September 2021 Teacher of the Month

November 16, 2021

A longtime member of the SMS community, Ms. McLaughlin is thoughtful and caring, spending much time ensuring she knows each of her students and growing to understand how they best respond to her guidance in the classroom. Ms. McLaughlin has a “heart” for helping her students grow and develop to their fullest potential both academically and spiritually.

Ms. McLaughlin is so successful with her students because she builds relationships with them based on trust and mutual respect. As one parent notes, “She is able to talk with me about any issues that my child is having in class, be it academic or behavior, and she ALWAYS finds a positive. She is very positive and that translates so well to the children in her classroom. It is important to her that she builds trust with each child so when it comes to doing the right thing, they trust that they can talk to her. Our family thinks so highly of Ms. McLaughlin and we are truly grateful that both of our children have had the chance to be in her classroom for first grade. I have no doubt the academic and religious foundation she establishes will serve them throughout their SMS years.”

Ms. McLaughlin is also innovative and creative in lesson planning and teaching methods. As children have struggled through the pandemic, she has implemented creative learning activities to help fill any gaps and build connections with others. One parent explains, “She started a program where the kids fill a jar and then they choose a staff member to surprise and do something nice for, which is teaching our children to be excited to do for others. She does fun and exciting experiments like jiggle juice. My daughter loves going to school because of Mrs. McLaughlin.”

Throughout her years at St Monica Catholic School, Ms. McLaughlin consistently has enhanced the quality of students’ educational experiences and classroom interactions by building their confidence and by making an impact in their lives. We are grateful for Ms. McLaughlin’s expertise and excellence when identifying students’ unique gifts and for teaching them to experience success.

We honor Ms. McLaughlin for going above and beyond for our children. Teachers like Ms. McLaughlin ignite a love for lifelong learning. Ms. McLaughlin, thank you for the impact you have made on our community and in our hearts.