Corpus Christi's Schmitt Named Teacher of the Year

By Michael F. Flach
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 12/12/02)

Sarah Schmitt, the art teacher at Corpus Christi School in Falls Church for the past 10 years, has been named Distinguished Teacher of the Year by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

Schmitt, who is a member of St. Philip Parish in Falls Church, is believed to be the first diocesan school teacher to receive the honor. She was selected from among 75,000 Catholic school teachers in the United States and will be formally recognized at the 2003 NCEA convention in St. Louis.

A 1976 graduate of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Schmitt received her master’s degree in educational leadership from George Mason University earlier this year.

Corpus Christi Principal George Chiplock announced the award during the Dec. 10 school Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Father Tuck Grinnell, pastor, was celebrant and homilist. Dr. Timothy McNiff, diocesan superintendent of schools, also attended the ceremony.

"We’re extremely proud of all the teachers who work here," said Chiplock, who recently was honored as the outstanding private school principal of the year by the Washington Post.

"She is a teacher who truly has the ability in her teaching style to convey to her students an enthusiasm and love of art," said Chiplock in his nomination letter. "Her efforts in the classroom have enabled her students to create works of form and beauty."

Chiplock said Schmitt embodies all the qualities of an outstanding Catholic school educator. "She is a true witness to the philosophy of Catholic education, stresses the importance of prayer and recognizes each child as God’s creation," he said. "She is a true role model for her students and colleagues."

"I am absolutely thrilled to be here this morning," said McNiff. "We knew that Mrs. Schmitt was an outstanding teacher long before she received this award."

In addition to here work at Corpus Christi School, Schmitt has volunteered her time to help with special technology projects at the diocesan level, McNiff said. Her contributions to the school have included the design and execution of brochures, annual reports and faculty handbooks.

If asked by the Diocesan School Board which is the best school in the diocese, McNiff said he would have to say Corpus Christi School since it now is home to both the outstanding principal and teacher of the year.

In addition to her recent honor, Schmitt was one of more than 1,700 teachers from around the country named Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 1998. She used the $500 grant she received to purchase frames and mats to display student artwork.

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