Holy trinity episcopal academy

Mrs. Novak

Kindergarten
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Cum Laude) from Michigan State University; Master of Arts in Teaching-Reading (Summa Cum Laude) from Saginaw Valley State University
Length of time teaching: 21 years; 11 years at HT
 
Holy Trinity’s tagline is: “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” How do you envision helping students to live this motto?  
I want to teach my students at an early age that with hard work and determination that they can do anything they put their mind to both inside and outside of the classroom.


What do you look forward to the most about teaching at Holy Trinity?
I love the “community feel” at Holy Trinity. HT is like a huge family where people love, support and pray for one another. I come from a large family so when I’m at Holy Trinity, I feel like I am home. 
 
What is the most important life lesson you want a child to learn in your classroom?
I feel that Kindergarten lays the learning foundation for the rest of their academic years. I want my students to gain appreciation and respect, and develop a love of learning. Most importantly I want them to be kind to others and to learn to put others before themselves.     
 
 What motivated you to become a teacher? 
My 5th grade math teacher, Mr. Owens, at St. Stephen Elementary School in Michigan. He would often play games with the class that made learning fun. I use games in the classroom all the time because of him, and I can see how it motivates and actively engages my students.


What experiences or people have had the most influence on you?
My family certainly has been the most influential. My parents were both loving and hard-working. My mother taught me to be a strong woman and to be my own person. My father was always so patient while helping me with math homework. Teaching is in my blood as I have a family full of educators. My sisters are teachers and my grandmother was an elementary school principal and teacher for many years. She was well-respected and loved by her community because she had high expectations of her students and was able to reach those that were struggling and unmotivated. 
 

What are some of your interests and passions outside of the classroom?
Outside the classroom I love spending time with my husband and our two daughters. We don’t have to be doing anything special to have fun with each other; it can be as simple as a walk in our neighborhood or playing a board game. We love to travel to Michigan each summer to see my extended family. I also try to take some time for myself for exercise and yoga.  
 
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1720 Peachtree St., Melbourne, FL 32901
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