Maureen Kraus has been teaching in Denver Catholic schools for 46 years. She began her teaching career at St. Bernadette’s, where she stayed for 13 years. She then moved to Shrine of St. Anne Catholic school, where she remains to this day and teaching 6th grade.
Mrs. Kraus was never a stranger to the Catholic school system. She was a product of Catholic education herself, attending St. James for elementary school and then Bishop Machebeuf for high school. After that, she went on to the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, KS for college. Catholic education was a cornerstone in her life, having been raised in a Catholic home. She says that she couldn’t ask for anything better than to have grown up Catholic and then been given the opportunity to teach those values to others.
It’s no surprise, then, that Kraus put her own children, 3 daughters, through Catholic education, as well. She says that her girls were exceptionally well-prepared to succeed in college. St. Anne taught them to work hard and understand the importance of academics. They all went to college on scholarship.
In addition to the academic rigor, Kraus suggests that what really sets Catholic schools apart is the people who are invested in it. St. Anne has a particularly vibrant community; Kraus cites parent involvement for this. Year-round weekly volunteering, fundraising, and lots of after-school socializing have created an environment of support and comradery. Perhaps what is most impressive about this is how it’s seemed to last for generations. Kraus has taught the children of her former students and can recognize the family they belong to at a glance.
Kraus says, “A Catholic education is probably one of the best things you can do for your kids. It’s strong academics; it’s a close-knit community.” She emphasizes that Catholic school teachers are truly committed to their students. For them, it’s not just an 8-to-3 job. The passion and devotion these teachers have for their students and their families is the same dedication that has kept Kraus in the game for so long. She says that teaching the faith has strengthened her own as she learns along with the kids.
Teachers like Maureen Kraus keep our Catholic schools alive and vibrant. For more information on how you can help put students in classrooms like hers, visit seedsofhopedenver.org. To learn more about St. Anne Catholic School visit stannescatholic.com. You can also learn more about all the Archdiocese of Denver’s Catholic schools at denvercatholicschools.com.