re to Life
Daniela Fazio
9th Grade English Teacher
Bishop Shanahan High School
Q
A What is the most surprising result of an assignment you gave to a
student this year?
Q
A You’re an AOPS high school graduate yourself. What has it been like
returning as a Catholic educator?
It actually involves the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack project. When it came time to brainstorm, one student
stunned me. This student typically didn’t show much interest in class and sometimes wouldn’t turn in assignments
at all. But when this student asked, “Would it be okay if I wrote my own song for this project?” — I must have
had the biggest smile on my face! It reminded me that some students yearn for creative ways to demonstrate
their knowledge and talent, and I challenge myself to give them opportunities to do so every day.
It is exciting to see what this experience looks like from the other side. Teaching in a Catholic school is
comforting, and it consistently reminds me of my roots in Catholic education. I often remind my students how
blessed they are to be receiving this kind of education — both academically and spiritually. It is a truth they
may not fully realize now, but someday they will, and they will be just as grateful as I am.