Wendy Quade
Marble, MN
Class of 2001
Secondary Social Science, Ojibwe Language & Culture

Tell us about the work you do:   I teach grade 10^th grade U.S. history and Ojibwe language at Cloquet Senior High School. The Cloquet school district is one of the few districts in the region that offers Ojibwe language courses.

A source of pride in your life: I have three sons. They are definitely my source of pride.  Sharing their lives and watching as they transform into men is exciting and an honor.  Being the first and only person in my family to graduate from college is a source of pride, as well as receiving my Indian name. I am extremely blessed.

Best St. Scholastica memories: Bringing my junior high age son into Steve Phingsten’s class and making maple syrup with my youngest son “in the bush” were two memories neither they nor I will ever forget!

Significant influences: Meridel Kahl, Steve Phingsten, and Carl Gawboy were wonderful teachers and mentors. I was a nontraditional student raising three sons. These individuals understood the hardship of what I was trying to do, yet they expected excellence. They taught me how to be a dedicated teacher, that rigor paid off, to humanize my daily interactions with my students, and that students need good teachers.

Greatest professional moment: While at Scholastica I was chosen as a McNair Scholar. I completed a phenomenological research project with a great mentor.

Family ties: As a little girl growing up in Duluth, I remember driving by the campus.  It looked like a castle!  It was always my dream to attend St. Scholastica, and I did!

Further education:  Since entire my teaching career, I’ve earned my master’s degree in teaching & learning, spent a week last summer at a history institute in Boulder, CO, and spent time in Canada at an Ojibwe Language and Culture Immersion camp.

Philosophy:  My philosophy is simple:  Love

Impact of the Benedictine values: The Benedictine values have continued to be a source of inspiration in my life. I believe these values transcend and encompass all religions, races, and walks of life. I strive to practice these values as a teacher and even though I do not succeed every moment of each day, it’s progress I seek - not perfection.