Meet the Teacher

Hello!  I am excited to be starting my second year at St. Christina School, especially working in the third grade.  Below is a little bit about me. 

Education: Bachelor of Education from  St. Mary's University- Winona, Minnesota  

Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University

Work Experience:   I began my career teaching third grade in District 142, Oak Forest, IL.   After 17 years,  I took a leap of faith and left third grade to teach at St. Laurence High School in Burbank, IL.  Although, two different worlds of education I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences and learned many different perspectives working in both primary and higher education. 

Family Life:  I have been married to my husband Steve, for forty years this September, we have three wonderful sons and four remarkable grandsons! Our two eldest sons are married with two sons each, luckily they and their families live close by so we get to see them often! It is a wonderful experience watching our sons as amazing husbands and fathers.   Our youngest son, attended St. Damian School and St. Laurence High School and graduated from Cornell College in Iowa in 2024.   He is starting his second year of law school at Michigan State University this summer.  And he recently got engaged!    My three sons cannot be any more different from each other, I could not be prouder of each of them.  The two eldest are blue collar union workers like their dad and the youngest has decided he would like to work behind a desk!  My husband comes from a large family with 8 siblings, growing up in the Tommy Moore neighborhood.  All of the Baldwin kids attended Catholic schools, so I fully understand the sacrifice parents make to send their children to private school and the value in education that is instilled in children within the Catholic school system. 

Free Time: In my free time I like to spend it with my family and alone time is reading and watching sports!  We spent a lifetime watching our sons in football, basketball and lacrosse, so it was very difficult when our youngest son graduated from Cornell and our spectator days were over.  Luckily the grandsons are now participating in sports so we are going on round 2. We are thrilled!

Enough about me and mine, now to the main event.....your student!!!  My goal this year is to make sure your student grows both academically and spiritually.  I know I come with a wealth of experience as both an educator and as parent/grandparent but I also realize that NOBODY KNOWS AND LOVES  YOUR CHILD BETTER THAN YOU!  With that in mind, I will do my best to meet the needs of each individual student  and would greatly appreciate being a partner with you in ensuring your child reaches their full potential.  I know the students in my class are only going to have one shot at third grade and I endeavor to do my best to make sure it is a year with awesome memories, academic growth, and just plain old fun! Like you, I want the best for your student, so reach out with any questions or concerns you might have at any point in the school year.