Hello, my name is Clara Padula, and I am the Third-Grade teacher here at St. Philip’s. This is my second year at St. Philip’s teaching Third Grade. I graduated from The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. During my time at Catholic I received various Honors awards, such as the Hattie M. Strong Foundation Scholarship which holds a strong focus on education. Our classroom promotes the love of learning and fosters the growth of independence. Activities are widely discussion based as we shift from learning to read into reading to learn. This school year I have also had the pleasure of teaching Fifth Grade Religion. Being a part of these classroom families have provided me with memories I will continue to cherish forever. Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and playing piano. My goal as an educator is to help my students strive for academic success, while cultivating their emotional, physical, and spiritual growth as an individual.