Five teachers to be recognized at Bishop's Dinner

Globe staff report
Posted Sept. 26, 2002

The Sixth Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education slated for October will celebrate Catholic schools and recognize exceptional teachers. Once again, the Bishop Lawrence D. Soens Excellence in Education Teacher Awards will be presented at the dinner.

This year's recipients include Betty Benson, St. Catherine-St. Mary Grade School of Oyens/Remsen; Karen Conlon, Sacred Heart School in Spencer; Mary Jayne Mousel, Holy Family School in Sioux City; Karen Ruterbories, Mater Dei School in Sioux City; and Shirley Ann Selzer, Sacred Heart School in Spencer.

Kevin Vickery, superintendent of Catholic Schools, pointed out that the selection of the honorees was very difficult because of the overall quality of all teachers in the Catholic schools as well as the personal commitment that was reflected in the nomination and responses of each nominee.

"The recognition of excellence in teachers who dedicate their lives to service indicates the appreciation that students, parents and administrators have when they nominate a teacher from their local Catholic school for the Excellence in Education Award," he said. "Each of this year's recipients have indicated that they are supported in their work by their fellow teachers who are equally worthy of such recognition."

The Bishop Lawrence D. Soens Excellence in Education Teacher Awards are given to individuals who have been a teacher in the Catholic Schools of the diocese for at least five consecutive years.

These teachers expressed a clear, integrated philosophy of Catholic education through teaching and in a written essay centered on that philosophy. They have also developed and implemented innovative and/or original curriculum and teaching strategies that are a component of the ongoing growth in teaching and in learning for students.

Betty Benson teaches second grade at St. Catherine-St. Mary Grade School. She has taught in Catholic schools for 29 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Iowa State University. Benson and her husband, Richard, have three children: Mary, Michael and Matthew.

"Catholic education is a very valuable asset to the family, church, community, country and world," she wrote in her essay. "As an educator in one of our fine diocesan schools, I feel one of the most important jobs we have is to educate the whole child. Academics is of course very important, but Catholic education goes beyond that. An educator needs to make a student feel secure and loved. We do this by showing the children that God loves them."

As a second grade teacher, Benson facilitates many classroom activities centered on first Communion and reconciliation. The sacramental preparation also includes the infusion Gospel values.

The education award is very humbling for Benson because she feels that every teacher at St. Catherine-St. Mary could be recognized for his or her work.

Karen Conlon teaches first grade at Sacred Heart School. She has taught in Catholic schools - Spencer and Emmetsburg - for 17 years. She graduated from Briar Cliff College (University) with a major in theology and minor in elementary education. Conlon and her husband, Jim, have one child, Matthew.

She pointed out that Sacred Heart infuses two Gospel values into the curriculum each year.

"It is remarkable what the children learn from each Gospel value and how they actually use them at school and home," noted Conlon. "It is a good tool for parental involvement. It helps to make Christ the center of our lives."

She added that she has worked for Catholic schools all her years of teaching and feels it has been God's will. The education award, she believes, is God's way of saying "thank you."

Mary Jayne Mousel teaches second grade at Holy Family School's St. Boniface Center. Mousel, a Heelan High School and Briar Cliff graduate, began her teaching career at St. Boniface School 23 years ago. The school then became part of the unified Holy Family School.

"Catholic education has been an important part of my life," she wrote in her essay. "Having attended Catholic schools for all of my education, I wanted to continue that tradition in my teaching career. I can spread God's message by word and action. In a Catholic school, we teach more than just academics; we teach a Christian way of life."

Having many ESL students, Mousel pointed out that she has had to adapt her teaching style through the years in order for all students to experience success and respect themselves. She enjoys the diversity of the school and realizes that her students can truly experience what catholic means: universal and all-inclusive.

"I am humbled to be chosen from so many excellent teachers, and I am honored to represent Holy Family School and St. Boniface Parish," she said.

Karen Ruterbories is a fifth-grade teacher at Mater Dei's Immaculate Conception Center. She has taught in Catholic schools for 18 years including St. John's in Wahpeton, N.D. and St. Augustine's in Winnebago, Neb. Ruterbories and her husband, John, have two children - Evan and Kayla.

"Teaching in a Catholic school has been a blessing for me," she wrote in her essay. "What a beautiful gift to be able to share my faith everyday, with my students and the wonderful people that I work with. I thank God often for giving me this opportunity."

Ruterbories pointed out that the fifth grade is a critical time for the students because it is right before their transition into middle school. This is the time to boost their self-esteem and confidence and instill in them a love of learning.

"I cannot think of a bigger honor to be recognized for something I love. Other than my family and God, teaching is my life," she said. "I know the influence on the student's life, and I take that very seriously."

Shirley Ann Selzer is the media specialist at Spencer's Sacred Heart School. She has taught in Catholic schools for 11 years. She earned a degree at Mankato State University, majoring in instructional media and technology, along with English. Selzer and her husband, Lance, have two children - Benjamin and Nicole.

"We, as Catholic school teachers, work with the whole student in every aspect of their lives. We are allowed to talk about God's teachings and how they affect our daily lives. Our children see us as living examples to our teachings," she said. "When they worship with us at school and Sunday Masses and see us on our knees, they witness our own love of Christ. This is the root of our school community feeling of family."

Like other Catholic schoolteachers, Selzer said she strives to build well-rounded, knowledgeable and spirit-filled students - knowing that God is the power behind them.

"It is an honor for a non-classroom teacher to be selected and recognized for their contribution as a teacher," she said.

The Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education will be held Oct. 20 at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City, Neb. The evening will kickoff with a social hour at 4 p.m., followed by a multi-course meal at 4:45 p.m. Jim Nicholson, ambassador of the United States to the Holy See, will take the stage as the guest speaker at 6:15 p.m. The awards presentation will close out the evening.