Kate Spong Helps Second-Graders Grow in Mind, Body, and Soul at St. Joseph Catholic School

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“St. Joseph Catholic School is different from other schools because our relationships come first,” Mrs. Spong says. “We treat each other as a large family. Even when students move onto the next grade, they know they are welcome back in their former classroom anytime. The caring teachers makes it feel more like a second home than a school.”

Why she loves teaching at a Catholic school: “The relationships I can make with the students and their families is special here. I can work closely with their families to help build the whole student: mind, body, and spirit.”

Our Brevard County private schools are more than just educational institutions of excellence; we are also vibrant, caring communities where each student is respected and loved as a unique child of God. Our dedicated teachers ensure that students have the tools they need to grow academically, physically, and spiritually. 

At St. Joseph Catholic School in Palm Bay, Second-Grade Teacher Mrs. Kate Spong is one of the faculty members encouraging each child to learn and grow within a warm, welcoming classroom environment. 

Learn more about Mrs. Spong’s background and approach to teaching the whole child. 

Inspired by an Exceptional Catholic School Education

Mrs. Spong grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with 12 brothers and sisters. She and her siblings all attended Catholic school from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and she credits her Catholic school education with forming her in mind, body, and soul. 

“Catholic school made me the person I am today,” she says. “It helped mold me with my morals and values beginning immediately in Kindergarten.” 

Mrs. Spong was inspired to become a teacher when she was in second grade. She struggled with learning to read and her first-grade teacher never gave up on her.

“She would pull me from class and work with me even when she wasn’t my teacher anymore,” she says. “I wanted to become a teacher to help the students like me who have to work a bit harder to succeed.” 

Mrs. Spong has now been teaching in the Diocese of Orlando for eight years and at St. Joseph Catholic School for six of those years. She loves being part of the welcoming environment at St. Joseph’s, where faculty, staff, students, and parents can come together as a faith-filled community. 

“St. Joseph Catholic School is different from other schools because our relationships come first,” she says. “We treat each other as a large family. Even when students move onto the next grade, they know they are welcome back in their former classroom anytime. The caring teachers makes it feel more like a second home than a school.” 

Providing a Loving, Engaging Classroom for Second-Graders

As a Second-Grade Teacher, Mrs. Spong improves learning outcomes for her students by creating an interactive, enriching environment. 

“I try to engage students by using movement as much as I can. Even when answering math problems, we are moving in and out of our seats to remain engaged!” 

One of her favorite parts of teaching second grade in a Catholic school is preparing students for the Sacraments. 

“I love teaching students about their First Holy Communion. It is such a wonderful time in their lives and something that I remember vividly from my childhood as well.” 

In addition to fostering academic and faith formation, Mrs. Spong ensures students feel safe, secure, and respected in her classroom.

“My goal is for students to leave my classroom at the end of the school year feeling responsible for themselves, self-motivated, caring, mindful, and truly loved,” she says. “My students hold such a special place in my heart. I want them to know that I am always in their corner.”

Getting to Know Mrs. Spong

Outside of school, here are a few fun facts about Mrs. Spong:

• She loves reading, working out, going to the beach with her family, spending time with her husband and dog, and enjoying many creative ventures!

• She has a lovable and crazy rescue dog named Finn.

• Her favorite book changes often, but she can always go back to the Harry Potter series.

• Her favorite TV show is “Friends.”

• If she won the lottery, the first thing she would do is pay off outstanding balances of lunch accounts for students who needed it.

• A Bible verse she loves is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Thank you, Mrs. Spong, for the joy, faith, and dedication you bring to students at St. Joseph Catholic School. 

Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Brevard County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through a Catholic school education.