained from attending Catholic schools. From Kindergarten through post graduate school, the dedication and insight of those who have devoted their lives to Catholic education has shaped my own values and given me inspiration to share knowledge with others. I am thankful for the opportunity to pass that knowledge on to the students at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.
As the Middle School Science Teacher, my main goal is to foster scientific inquiry, curiosity, and careful observation of the phenomena of our natural world. The study of science helps not only to better understand the world around us, but also to see and appreciate God's hand in its creation. By developing inquiry, observation, and critical thinking skills in the physical, earth, and life sciences, middle school students gain a strong foundation for future problem solving and innovation. Additionally, by integrating aspects of mathematics, engineering design, environmental science, and conservation into our lessons, students are able to see the interconnected nature of our world.
Through my lessons I strive to nurture creativity and develop a sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem within students, as I believe that these qualities are essential for academic and personal success. For me, the purpose of Catholic education is to provide every child with the necessary knowledge, social skills, and self-esteem to excel both in and outside of the classroom, while recognizing that God is at the core of all human experience. The key to an effective classroom is an atmosphere of mutual respect, and I believe the principles of our faith provide the perfect framework for meaningful education and lifelong learning.Education/Certification:
- Graduate of St. Ann Elementary School (Bridgeport, CT)
- Graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School (Fairfield, CT)
- B.A. in English/Psychology (Fairfield University), Summa Cum Laude
- M.A. in Elementary Education (Fairfield University)
- Connecticut Certification in Elementary Education
- C.A.S. in Educational Leadership/Administration (Sacred Heart University)
- Connecticut Certification in Intermediate Supervision and Administration
- Connecticut Certification in Adult Education- Non-Credit Mandated Programs (GED/ESL/Adult Basic Education)
- Connecticut Certification in Adult TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Professional Experience/Recognitions:
- St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Middle School Science Teacher, since 2019
- Instructional Resources Support Specialist/Order Coordinator, since 2010
- St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, K-8 Computer Science Teacher and Technology Integrator, 2013-2019
- Google Applications for Education system administrator, 2014 to present
- Technology Committee Co-Chair, 2013-2019
- St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Middle School English Language Arts Teacher in grades 6 and 7, 2007-2013
- After School Care and Morning Care Program Coordinator, 2015-2019
- Standardized Testing Coordinator 2014-2015
- 5 years as a teaching instructor at a summer program for gifted and talented students
- Accreditation Visiting Team member/evaluator and school accreditation co-chair, New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Accreditation researcher and assessment team member for Sacred Heart University/The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Head ESL Teacher, Stamford Adult Continuing Education (Norwalk High School Site), since 2019
- ESL Program Facilitator, Norwalk Adult Continuing Education, 2018-2019
- Program Assistant for Adult ESL Program, City of Norwalk, 2010-2018
- Adult Continuing Education Instructor for the State of Connecticut Diploma Completion Program in business math and algebra, City of Norwalk
- 1 year as a volunteer for the Headstart early education program
- Member of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit honor society), Psi Chi (Psychology honor society), Sigma Tau Delta (English honor society), the National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society
- Salutatorian- high school
Research Presentations:
- American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Conference, April 2019 (Toronto, Canada) Educator Preparation Programs' Advancing Pre-K–12 Student Learning: Opportunities and Challenges for Examining Completer Impact (Symposium Panel- in absentia)
- Northeastern Educational Research Association (NERA) Annual Conference, October 2017 (Trumbull, CT) Opportunities and Challenges for Educator Preparation Programs: Obtaining Measures on Student Learning to Advance Education (Symposium Panel)