Please tell us about yourself.
I teach middle school math and 6th grade religion at All Saints Academy. This is my fifth year at ASA. I love teaching and working with students. I enjoy all of the different personalities and unique qualities of my students.
Describe your school.
All Saints Academy is a collaboration of four different parishes St. Jude, Blessed Sacrament, St. Alphonsus, and St. Isidore. The middle school campus where I teach is located at St. Jude. We have a beautiful campus with a young apple orchard, a garden, paths through the woods, and Lake St. Jude. As teachers, we take advantage of all our campus has to offer and our students enjoy an amazing learning environment outside.
Catholic schools are different because...
Catholic schools are different because they provide an environment where students and teachers can continuously grow and deepen their faith life. As a Catholic school teacher, I can share my faith and incorporate Jesus into every aspect of my classroom and teaching.
What drew you to teaching at a Catholic school?
I was drawn to teaching at a Catholic school because I also attended a Catholic school growing up. I went to St. Mary's in Spring Lake for kindergarten through 8th grade. As I have grown, I have thought back on my time there and the amazing education and foundation in my faith I received. When I decided to pursue a career in teaching, I knew I wanted to provide my experience as a student to my own students.
What is your favorite part about teaching? What are your greatest rewards?
The greatest part about teaching is the students. They make all of the hard work worthwhile. It is so rewarding to see a student learn, especially if they have been struggling. I love listening to their thoughts and ideas. Our students have so many good ideas and insights. It is fun to nurture their development. Every day in the classroom, my students are able to put a smile on my face through their words, actions and interactions.
In your experience, what do Catholic schools do best? What does your school do best?
Catholic schools are best at developing the whole student. A student's education is more than learning subjects and facts. Catholic schools develop students academically, spiritually, physically, emotionally and morally. All Saints Academy is best at meeting the needs of every student. Every teacher we have has the student’s best interests at heart. The teachers all work together to support each other in meeting all of our students' unique and sometimes complex needs.
From the Principal:
Claire is a phenomenal middle school math and 6th grade religion teacher!
To read more about Mrs. Farnquist, see this blog post from early August entitled, "Mother/daughter teacher pairs share family ties, passion for Catholic education."
Learn more about All Saints Academic Middle School at this link.