Welcome to Mrs. Fernandez's Kindergarten

This is my fifth year at STM yet my nineteenth year in the classroom.  While I have a B.A. in Political Science from Marymount University and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations from American University, it turns out my heart is not in the non-profit world, but in the classroom with youngsters, where everything is pure profit!!

After staying home for a decade with my own three daughters  (I now have a grandson too!!) and volunteering in their preschool I developed a love for teaching young children.  Thus, I joined the ranks of educators in 2005 in FCPS and then the Diocesan School System in 2008.  I have only ever taught lower elementary as that is where my heart resides.  To see the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly progress of young minds makes my spirit soar.

I have previously taught at St. Charles School in Arlington and St. Ambrose School in Annandale.  What has brought me to STM (aside from teaching alongside my eldest daughter Mrs. Donovan in 2nd grade) is that I wanted to be part of a teaching team like the one we have here in Kindergarten. 

The team is well-versed in methods that are proven to help children become independent learners.  These methods include  Orton-Gillingham, and Starfall Math, small group literacy, comprehension. and faith/virtues studies.   Our curricula is rich in Social Studies, Science, and of course Religion; all of which are taught across the curriculum early and often.

I practice differentiated instruction, especially in reading and math.  I believe that I have to meet each student where they are at and work with them within a challenging level.  I work hard in bringing Christ’s mercy and compassion into all we say and do as I form little minds and hearts.  In my class your student will have a year of learning, playing, and praying!!

My favorite saying is “practice makes progress”!