Teaching, the Love of Her Life

 For Sister Carolyn Leffler, a professed Racine Dominican for 55 years, teaching isn't just a job, it's the love of her life. "I especially love teaching the little ones," she said. "They really want to learn and are so enthusiastic about everything."

Knowing children love games, S. Carolyn developed many learning games through the years to help reinforce the skills her students are learning. "I would always have a carpet in my classroom with the alphabet on the outside," she said laughingly. "I'd call out a letter and the children in the center would have to hop to that letter." It's hard to tell whether the teacher or her students enjoyed the game more. She missed having a carpet for learning games when she left classroom teaching and was grateful when the principal provided one for her tutoring area.

It's hard to tell whether the teacher or her students enjoyed the game more. She missed having a carpet for learning games when she left classroom teaching and was grateful when the principal provided one for her tutoring area.

When the school population diminished two years ago and fewer classroom teachers were needed, S. Carolyn began tutoring children at St. Angela three days a week and assisting with the latchkey program everyday after school. She also substitute teaches whenever there's a need. Known for her infectious laugh and usually seen with a smile on her face, she is respected by children of all ages. They appreciate her commitment and cheerful way of helping them learn.

A native of Detroit, S. Carolyn taught for many years in grades one through four in Catholic schools in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. Most recently she taught first grade at St. Angela School in Roseville, Michigan.

"She's so dedicated to whatever school or parish she's ministered at," commented S. Sharon Simon. "And she's a marvelous teacher - one of those quiet people who never draws attention to herself, but who gives much to others and enjoys doing so."

To read about other Racine Dominican Sisters, click here.