Liz Fogarty has dedicated her entire career to teaching and helping others. In fact, her kind-hearted way and passion for seeing others succeed has postponed her retirement not once but twice. “Since elementary school, I knew I always wanted to become a teacher. In fact, our family is surrounded by teachers, it’s in our DNA,” Fogarty said with a laugh.
A Storied Career
Fogarty has been part of the Graduate Support Team at Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) for the past seven years, helping students reach their personal and academic goals. “A lot of the work that I do revolves around sitting beside a student, meeting them where they are at, and moving them forward step by step. Working with them emotionally, helping them gain confidence, and building skills to show them that they can be successful,” she said. Prior to coming to MTMS, she worked with youth in several different capacities such as a high school teacher, attendance officer, chaplain, teaching field supervisor, and played a lead role in implementing alcohol, drug, and addiction awareness programs within schools. Fogarty will begin a new role this fall as a Student Success Coordinator at Luther College High School (LCHS).
Building Positive Relationships
Fogarty will be a familiar face to MTMS alums at LCHS, having built relationships with them while working with the MTMS Graduate Support Team. She looks forward to continuing to build on that foundation to help them achieve their goals. “Teaching isn't as much about the knowledge you impart as it is about the relationships you build. If you can build a solid relationship with a student, anything becomes possible,” said Fogarty.
"MTMS is such a supportive, nourishing, enriching place. It’s been a privilege and a blessing to have been here for the past seven years. I know that I will continue to stay involved, I’m a supporter for life."
- Liz Fogarty
Student Success
Fogarty described how each day is comprised of a series of small choices that will help lead a student to success. From choosing to get to school on time, going to every class, or asking a question when you don’t understand something. “It’s one hundred very small choices that you make every single day. Not making one of them may not have a huge impact, but there will be a tipping point where all those small decisions will help move you forward in the right direction and lead to great success,” said Fogarty.
Seeing a student succeed and find their way is what inspires Fogarty to continue working and hold off on retirement. “It's become very clear to me that I am unable to retire,” Fogarty said with a laugh. She knows that whatever the future holds, she will continue to stay involved with the school. “MTMS is such a supportive, nourishing, enriching place. It’s been a privilege and a blessing to have been here for the past seven years. It’s just not something you can say goodbye to. I know that I will continue to stay involved, I’m a supporter for life.” Fogarty said with a smile.
Contribute to the MTMS Graduate Support Program today!
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Evie Sawatzky | Director of Development
P: 306-569-6867 Ext. 4