2026-2027

                          MATH + LANGUAGE ARTS + RELIGION+ YOU =  A GREAT

                                                           MIXTURE

     Welcome to the FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE MATH CLASSES and 5TH GRADE  LANGUAGE ARTS  and RELIGION CLASS.  My name is Mrs. Joan Baley.  I am very happy to be teaching GRADES 5-6 MATH and  GRADE 5 LANGUAGE ARTS AND  RELIGION.        

     As a product of Catholic Education, I am a firm believer in Catholic Education and know that as part of my teaching mission, I must share this faith with my students.  As a catechist and role model, I will educate and inspire my students as we journey through the school year together.

     I am a graduate of St. Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a minor in the Sciences and graduate Reading Classes from Loyola.  I  am on the Math Team and School Liturgy Team. I am a  STEM Science Enrichment Teacher and  High School Entrance Exam Teacher. I work with the students during  the after School Power Hour during the week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

​     Each year I attend workshops, on-line classes, and seminars in order to bring back the most innovative ideas in Science, Reading, Math, and Technology to my classroom.   I have attended a STEAM  ONLINE CLASS which really brought out the Science, Technology,  Engineering,  Art and Math. I  offer a STEAM ENRICHMENT CLASS on Wednesdays.  I can't wait to resume this.  I keep up with the latest trends in the World of Science.

      I believe that Math is a core subject in the curriculum.  Along with Science, I keep up with the latest trends in Math. I  want to show my students its importance by relating  Math to  Real World Activities. Connecting Math to real world activities transforms abstract numbers into practical skills.   I have  taken online classes  to bring many new ideas and strategies to help my students succeed. I have also listened to many podcasts and have  taken many Simple K-12 Webinars to bring the best in My Google Classroom.  Please look at my Virtual Classrooms and Choice Boards I have designed on Google Classroom.  These will be displayed throughout the year to enhance my Math, Language Arts, and Religion Classes. 

     Writing is also a very  important component in my curriculum.  In Language Arts, I teach my students to write correctly and creatively.  We go over grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure and thought organization.  Students learn how to apply their skills to effectively communicate in their daily writing.  The Fifth Graders are given a chance to become Young Authors this year. 

      I have been teaching in the Archdiocese of Chicago throughout my  entire teaching career.  I have taught at St. Thomas More School and now at St Christina. During this time, I have had the experience of teaching Grades K-8.  In 2009, I was very honored to have received the Archdiocesan Heart of the School Award.  I also have had Golden Apple Nominations including my 2023 nomination, Who's Who Among America's Teachers Awards, and  awards from Queen of Peace, Mt. Assisi, and Mt. Carmel High Schools.  

     I find teaching a very rewarding profession.  I have seen many of my students grow into their careers.  In addition to teaching in the classroom, I am a tutor.   My hobbies are golfing, interior decorating, gardening, and of course, vacationing.  I enjoy being with my husband, family, friends, and our pets Penny and Harry.  I look forward to a very SUCCESSFUL YEAR. I will be there for my students and please feel free to reach out.  Together we are partners in your child's education.

                       #TOGETHER WE ARE READY TO GROW.

                            MRS. JOAN BALEY

Please feel free to contact me when you have any questions.

jbaley@stchristina.org