Many Cultures, One Family

Representing students from over 15 countries!

Michel Wendell (7th grade / 6th -8th grade Communication Arts)

Teaches: 7th Grade / 6th – 8th grade Communication Arts

Years at Cabrini: This is my first year at Cabrini. Most of my professional life in Catholic education has been in South City.

Previous Teaching Positions: I started my teaching career at Holy Family School.  In 1986 I began as a 7th grade homeroom teacher teaching Middle School literature and English and 7th grade religion for 8 years.  I left Holy Family School to become a school principal at Good Shepherd School in Hillsboro, MO.  From Good Shepherd I moved to the Cathedral Basilica School in the Central West End for 10 years as principal. I left there and moved to St. Gabriel the Archangel as Curriculum Coordinator and CRE. I was invited to be the principal at St. Stephens Protomartyr for the next 5 years.  Last year I was principal at St. Ambrose.

I also taught in St. Louis University High School Upward Bound Summer Program.  I collaborated in the  development of the curriculum for the Project Achievement

Degrees: St. Louis University  – Post Graduate Ed. Administration; Washington University – MA Education; Maryville University – BA English – Cum Laude; Maryville University – BA Education – Cum Laude, Certified – 7 to 12 English, Certified – Elementary Ed, Certified – LD – Special; Ed

Why I enjoy teaching: Reading has been my most favorite thing to do – I have always  been an avid reader. I want to share my love of reading and to encourage students to be readers.  I think I have an obligation to try and motivate young people to read. That means that I must offer them a variety of genres and content that will spark their love of reading.

How would you describe your teaching style and methods? I look for the strengths of each student.  I like a classroom where students are engaged in conversation, sharing ideas and working in small groups or on their own.  In the real world and in most professions it is necessary to collaborate and what better place to develop this skill than in a classroom.