Ms. Janitze Merlos

Video Intro: "Why I Teach at St. Stan's"

I am a...

Fifth Grade Teacher

I grew up in...

Clearing, Chicago 
 

I went to elementary school at...

Nathan Hale Elementary
 

I went to college at...

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) 
 

My favorite Saint is...

Our Lady of Guadalupe; she is the patron saint of Mexico and a symbol of motherhood. 
 

The one thing I want St. Stan's students to know about me is...

Road-trips and concerts are my favorite! 
 

Why Catholic education?

Many of the values and teachings that come with catholic school are fundamental to building strong minded individuals. My own faith reminds me that God always has our backs and pushes me forward. 
 

Why St. Stan's?

I like that students come from all over but it still feels like a small tight-knit community within the school. 
 

My teaching style is…

Collaborative and community based. I want students to feel that their voices are always valued in the classroom, that they can approach everyone with respect, make mistakes and still feel empowered as learners.