Teacher Feature - Kelly Donohue, Saint Thomas the Apostle

Teacher Kelly Donohue

Please tell us about yourself. 

I have been teaching for over 25 years. I taught for a couple years prior to having our children. After staying home to raise our children, I taught preschool for several years at a Christian preschool. I also worked as a paraprofessional in the Caledonia Public Schools while my children were growing up. I have now been at Saint Thomas the Apostle for 10 years. I teach first/second grade multiage. My husband, Bill, and I have been married 32 years. We have 3 children. Our daughter, Katie, is married and has two little boys, William, 2, and Henry, 1. Our son, Ryan, is married and expecting their first child in October. Our other son, Mark, is a recent graduate of Ferris State University and is working for Fifth Third Bank. I am not a "cradle Catholic." I was raised Lutheran. I converted to Catholicism after marrying my husband. I have always had a strong faith and love for Christ. After going to Mass with my husband, I felt that my faith life would be more complete if I joined the Catholic Church. I was right. I love our Catholic faith and its teachings. Bill and I are active members of our parish, Holy Family, in Caledonia. I have taught CCD, led Children's Liturgy of the Word, taught RCIA for children, participated in Lenten and Advent study groups and Bible groups. I enjoy spending time with my family. I like to travel, cook, bake, dance, write, watch classic old movies from the 1940's and 1950's, go fishing and boating. I really enjoy baking with my grandchildren. We have a lot of fun!

Describe your school. 

Saint Thomas the Apostle is a vibrant Catholic school where faith and the love of Christ resonates. The minute you walk through the doors into the school you feel, see, and hear signs of faith and love of God. Christ is the center of all that we do. Saint Thomas is unapologetically Catholic. It is a safe and loving place where children grow in their Catholic faith and receive a quality and dynamic education. At Saint Thomas we recognize that each child, each person, is made in the image of Christ and has been gifted by God with different talents. It is our job to uncover these talents in our students, love, nurture and help them grow so that our students are successful. The staff at Saint Thomas is a family. We all work very well together and respect and value each of our God given talents. We also value the input and support of our parents at Saint Thomas. We recognize that they are the first teachers of their children. Our parents are very involved with their children's education and faith journey.

Catholic schools are different because... 

Catholic schools are different because Christ is the center of everything in a Catholic school. We are strengthened in our journey and mission through daily prayer. Catholic schools believe in the formation of the whole child, academic and spiritual. Catholic schools, in addition to being schools, are faith communities that see each person as a child of God and foster positive relationships among teachers, parents, and students. The value system, based on the Gospel, is strong in Catholic schools.

What drew you to teaching at a Catholic school?

I was working in the public school prior to teaching in a Catholic school. I was very active in my parish. A couple friends had mentioned to me that I should consider teaching in a Catholic school. I am proud to be a Catholic and I love practicing my faith. One day a friend mentioned to me that there was a teaching position open at Saint Thomas. She wanted me to apply. I talked it over with my husband and prayed about it. I thought to myself, what is the harm in applying? I then got an interview. I felt the Holy Spirit at work. During the interview I knew that Saint Thomas was the place I wanted to teach. They were so welcoming. I was free to not only teach children academically, but also to teach them about the love of God.

What is your favorite part about teaching? What are your greatest rewards? 

I love sharing my Catholic faith and my love for learning with children. I teach because I enjoy sharing the journey with God's precious little ones. I also love witnessing those moments when the light goes on in a young person's head and they finally understand a concept. I have so many favorite parts about teaching; they are too numerous to name. My greatest rewards are when a child says, "I love school," or, "I get it Mrs. Donohue; I really get it now!" Another reward is when I see a student, that I have or had, act with Jesus in their heart. I also enjoy it when a past student comes and visits me. I know I must have made an impression in that child's life for them to seek me out.

In your experience, what do Catholic schools do best? What does your school do best? 

Catholic schools are not only strong in the academics, but they also significantly add to the religious, moral and spiritual development of a child. Catholic schools work with parents to help students understand their special place in the family, church, and society. Even though not all students are Catholic that go to Catholic schools, they all share experiences of faith and values. There is a strong sense of community among students, home, school and church.

Saint Thomas the Apostle does all the above, but it is so much more. Christ is at the center of all that we do. Our faith permeates all that we are and do. You can feel it as soon as you walk into our school. Our students are in a supportive and respectful environment. At Saint Thomas we educate the whole person and help each student develop strong character. We build servant leaders. We look at the gifts of each individual child and build upon those gifts. We celebrate differences in people. We value the insights of our parents and work in partnership with them. Faculty, staff and administrators respect each other and work together to create a caring and loving faith-filled school community. At Saint Thomas the Apostle we make six promises to our parents:

       1. Fearless Faith

       2. Rigorous Academics

       3. Peaceful Climate

       4. Empowered Community

       5. Intentional Technology

       6. Servant Leaders

From the Principal:

Kelly teaches an intentional multiage class. This is a new concept at Saint Thomas and was viewed skeptically. She has completely delivered confidence, excellence in programming and truly outstanding lessons in such a way that this program is viewed very positively. Kelly understands children and how they learn best, and does everything in her power to provide her students with a dynamic and Christ-filled day. She exudes the qualities of a true Catholic educator alive and in love with her faith.

To learn more about St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School, click here.