Laurie Cantrell

5th Grade Teacher

Hello and welcome to 5^th Grade! My name is Laurie Cantrell and this is my second year at St. Joseph, and my 8^th year working in the Diocese of Orange. I have taught Kindergarten at St. Callistus Catholic School and was the Performing Arts Department Chair and 9-12th grade choir, theatre, speech, and dance teacher at Rosary Academy. I received my BFA and MM from Notre Dame De Namur and will be completing my 2^nd Master’s in Education and Multi-Subject Credential this year at National University. I am a strong believer in Catholic Education, having attended Catholic school from Kindergarten through College, and now having all three of my children attend Catholic school as well. St. Joseph’s is an amazing school with a Christ-centered family community, a strong focus on academic excellence and the development of the whole child. My family and I are so proud to be a part of this incredible community. I love 5^th Grade and I know this will be a beautiful year full of growth, courage, and most importantly unwavering faith in God!

Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of education is that all students are unique individuals who need a nurturing and positive environment in the classroom to focus and develop their God-given talents. They need to be challenged with experiences that stimulate their minds and helps them to grow emotionally, mentally, and socially with God as the center of their life. My role as a teacher is to give them the tools that they need so that they can reach their full potential. My philosophy of education will continue to develop and grow because, as a teacher, I am never done learning.