St. John School
For Early Learners
Experience the Difference!
Fax: 503.585.2801
Located in downtown Salem, Oregon
Kelly Crabtree, Director & Kindergaten Teacher
Education: 1 year Early Childhood Education, Lane Community College
B.S. in Elementary Education, Western Oregon University
Additional E.C.E. courses including administration.
Experience: Preschool Teacher, Allison Park Christian Preschool; 2 years
Preschool Teacher, Teaching Research Integrated Preschool 5 years
Director, St. John; 28 years
Preschool Teacher, St. John; 25 years
Kindergarten Teacher, St John; 3 years
Dawn Farnsworth Assistant Director & Preschool Teacher
Miss Kelly, Director & Kindergarten Teacher
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Education: 1 year Early Childhood Education, Lane Community
B.A.; Elementary Education, Western Oregon University
Additional course work in E.C.E. and Administration.
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Experience: Preschool Teacher, Allison Park Preschool; 2 years
Teacher, Teaching Research Integrated Preschool; 5 years
Director & Preschool Teacher, St. John; 25 years
Director & Kindergarten Teacher, St. John; 11 years
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Why I Teach at St. John: Teaching is definitely my passion! I absolutely love getting to know the kids and figuring out how they learn best. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child's face light up as they realize they can read, or add, or write or skip! I have been here for a very long time, so obviously I like it very much! I believe that God has placed me here for a purpose. There have been challenges along the way, but He is always faithful and provides exactly what we need. The members of this congregation are very supportive, and value our school ministry so much. We are blessed with exceptional, gifted teachers who are hard working, dedicated and fun to work with! We have the privilege of working with amazing kids and their families. They become part of our St. John family, and hold a special place in my heart! It makes my day when a past student stops by or recognizes me in the community. Recently a young man of 25 called out to me in a parking lot. It had been 20 years since I had seen him, but I recognized that sparkle in his eyes. He actually thanked me and said that his years at St. John were the best of his life! This is my reward, and the reason that teaching is my passion!
Miss Dawn, Assistant Director & Preschool Teacher
Education: B.A.; Elementary Education, Western Oregon University
Additional course work in E.C.E. and Administration.
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Experience: Preschool Teacher, Teaching Research Integrated Preschool; 5 years
Assistant Director & Preschool Teacher, St. John; 34 years
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Why I Teach at St. John: I teach because I feel that God has called me to encourage, motivate and inspire young children to be self-confident and try new things. At St. John, children are met where they are, but then we gently challenge them to take that next step. I love how we all work together to help each child grow in all areas of development. I have the privilege of being their first teacher! It is so important that their first school experience be a positive and joyful one. I strive to set the stage for their love of school for years to come.
Miss Beth, PreK Teacher & Childcare Head Teacher
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Education: Course work in Education, Central University, CT.
A.A.; Early Childhood Education, Southwestern Community College
Experience: Preschool Teacher, The Children's Learning Center, CT; 4 years. Classroom Assistant & Childcare Head Teacher, St. John; 12 years, PreK Teacher & Childcare Head Teacher, St. John; 11 years
Why I Teach at St. John: I love coming alongside parents to support, celebrate and cheer on their journey. I am a parent, so I know it's one of the hardest, most rewarding, and most exhausting jobs to have. I enjoy developing relationships with children and parents as we become more like family than teacher/student/parent. One of the reasons I have worked at St. John so long is because we are more than just co-workers here. We are family and each new student becomes part of that special bond we have.
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My passion is to teach preschoolers where learning and new discoveries are a daily occurrence. People ask me why I chose this field or say "I don't know how you do it". The best way to explain is by giving you a glimpse into what I get to experience every day. Watching a child step out of her comfort zone to meet a new friend, getting a hug because they missed me over the weekend, hearing a child talk to Jesus and pray for his family and friends, seeing that proud look when they write their name for the first time, their diligence as they problem solve a puzzle, their joy as they touch finger paint, the little hand I get to hold as they drift off into sleep at nap time, the beautiful sound of their laughter, singing, and chatting with friends, hearing "Miss Beth I did it!" and cheering them on as they learn to cross the monkey bars, the look of discovery when they find that yellow and blue make green, the look of amazement when they can put sounds together to make a word, and the good bye hug with "I can't wait for tomorrow" I get at the end of my day. This is just a little of what I get to experience every day! I wouldn't trade that for any job in the world!
Miss Madi, Preschool/PreK Assistant Teacher
Education: High School Diploma, West Salem High School
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Experience: Preschool Lead, Rainbow Elephant Preschool; 3 years
Teaching Assistant, St. John; 7 months
Why I Teach at St. John: I am committed to supporting young children in a nurturing and faith-centered environment. I love to help create a positive atmosphere where Christian values like kindness and respect are integrated into everyday activities. My role allows me to contribute to each child's emotional and spiritual growth while encouraging their curiosity and love for learning.
Miss Kathy, Receptionist
We have been blessed to have Miss Kathy as our receptionist for 17 years! She is the first smiling face we see when we come in the front door, and often pops into a classroom just to "get a kid fix". She is certainly an important, well-loved member of our St. John family!