At 78, sister starts 56th year of teaching with tips for high school students, parents
At 78, Providence Sister Mary Ann Stewart will soon begin another year of teaching U.S. History at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis—her 56th year of teaching in the archdiocese. Here she poses for a photo at the school with two seniors, Lauryn Klitzman, left, and Ella Battin, members of the National Honor Society. (Photo by John Shaughnessy)
By John Shaughnessy
The joy, enthusiasm and commitment of Providence Sister Mary Ann Stewart is something to behold.
While some high school students and their parents may dread the beginning of another school year, 78-year-old Sister Mary Ann is looking forward to her 56th year of teaching in Catholic schools in the archdiocese.
“I find every year is a new start,” says Sister Mary Ann, who is starting her 46th year of teaching at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. “I’ve never been bored.”
This year, she will teach three classes of U.S. History while also helping students during two resource/study hall periods.
“I love sharing U.S. History with new students each year,” says Sister Mary Ann, who also taught in the first part of her ministry at St. Philip Neri School and Central Catholic School, both in Indianapolis. “My own family settled in Vigo County in the early 1800s, and I try to help students understand that U.S. History is their story.”
Her story in Catholic education is one of giving from the heart and having her heart touched in return.
“I enjoy being with the kids and the teachers. Your social life revolves around that, too,” she says. “You have a few times you have to correct what’s going wrong with the kids, but for the most part, they are very good to deal with. And the teachers are all very supportive and friendly. My days are pretty pleasant.”
Her experience and her joy led The Criterion to ask her to share her advice to help high school students make the most of this new school year—and for their parents to help them toward that goal. Here are her recommendations:
For students: Reach out to others
“If you are a freshman or a transfer student and your friends did not choose the same high school that you are attending, instead of focusing on your own discomfort, reach out to other students who are in the same situation,” Sister Mary Ann recommends. “Offer them your friendship, or help them in finding classrooms or understanding the schedule.”
Take care of the basics
“Completing homework and assignments are often as important as tests when teachers compute grades. So don’t forget to turn in your assignments.”
Expand your interests
“Get involved in a school club or activity that matches your own interests or offers you new opportunities to expand your interests. Participating in sports is great, but not everyone is a great athlete. There are other ways to express your talents.
“As an example, I started a Model UN [United Nations] team last year made up of six freshmen and one sophomore. We participated in the Model UN program at Marian University [in Indianapolis]. The students bonded with each other, met students from other schools, and experienced life on a Catholic university campus.”
Use technology for your benefit
“Take advantage of your school’s technology to keep up with assignments and tests, especially if you miss school due to illness, school activities or family events. Teachers are often required to post their schedule of tests and assignments for each week, online.”
Take advantage of help
“If you have a difficult time taking tests or can’t quite figure out how to do those math problems, schedule a time to meet with your teacher. At our school, a math teacher is available every period for students who need extra help. Teachers are available at least three mornings each week before school for students who need to make up tests or assignments or receive extra help.”
Be smart to avoid trouble
“Know the school rules and follow them. They are designed to provide you with as much freedom as possible while providing for your safety and well-being, both in person and online.”
Embrace the faith
“We have a big liturgy committee, and a lot of kids have joined that to help plan the Masses. We have a Mass about once a month. We begin each day with prayer. We begin each class period with prayer. We end the day with prayer and say grace at lunch. And they have their religion classes, so they get a good basis for their faith. If they’re faithful to those kinds of things and participate, that’s a good way for them to continue their faith later.”
For parents: Start with love
“Students today are under a lot of pressure to achieve high grades and get into the top universities. Be realistic about your child’s abilities and assure them frequently that they are loved and will have a happy life even if they don’t graduate at the top of their class or get accepted by their dream school.”
Use technology for your child’s benefit
“Today’s technology often allows you to check your child’s academic progress online. Find out how to access your child’s grades at the beginning of the school year and check those grades regularly. Don’t take for granted that everything is going well because your child says it is, and don’t wait until the end of the grading period when it may be too late.”
Help your child build good habits
“Help your child to establish study habits and to budget their time to allow for completing homework assignments. When they go off to college, you won’t be there. Your child will need to be self-motivated and able to determine what he or she needs to do to succeed.”
Be aware
“Know what the school rules are and help your students follow those rules by getting them to school on time and dressed appropriately.”
Put school first
“Avoid extending school vacations beyond what is scheduled. If it is necessary to take your child out of school for a family emergency or event, make sure that your child follows online what is going on in the classes he or she is missing. Allow them time to complete assignments while they are away and to make up tests when they return to school.”
Stay connected
“Schools are putting more and more restrictions on cell phone use. Tell your child to let the school nurse or a teacher know if he or she is ill. The school will contact you if your child needs to go home. Contact the school if your child has an appointment. The school will let the student know that he or she has an early dismissal.”
Live the faith
“Take them to church on Sunday. It’s amazing. One of the religion teachers found out at one time—I don’t know if this is true every year or not—that only about 15% of his students’ parents took them to church on Sunday. That’s important. They really can’t expect that the kids are going to continue in their faith unless they’re also taking them to church and being active in their parishes. They really need to do that.” †
Related story: Keys to a child’s success in grade school? New MTCA director shares tips
