Stephanie Walker
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3rd Grade Teacherswalkersspeterandpaulschool.comNaperville native Stephanie (Nocera) Walker attended Naperville North High School and received her degree in Elementary Education from North Central College. After graduation, she accepted a job as a second grade teacher at her alma mater, Saints Peter and Paul School. She taught second grade from 2010 to 2014 before moving to third grade. Upon completing the 2014–15 school year as a third-grade teacher, Stephanie made the difficult decision to leave the classroom and stay at home with her growing family.
From the fall of 2015 to summer of 2020, Stephanie enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while also tutoring, directing a STEM camp in the summers, being a religious education catechist, and volunteering at her children’s schools. Stephanie resides in Naperville with her husband and three children. Her favorite pastimes include reading books to her children, exploring trails at the Morton Arboretum, and watching her children play sports.
Since returning to the classroom in the fall of 2020, Stephanie has taught both second grade and junior high science, before landing in her current position in third grade. Her favorite part of teaching third grade is that students come to her ready and eager to dig deeper into topics. Third graders are starting to be more independent and responsible, and Stephanie loves fostering these life skills.
Stephanie’s favorite saint is Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Her favorite quote from Saint Teresa is, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.Favorite Bible Quote
O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! —Psalm 34:8
Teaching Philosophy
It is my teaching philosophy that the classroom should be a place for kids to be themselves. Classrooms are full of life. They can be quiet and organized, but they are also loud and messy at times. Sometimes the best learning happens in a loud, messy space! The teacher should facilitate an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. A growth mindset is the difference between a “smart” kid and a successful, life-long learner.
