Meet some of the Inspiring Middle School Teachers at Saint John’s Prep

At Saint John’s Prep, the heart of the Middle School experience lies within its incredible teachers. Passionate, dedicated, and creative, these educators go above and beyond to create a supportive and engaging environment for their students. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the remarkable teachers who make Saint John’s Prep a special place to learn, sharing insights into their teaching philosophies, favorite activities, and what makes the school community truly unique.

Sarah Gainey – 6th Grade Science and Math

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Ms. Gainey brings a wealth of knowledge and a love for the natural world to her classroom. One of her favorite activities is the ‘Spring Sanity’ competition, where students track signs of spring around campus, combining scientific research with outdoor exploration. Ms. Gainey’s passion for nature and her supportive teaching approach make her a favorite among students. Now in her third year at Prep, Sarah believes that creating a safe space to make mistakes is key to fostering a growth mindset among her students.

“I work really hard to make sure students know my classroom is a safe place to make mistakes and mistakes are something to learn from. At the beginning of the year, we keep track of every mistake I make, and after every 10 mistakes, I give students a treat. After about 50 mistakes (which doesn’t take that long 😉), we have a discussion about why we kept track of my mistakes, polite ways to point out someone else’s mistakes, and ways to be okay with making mistakes. It sets up our classroom with a growth mindset for the rest of the year.”

Jeff Kirchoff – Middle and Upper School English

Having taught for over a decade in higher education and now in his second year at Prep, Dr. Kirchoff values the supportive environment and inquisitive students that make the school special. One of his most popular projects is the banned books unit, where students analyze the controversial topic, build websites, and share their own perspectives. Dr. Kirchoff is continuously inspired by his students’ creativity and willingness to explore complex issues. He approaches his classes with a commitment to individualized feedback and hands-on learning.

“Building relationships with my students beyond the classroom – and making myself approachable for them to do the same – is what really makes the Prep experience unique. I also coach Knowledge Bowl and regardless of whether we are in the classroom or playing Knowledge Bowl, I work to help students learn, engage, and share their thoughts. I pride myself on giving meaningful and individualized feedback; I check in with students on a regular basis and always circle back to questions they have. Just as our students are learning, I’m still learning as a teacher. Students are wonderful about giving respectful feedback, which absolutely improves my teaching.”

Carlee Biechler – 6th Grade Language Arts, Social Studies, and Writing

Ms. Biechler, now in her fifth year at Prep, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Differentiated Instruction. She emphasizes the importance of building a welcoming classroom environment through Benedictine Values and community-building activities. One unique project in her class involves creating clay petroglyphs, blending art with social studies to deepen students’ understanding of history. Ms. Biechler’s dedication to fostering connections and hands-on learning makes her classes memorable.

“SJP has many wonderful traditions and special events throughout the school year. A favorite of mine is our middle school walk to the chapel on Lake Sagatagan in the fall. Students eat lunch by the chapel and spend time walking on the beautiful trails on campus. The 6th grade class also has a tradition of making vegetable soup at the start of the school year, using veggies from our school garden.”

Bob Ellenbecker – Middle School Science, Physical Education, and Electives

A veteran teacher with 27 years at Prep, Mr. Ellenbecker’s hands-on, experiential approach to education keeps students engaged and curious. Whether they’re conducting outdoor science experiments or testing their problem-solving skills with the infamous ‘sludge test,’ Mr. Ellenbecker’s classes are always active and innovative. His love for nature and his commitment to real-world learning have made him a beloved figure in the Middle School community.

“For me, nature is a big part of keeping students engaged in and excited about coursework. I like to keep it hands-on and experiential. Whether it’s simply getting outside for a change of scenery or to hug a tree (yes, seriously), or studying experimental science, working on outdoor skills, or learning about ancient and modern technology, I work to get students to be truly immersed in the world around us. The students here have taught me many things as an educator, but above all that I need to keep challenging myself to stay abreast of the latest information. I’ve learned to never stop learning.”

Ashleigh Severson – Middle school Math, STEM, Cooking + Crafts Elective

With a background that blends creativity and a passion for math, Ms. Severson is in her fourth year at Prep. Known for encouraging students to push past their fear of math, Ms. Severson creates what she calls ‘mathterpieces,’ blending math with art to make the subject more approachable. Her flexible and imaginative teaching style empowers students to think critically while having fun with challenging concepts. Ms. Severson’s enthusiasm for teaching math in unconventional ways has sparked a love for learning among her students.

“We haven’t yet trademarked the statement “Keep the Middle School Weird,” but we should!  We are so fortunate to be able to create the curriculum the way it best supports the needs of our student population, and we are so lucky to be able to do these “weird” but very unique things within our courses, across courses, and sometimes just for fun.  For example, they have the ability to take the lecture from theology, transfer it into social studies, and then create a beautiful piece of artwork that ties it all together. Where else do students get to do that?!”

Celebrating a Passionate Community

The Middle School at Saint John’s Prep thrives because of its teachers’ dedication, creativity, and willingness to embrace new ideas. These educators not only teach academic concepts but also cultivate a sense of curiosity and community. Through hands-on projects, outdoor activities, and interdisciplinary lessons, they inspire students to learn, grow, and think differently. It’s teachers like Mrs. Gainey, Mr. Kirchoff, Ms. Biechler, Mr. Ellenbecker, and Ms. Severson who make Saint John’s Prep a truly special place to be. Meet the rest of our amazing faculty here.

Interested in making the switch to Saint John’s Prep?