Faculty Promotions & School Development 2023-2024

Dear School Families & Friends,

The St. Joe’s community continues to grow and flourish! We are grateful for the joyful collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders in advancing the school’s mission during this exciting time. The school’s growth offers opportunities for development, and we are extremely pleased to announce the following faculty promotions that will take place in the 2023-24 school year.

Mrs. Erin Stitt will be promoted to a newly created position of Instructional Coach/ Mentor. Erin is a gifted master teacher with a high level of expertise and many years of experience providing children with high level learning experiences and data proven academic growth. In her new position, she will provide support and mentorship to all members of the St. Joseph Catholic School teaching staff, as we strive to do our best work for the children and families we serve. She will also work to access and share best teaching practices and professional development opportunities with faculty. This role will allow Erin to have a positive influence on student learning and growth in a wide range of individuals. We are grateful to have her serve our school community in this capacity.

In addition to this dynamic development, Mrs. Michelle Gutzwiler will be moving into the STREAM teaching position next year. Michelle is highly qualified in this area and holds endorsements in Biology, Agriculture, and Horticulture, and has successfully taught science to students at St. Joe’s and at the high school level. Michelle has also had a positive impact on student learning in other STREAM areas, leading the school’s Math is Cool team to regular placement at competition, and by living and sharing her faith with the community. Mrs Holly Berdan will loop up to 5th grade with her current 4th grade class. She is well equipped to lead 5th grade in all of the special things they get to do over the year, and Holly has successfully taught at this level in the past at the school. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Rick Acosta for his dedication and commitment to teaching at the school as the STREAM teacher over the past two years, and we pray that he has a blessed retirement. The wonderful work he has done to bring so many amazing learning opportunities to the kids is very much appreciated. We look forward to having him as a guest teacher at the school next year and beyond.

In response to these developments, we are seeking two exceptional classroom teachers for the 2023-24 school year to join our team. Please pass this special opportunity on to any potential candidates you may know who you feel would add to the positive dynamics of the team at St. Joe’s. We continue to trust in God’s plan through this time of growth, as the Holy Spirit is always working among us. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work and maintaining momentum that will increase the feasibility of forming and sustaining a middle school in the near future at St. Joe’s.

Peace & Blessings-
Father Osmar Aguirre-Pastor
Lisa Martinez-Principal