Welcome to Fifth Grade at St. Joseph School
Our Pedagogical Beliefs
The fifth grade teachers at St. Joseph School use a variety of instructional strategies and methods to positively affect student learning. We believe that each student can learn. By becoming familiar with each of our students specific and unique learning styles, personalities, differences, and strengths we are best able to meet their unique learning needs. Our aim is to teach to standards while differentiating lessons to ensure that each student makes progress. We believe in creating opportunities for students to grow and learn both individually and cooperatively, in the class, and in the community.
5A Cathy Hamblet
Cathy Hamblet graduated from the University of Washington in 1990. She continued her journey as a Husky and received her teaching certificated in 1993. Cathy began teaching in Catholic schools that same year. In 1999, she came to St. Joseph School to take a job as a fifth grade teacher, and she was thrilled to be back at the grade school she attended! Cathy's son and daughter are currently enrolled at Saint Joseph School. Thus, Cathy has worn several hats as a member of the St. Joseph community - student, teacher, parent and alumna.
5B Patrice Theisen
Patrice Theisen graduated from California State University Sacramento in 1993. In 1994, she moved to the beautiful northwest and worked for the Renton School district as a teacher assistant. This experience instilled the passion for teaching and led her back to school to receive her Masters in Teaching at City University in 1997. After teaching for the Issaquah School District as a long term substitute, Patrice came to St. Joseph School in 1999. Patrice's daughter and two sons are currently enrolled in St. Joseph School.
5C Katie Larsen
Katie Larsen graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2005. She earned her Masters in Teaching from the University of Portland in 2007 through the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education program. Katie spent three years teaching fourth grade at Saint Joseph/Marquette School in Yakima, WA. She has been teaching fifth grade at Saint Joseph School in Seattle since 2008. Outside of school Katie enjoys skiing, golfing, biking, and anything outside! Although she misses her big family in Pennsylvania, she has fully embraced the Pacific Northwest.
