Stacey Fedderly Inspires Second-Graders in Safe Environment of Learning at St. Joseph Catholic School
What Mrs. Fedderly loves about teaching at a Catholic school: “I can inspire and be a part of a beautiful process. I can help students build self-esteem and believe in themselves and their ability to learn, no matter their background or abilities.”
Faculty and staff at our Polk private schools not only provide an academically rigorous program, but also a nurturing educational environment where children from all backgrounds are loved and respected as unique children of God.
At St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven, Second-Grade Teacher Mrs. Stacey Fedderly helps develop young children’s minds while growing in their relationship with God. With 17 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Fedderly shares what motivated her to become an educator and how she works with children to discover joy and meaning in her classroom.
Finding Her God-Given Purpose in Catholic Education
Mrs. Fedderly was raised in a Catholic family in Plymouth, Wisconsin. From an early age, she was taught by her parents and her Catholic school that she was put here for a reason and that God had a big plan for her. Naturally drawn to working with children, she eventually went on to study education in college.
“I was raised with a deep sense of purpose to make a difference,” she says. “As a Catholic teacher, I believe I can help young children find their big plan as well.”
Mrs. Fedderly is now a valued member of the St. Joseph Catholic School community, where all four of her children – Taylor, Kyla, Jayden, and Ashley – attended before going on to Santa Fe Catholic High School. What she loves about St. Joseph’s is the strong sense of family and belonging there, as well as the ability to celebrate their faith.
“The greatest blessing for me is being able to share my faith and talk about God,” she says. “As a faith community, we are free to talk about God’s blessings, love, and the power of prayer. Our students are encouraged each day to grow in their relationship with God.”
Helping Students Grow in Mind, Body, and Soul
Mrs. Fedderly creates an engaging, welcoming classroom where second-graders learn academic foundations as well as important character skills like perseverance that will help them succeed as they move forward.
“I feel it is very important to build connections with students,” she says. “I have conversations with them and really get to know them. When they know you truly care for them, it is amazing the things they can do.”
As a young student, school was not always easy for Mrs. Fedderly and she had to work hard to be successful. She is committed to helping all students get through any hurdles they face and reach new heights.
“I expect my students to work hard to achieve their goals,” she says. “I always have their backs and I won’t give up on them, but I expect them to practice perseverance.”
What she hopes her students take away from her classroom is that, above all else, they are loved.
“I have big dreams for them and I can’t wait to hear all about their future successes. I want them to know that I care about them and will do what it takes to help them to be the best version of themselves.”
Getting to Know Mrs. Fedderly
Outside the classroom, here are a few fun facts about St. Joseph’s second grader teacher:
She has a chocolate lab named Luna.
Her favorite book is “Santa’s Favorite Story” by Hisako Aoki.
She loves to watch the Hallmark Movie Channel because most of the movies have a positive message.
Her favorite Bible verse is “Let the Children Come to Me” (Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16)
She loves spending time on the water with her husband and four children
If she could have any superpower, she would read people’s minds.
Her favorite place to visit is Rome, Italy. “I love the history of our faith, the architecture and, of course, the food.”
We are blessed to have many wonderful teachers like Mrs. Fedderly as part of our Polk Catholic Schools community!
Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Polk County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through a Catholic school education.