Teacher of the Month: May- Christie Horton, St. John the Evangelist School

Name: Christie (Donahue) Horton

Occupation: Eighth grade teacher in language arts, social studies and religion at .

Years At School: 3

Previous Schools Taught: St. James School in Falls Church, Va.

Education: Graduated from Loretto High School, which has since closed; bachelor's degree in liberal studies from California State University, Long Beach; master's in history from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.

Personal:  Lives in Rancho Cordova with husband Nick and son Isaac, 11 months. The couple is expecting a second child due in November.

What she likes about teaching: "The kids. They make each day interesting and exciting. I never know what to expect from them but I'm pleasantly surprised. We have some great teachers here at St. John."

What influenced her to become a teacher?  "I feel like it's what I've been called to do. I kind of always thought I was going to be a teacher."

Community Involvement: Coaches the Academic Decathlon team at St. John, teaches ballet at KM Dance Arts in Citrus Heights.

What she likes most about the school and Carmichael community: "The school community I love because it's family focused. Some people are second-generation St. John students and there's an emphasis on community here. We're now enrolling and we're open to accepting new families. It's a wonderful and safe place to send kids. As for Carmichael, this is where I feel I grew up. It really hasn't changed in the last 20 years. It still has a solid community feel."

What others say about her:

"She's an outstanding teacher. She's a wonderful role model for her students and creates an environment where every child feels comfortable. She gives students the tools and knowledge they need to be successful in high school and beyond. She's a great addition to our faculty." - Nancy Conroy, principal, St. John the Evangelist School

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'Teacher of the Month" will be on summer break.