I am a graduate of Notre Dame College, St. Louis, MO. This is my 25th year of teaching Kindergarten, 23 of which have been at St. Martin of Tours School.

In 2005, I received the Lemay Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator award.

My philosophy for a successful student is a combination of several key elements. First they need to be well fed, rested, and taught a fair sense of play. After that, it's time for learning. I have many hands-on activities to enhance our lessons and games designed for both learning and fun. I also keep to a daily schedule so students develop a sense of security because they know what to expect. Limits are set for social interaction and most students work well with this system.

My name is Mary Young and I am the first grade teacher and the Art teacher for 5th and 7th grade at St. Martin of Tours. Although I have taught for 18 years in the St. Louis area, this is my first year at this school. I believe in a good work ethic, strong family values, and enjoyment of nature and exercise. While this is the perfect place to mentor Christ's teachings, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work at St. Martin's school and parish. Blessings to all!

Hi my name is Mary Porterfield and I am thrilled to be the new second grade teacher at St. Martin of Tours. I attended St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and Cor Jesu Academy. I graduated from Northeast Missouri State University with B.S.E. and a minor in Spanish. I went on to obtain my Master's Degree in Spanish Education-Learning Disabilities at UMSL.

I previously taught fourth grade and a variety of other classes for six years at Notre Dame Elementary. I taught second grade at SMMA for two years before the birth of my children. I took a brief hiatus from teaching to raise my children and then returned to SMMA to teach Spanish and Baton after school.

Second grade is such a special year for the students as they will receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. I am really looking forward to this school year.

I have taught third grade at St. Martin of Tours for 17 years. I am a graduate of Mehlville High School and have a Bachelor of Science degree from Fontbonne College. I am certified to teach preschool through third grade.

My interests are walking, reading, biking, swimming, gardening, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy watching old movies, especially Alfred Hitchcock movies, and listening to old records.

Teaching children to love to read and to find out about the world they live in is what I love about teaching.

Hello! My name is Jamie Lickenbrock and I am excited to be the new fourth grade teacher at St. Martin of Tours School! This will be my third year as a Catholic school teacher and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming year. I, too, attended a wonderful Catholic grade school growing up, and it has had such a positive impact on my life! I then went on to high school and college, earning my Bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University. Being able to motivate children every day, creating in them the love for learning, preparing them for the world, and instilling in them the love of God truly is the best job in the world!

I am a mother of four children and a grandmother to 4 year old, May and 3 ½ year old Alexandria. I have 15 years teaching experience. In 2001 I established a day camp for Native American children in Holbrook, Arizona (a border town of the Navajo Reservation). This year we had about 40 children. The children as well as the volunteers always have a great time.

Some of my hobbies include reading, gardening, and traveling.

I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1991 with a B.A. and a teaching certificate for grades 7-12 Social Studies. I am also certified in grades 5-8 Science through the University of Hawaii, Monsanto FAST/DASH Program. I have been teaching for 15 years, 12 of which I have had the pleasure of teaching at St. Martin of Tours. I am married with three wonderful children, two daughters and one son. The reason I wanted to become a teacher is simple. I wanted to teach children that life is a great experience and through learning they would gain confidence, self-reliance, and develop their own unique personality.

Hi! My name is Jennifer Duncan. This is my second year teaching at St. Martin of Tours. I am married and have three fantastic children. I graduated from the University of Missouri - St. Louis in May of 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education. Catholic education is extremely important to me. Not only do I enjoy teaching the core subjects my students will use in their daily lives, but I also enjoy sharing my faith with them, helping them understand our faith, and learning from them as well. Our journey this year will take us to a new level of intelligence and accomplishments and will draw us closer to our God.

After more than 37 years of teaching experience, my goal for my students remains the same as when I first began. I would like all of them to become strong Catholic leaders who can compete educationally with anyone in the world.

Hello, I am Sister Ann Johnson. I am a Sister of Loretto. I belong to an order that was founded in Kentucky in 1812. Its' sole purpose was to educate the youth of America. I relish the classroom as I begin my 55th year in education.

Good Morning (or Afternoon) you have reached St. Martin of Tours School, this is Mary. If you call or visit St. Martins, I will probably greet you. The students refer to me as Mrs. Scheipeter, and I am beginning my sixth year as the school secretary. Although I am certified to teach secondary school Math, I enjoy being the secretary at SMT because I still have the benefit of spending time with children without having the papers to grade and lessons to prepare.

I am married and my husband Mark and I have four sons who have all attended St. Martins and are continuing Catholic education at the college and high school levels. They keep us very busy with their involvement in sports and school activities, and we love every minute of it.

This year I look forward to getting to know each of the new students and their families and helping them to become a part of our wonderful school community.