Christina Soukenik
Christina has wanted to be a teacher since she was a kindergartener at Academy. An Academy and Villa Duchesne alumna, Christina appreciates Sacred Heart education deeply and is thrilled to return to the campus as a teacher. Christina is a second year teacher, having taught second grade one year in Kansas City. “As much as I loved teaching in Kansas City, I missed being involved in the traditions of a Sacred Heart school. I have wanted to teach at the Academy for as long as I have wanted to be a teacher.”
Christina loves teaching second grade for several reasons but the most important reason is their excited attitude towards learning. “Second graders have a spirit to them that is contagious. Their love of learning is inspiring.” Another reason Christina loves teaching second grade is she enjoys teaching reading. “Second grade was the year I truly began to enjoy reading and the outlet it provides you.” Christina, who is Orton Gillingham trained, enjoys working on reading skills with students and is thrilled to teach Wilson Fundations. “During my first year of teaching, I developed a deep passion for Phonics. Phonics is truly the foundation of reading. Watching kids go from learning Phonics strategies, to applying the strategies, to fluently reading is my favorite part of teaching.”
Outside of teaching, Christina loves traveling and spending time with family. Like herself, her three older siblings all attended Academy pre-k through 8th grade and they are excited for her return. Christina loves being an aunt to her two nieces who help her grow as a person and as a teacher.
Christina’s favorite part of being a teacher is the opportunity to be a positive and encouraging figure in children’s lives. “Being a role-model to kids is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Teaching the qualities of being a kind and compassionate person is the most important part of being a teacher.”
