Faculty & Staff Spotlight
Three times each year, St. Ann Catholic School recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member through our Saintly Spotlight. This special recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify our Catholic values through their dedication, service, leadership, and commitment to our students and school community.
We are grateful for the teachers and staff members who help bring our mission to life each day and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and families.
Mrs. Lisa Banks - Modified Academic Program (MAP) Teacher
Mrs. Lisa Banks has been lighting up the St. Ann hallways and classrooms with laughter, learning, and a healthy dose of humor for over 10 years. A beloved teacher and proud St. Ann parent, she brings heart into everything she does. We are excited to feature Mrs. Banks in this faculty spotlight as she shares a little about her journey, her classroom, and what makes St. Ann so special to her.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
In college, I discovered a love for working with children with special needs. Add in some creativity, a taste for coffee, and a questionable sense of humor… and a teacher was born!
How long have you been part of the St. Ann community? I’m an Ohio girl who traded snow for sunshine in 2013, and I’ve been part of the St. Ann family ever since! Even more special, my own children are part of this school, so I get to experience it as both a teacher and a parent.
My oldest, Claire, is a St. Ann graduate (Class of 2018). Leah, my middle, followed right behind as a graduate in 2021. And my baby, Nick, is a future member of the St. Ann Class of 2028!
What do you love most about teaching at St. Ann?
Easy! The people. There’s something really special about a place where you laugh with each other and get through the hard stuff together. I’ve taught with Mrs. Mooney for 13 years, and at this point we share a classroom, a brain, and probably too many jokes. We’ve lasted this long because we genuinely love each other and work well together, but I think she keeps me around because I can reach the tall shelves!
How does faith come into your classroom?
In big ways and small ones. Sometimes in prayer, sometimes in conversations, and sometimes simply in how we treat each other with kindness, patience, and forgiveness.
What is your favorite lesson or classroom tradition with students?
I love the moments when students are laughing, engaged, and don’t even realize they’re learning. Lessons that leave kids saying, “This is the best day ever!” are my favorite.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching?
Laughing too loudly, crossing things off my to-do list, and embarrassing my kids are daily highlights. I love binge watching TV with my husband, chatting with friends, thrifting for treasures, and lastly, recharging my sparkle with an alarm clock-free weekend!
What do you hope students carry with them long after they leave your classroom?
My greatest hope is that they remember how much I loved them. Loved big, loved loud, loved recklessly… all the way to the ends of the earth!
