MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE LEVELS

Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade

Lisa Zimmerman
Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Zimmerman has had teaching experience ranging from elementary to high school since 1996.  She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in English and recently acquired her M.A. in Secondary Education as well as a preliminary California Credential from Loyola Marymount University. Mrs. Zimmerman distinguished herself through her memberships in Alpha Sigma Nu, a national Jesuit honor society based on scholarship, loyalty, and service, and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education which recognizes scholarship and excellence in education.

She was born and raised in Encino, California and is a product of the Catholic school system, having graduated from St. Charles Borromeo and Notre Dame High School.  Mrs. Zimmerman continues to support Catholic schooling, not only through her teaching, but also by sending both of her children to St. Cyril Of Jerusalem.

“Teaching is not simply what I do; it is who I am,” comments Mrs. Zimmerman.  “I want my students to leave my room knowledgeable, confident young adults who are leaders in their communities.”  She strives to be an advocate for her student’s needs, creating a learning environment that is both nurturing and stimulating.  Teaching is about educating the whole person, academically and spiritually.  It is about creating a dialogue between the teacher, the students and the parents.  It is about helping them take what they have learned and make connections to the world in which they live.  Teaching is about making the material relevant and alive.

Patricia Behrens
Seventh Grade Teacher
Mrs. Behrens grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio where she attended a Catholic grade school, high school and college. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Xavier University.  She taught second grade at a Catholic elementary school in Cincinnati before moving to California in 1974 where she has raised her four children.  Her Master of Arts in Child and Adolescent Literacy was earned from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.  The state of California has issued her a California Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Additionally, she earned her CLAD (Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development) certification.  She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society and the California Mathematics Council.  Mrs. Behrens has enjoyed teaching various aspects of the junior high curriculum at St. Cyril School since 1989.  She currently is the seventh grade homeroom teacher, and teachers math to all of the middle school.  In addition to her daily teaching, Patricia enjoys being the moderator for the California Junior Scholarship Federation and teaching an after school math enrichment program.

As a professional in the field of education, Mrs. Behrens believes in the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of all her students.   She challenges her students by providing instruction that raises them individually to their next level of cognitive development and aids them in realizing their own intellectual potential.  “I make every effort to create an atmosphere of imaginative learning where students with different learning styles feel success.  I want my classroom to be a safe environment where each student can maximize their acquisition of skills and concepts,” comments Mrs. Behrens.  It is her goal to nurture the total being of her students by blending her caring, maternal nature, and high standards of moral integrity into her teaching practices to encourage students to become active, young adults in the Catholic community.  She provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead moral, intellectual lives within a culturally diverse world.  Mrs. Behrens wants each of her students to develop respect for themselves and others, while working towards becoming academically and socially accountable citizens.
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Mike Muir
Eighth Grage Teacher

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Jenifer Blake
Writing
Mrs. Blake is originally from Washington D.C. and attended Catholic schools K thru 12.  She has been delighted to teach writing at St. Cyril since 2006.  “A Catholic education is an extraordinary experience.  Who can ever forget the friendships, sense of community and the plaid uniforms,” Ms. Blake comments.  She specializes in helping junior high students prepare for high school.  Jennifer earned a B.A. in English literature and graduated with honors earning an M.A. in writing from California State University, Northridge.  Her thesis, a collection of short stories entitled "Prozac Cheesecake" won her national recognition.

Mrs. Blake’s philosophy is to never give up on a student.  Believe in them and they will succeed.  Provide direction through specific comments.  Positive reinforcement, sense of humor and constructive criticism are imperative when teaching writing.