Meet our passionate Social Studies, English, & Foreign Languages Teachers

At Saint John’s Prep, we are proud of our dedicated and talented teachers who inspire our students to think critically, explore diverse perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. In this post, we’re highlighting some of the incredible educators from our Social Studies, English, and Foreign Languages departments who make our school community so vibrant and dynamic.

Kelly Fitch – English

Ms. Fitch has been teaching at Saint John’s Prep for an impressive 18 years. She teaches American Literature for 10th graders, AP English for 12th graders, and the Honors Capstone course for seniors. One memorable teaching moment for Ms. Fitch was guiding her 10th graders through memoir writing, where several students, even those who didn’t consider themselves writers, produced beautiful and thoughtful pieces. To keep students engaged, Ms. Fitch treats them like family, building connections through honesty, humor, and genuine conversations. Her approach to teaching is shaped by her experiences as a parent of three children, which helps her understand the diverse ways students learn. Ms. Fitch’s favorite part of teaching at Prep is watching her community of learners grow throughout the school year. She finds joy in the personal connections she builds through small class sizes and one-on-one instruction.

“Creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel known, loved, and cared for is possible because my class sizes are small. I am able to really get to know each student. It starts with visiting with them. That’s it—visiting. I do this quite a bit, whether it’s before the bell rings or when students are engaged in small group work. There’s also the “Dear Ms. Fitch” letters. 😊”

kami roth – spanish and global studies coordinator

Ms. Roth is in her first year at Saint John’s Prep but brings 12 years of teaching experience to the community. As the Director of Global Studies and Spanish teacher, she is passionate about fostering cultural awareness and creating hands-on learning experiences. Ms. Roth’s own travel experiences enrich her teaching, allowing her to make lessons relevant and engaging for her students. One of the unique aspects Ms. Roth highlights about the Prep curriculum is the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in cultural experiences, such as language exchanges and global studies projects.

“The best part about teaching and working at SJP is that the students are so incredibly kind and caring. At Prep, we get to do some really cool things that aren’t available at other schools, like provide multiple exchange opportunities, have student travel options, and go on amazing educational field trips. For example, local students love being able to interact with international students who attend our school and who speak the language they are studying here at Prep. There are so many opportunities for our students to become more culturally aware and genuinely practice what they are learning in the classroom out in the real world.”

RObert Erickson – English

With 34 years at Saint John’s Prep and 38 years of teaching experience overall, Mr. Erickson is a cornerstone of the English department. His teaching is enriched by his love of British literature and film, which he weaves into his classes, including the school’s first film studies course. Mr. Erickson values the strong sense of community at Prep, supported by caring administrators, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students. Mr. Erickson particularly enjoys the interactive learning experience of his English 9 class performing the play Twelve Angry Men each spring. Through these immersive activities, students gain a deeper understanding of literary themes and group dynamics.

“I look out of my classroom window and can see a groomed walking trail through beautiful woods. I also see a pristine lake, which has a historic chapel on the opposite shoreline. I can walk out of my classroom and in a few minutes be in the Learning Commons at Alcuin or the coffee shop. If I’m hungry, I can eat at the Refectory on campus, which has a vast buffet, or go to the burrito bar at Sexton Commons. How many schools have woods, water, trails, and a wonderful university at their doorstep? I can walk the halls of our school and encounter citizens from over a dozen countries. Again, what school has that? These are elements you can rarely find anywhere in the world and certainly nowhere else in Minnesota.”

Yahui Shi – chinese

Known affectionately as “Shi Laoshi” by her students, Ms. Shi has been teaching Chinese at Prep since 2021. Her love for travel and global experiences shapes her approach to language instruction. Ms. Shi tailors her teaching to meet each student’s needs, from foundational language skills for beginners to advanced conversational practice. She believes that connecting language learning with real-life experiences helps students retain knowledge and stay motivated. Ms. Shi encourages her students to become global citizens and critical thinkers through immersion.

“My students have taught me the importance of being creative in my teaching. They inspire me to find new and engaging ways to make learning Chinese fun, whether through music, games, or hands-on activities. I incorporate outdoor and experiential learning by taking students on field trips to places like the Chinese and American Friendship Garden, where they can experience Chinese culture firsthand. After the visit, we enjoy authentic Chinese food, allowing students to connect language learning with real-life experiences.”

Aspire to Excellence (A2E) Curriculum: A Unique Learning Experience

What makes Saint John’s Prep truly stand out is the A2E academic program. It allows students to dive deeply into subjects they are passionate about while maintaining a well-rounded liberal arts education. From rigorous research projects to hands-on cultural explorations, the program fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

Our teachers at Saint John’s Prep go above and beyond to make learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging. Their dedication and passion create a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally. We are grateful to have such talented educators guiding the next generation of leaders. Meet the rest of our amazing faculty here.

Interested in learning more about the Prep approach to student-focused learning?