St. Francis School Faculty & Staff

Susan Rife

Second Grade

I was born in New York City -- a long time ago. My family moved to California, Chicago and then, to Holland and later, to England. I developed a love for foreign languages, and I eventually studied Greek, Latin, French, Dutch, Italian, and German.

Returning to the States, we settled in Austin, where I went to the University of Texas, majoring in French and History. It was there that I met my husband of forty years. Upon graduation, we moved to the Bay area, had our first child, and moved to Crete for a year.

Except for a seven year hiatus in Monterey, California, we raised our son and three daughters in Austin. For seventeen years, I worked part-time at UT's General Libraries. My favorite job there was in the Reference Room, helping scholars find information -- and writing numerous bibliographies to aid researchers.

My introduction to teaching began fourteen years ago in California. I started substitute teaching, loved it, and enrolled in Graduate School in Education. Prior to coming to St. Francis, I taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades -- and I acquired experience subbing in all grades K-12.

I have been teaching 2nd grade at St. Francis since 1997. I love this age group, and I enjoy their outlooks on life. My teaching style is thematic -- across the whole curriculum -- using diverse strategies to ensure thal all students meet their potentials. I use art to stimulate writing; it is exciting to see youngsters becoming enthusiastic about writing in different styles and genres. My goal is to help my students to enjoy learning, to develop their unique talents, and to learn to think deeply and compassionately about the world and its peoples.

I love the family atmosphere at St. Francis, which strives to meet the needs of all members of our community. The teachers, headmistress, staff, and parents all seem devoted to providing a nurturing environment in which to learn.

In my spare time, I create applique wall-hangings, grow roses, herbs, and flowers, read, walk, and visit art museums. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with family, friends -- and my first grandchild.