Kristen Noll

Kindergarten Teacher

What do you love most about your work at St. Charles?

My favorite thing about the work that I do here at St. Charles is that I can pray and teach about my faith every single day. I love that I walk into the building each day meeting friendly smiles and greetings from students and colleagues who are eager to embrace a new day of learning and fun! I am so energized by the mission of this school, and it gives me great pride that in this mission we are getting young people ready to go out into the world and share the message of Jesus Christ through word and deed!

How does our faith-based environment affect what you accomplish with kids?

Kindergarten is a very busy place! We have a lot to learn, but we also leave time for a lot of play. I believe children at this age learn best through play, and the most teachable moments truly happen in the organic parts of our day. I am so thankful that, here at St. Charles, I can use the example of our savior, Jesus Christ, to teach the children how to treat one another. The stories of the Bible lend themselves to an array of lessons for the kids. Prayer is something that the kids learn to lean on in times of sorrow, thanksgiving, praise, and sense of need. We attend Mass on Fridays as well as Holy Days, and I find that by the end of the busy “work” week the children crave this special time with God. I feel that we could not accomplish everything that we do without the Holy Spirit being present throughout our day here in Kindergarten, and for that, I have so much gratitude to be able to spend everyday here at St. Charles!

Share a bit about yourself.

God has blessed me with many gifts throughout my life! My family, education, and job have been among the greatest of those blessings. My education started right here at St. Charles Borromeo. Most people don’t know this, but I sat on the very same carpet, as a kindergartener, that I teach on today! I attended St. Charles Borromeo through 8th grade, and it was here that I began to get the teacher’s “itch”! I know it is because of the wonderful teachers who taught me, some of whom are still here now. I grew up with four siblings whom I remain very close with today. We still reminisce about our adventures at St. Charles! I attended Totino-Grace high school and went on to earn my BA in elementary education from the College of Saint Benedict. I am married with three children and a dog, and my oldest child is attending St. Charles this year! When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading as well as playing, singing, and dancing with my children. I also enjoy baking for my family and traveling!