Sr. Susan Catherine Wade knows that successful students become successful adults. Sister Susan attended Illinois State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education with a Professional Educator License to teach elementary education as well as students who are blind or partially sighted. Sister later completed graduate coursework in reading education. This is her first year at Saints Peter and Paul School and her forty-third year teaching. She has previously taught in the Illinois Dioceses of Belleville and Joliet as well as the Archdiocese of Chicago. Sister Susan has experience teaching second and third grades. For the last ten years, Sister served as the Title l reading/math instructor for kindergarten through eighth graders at Saint Walter School in Chicago. She received the To Teach as Jesus Awardfor the 2014/15 school year. The award is given to “those who live their life like Christ – are good role models practicing their faith and living a faith filled life.” In addition, Sister Susan was highlighted on the Catapult Learning website in April 2017. Here teachers are listed in recognition of their positive impact on children and schools throughout the country. Sister loves teaching and views it not as a job but as a ministry.
Sister Susan began the formation process with the School Sisters of Saint Francis of Christ the King in 2005. During formation, Sister Susan learned more about living religious life including the rich history of the Sisters, Franciscan spirituality, the Bible, the Liturgy of the Hours, and community life. Sister was received into the Novitiate in 2007. During novitiate, Sister Susan volunteered at Mount Assisi Academy in the Margaretan Program assisting individual freshman level high school students with learning differences. Sister professed first vows in 2008 and final vows in 2012. During this time, Sister completed a four course online certificate program in Franciscan Studies through the University of Saint Francis. The course in the Franciscan Tradition in Art and Literature was particularly interesting to her.
Included in the course was a section relative to the literature of Francis through a pictorial presentation of the Canticle of the Creatures and how Francis is represented in poetry and literature. Sister Susan enjoys traveling and exploring nature. She had the opportunity to visit Maribor, Slovenia on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of her religious congregation. Sr. Susan likes to draw and paint especially when she is on her annual retreat. She likes to write poems and uses writing as a form of prayer. Sister Susan is looking forward to her future at Saints Peter and Paul School and Parish.
Sister Susan has always enjoyed the story Jesus blessing the little children found in Mark 10: 13-16. The story tells about the people who were bringing little children to Jesus for him to bless them, but the disciples admonished them. When Jesus saw this, he was upset. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” She understands from this story that great accomplishments are not needed to enter Heaven and that everyone matters. What is required is wonder and deep faith in God.
Sister Susan believes that in order to be an outstanding teacher, it is necessary to view teaching as a vocation and not just a job. Teaching is a profession that requires a special commitment and dedication. A great teacher comes to school each day with fresh and innovative lessons that facilitate learning. She cares about all the students in her classroom and strives to help each reach his/her full potential. Her Catholic faith is not just something she reads about in books. It is part of her life inside and outside of the classroom. A great teacher motivates students and gives them a sense of accomplishment. She sets high standards and provides a positive learning environment. For teaching is a vocation, a gift from God to be used for the benefit of others.