Erin VanIderstine   

This is my sixteenth year as an educator at St. Joseph School. I feel fortunate to work in an excellent educational environment where love for God and neighbor are at the top of the curriculum. St. Joe’s is a very special community of caring teachers, supportive parents, and enthusiastic students. Many students even return after graduation to visit, share their memories of SJS, and relate their stories of success in high school. Former students have also returned to my classroom to complete college observation and student teaching requirements. 

Subjects that I currently teach include religion, 6th grade math, 7th grade science, and 8th grade science.
Prior to working at St. Joseph School, I was on the faculty at the Cathedral of St. Thomas Moore in Arlington, Virginia where I taught 6th grade. My first teaching assignment was at Sacred Heart Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I taught both 3rd grade and 8th grade.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I also hold a Master of Arts in Education with a Focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University.

My educational philosophy includes the following principles:

• My students all have the ability to learn. All students learn differently.
• My methods of instruction and tools of assessment need to vary in order to meet the diverse needs of all students.
• My students have the right to learn in an environment in which they are physically and emotionally safe.
• My students need guidance in making wise personal choices based on a set of positive beliefs and values.
• My students should be challenged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
• My students must develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that transcend a limited, specific curriculum and prepare them for life.
• My students will be encouraged to be responsible for their own learning and become self-directed, lifelong learners.  

My home is in Lisle where I live with my husband Robert. We have one daughter, Kate, who is newly married and currently resides in beautiful Telluride, Colorado with her husband, Brian.

One of my favorite ways to spend free time is to walk or bike at the Morton Arboretum. I also love to cook, read, garden, and sew. My husband and I are members of St. Joan of Arc parish where we both sing in the choir. (Mr. V has a much prettier voice!)

Some of my favorite websites are:
www.scienceclub.org
www.sciencenewsforkids.org
www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/
www.school.discovery.org
www.inventionatplay.org
www.mypyramid.org
www.scienceworld.wolfram.com
www.jdstaregion11sciencefair.org

Please contact me either at my personal email address or leave a message with the school secretary. I will get back to you as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours.