“Science is how God gets stuff done.”

This phrase can often be heard from 7th-grade science teacher Mrs. Jessie Yonkovit in her classroom. Now in her third year at The Franciscan School, Mrs. Yonkovit brings energy and humor to each day, helping students connect their curiosity to their faith.

Before teaching, Mrs. Yonkovit received her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and her master’s degree from Penn State University. She’s taught at several schools in the area, including St. Michael’s, St. Mary Magdalene, and Leesville Road High School. Each of those experiences has helped shape her teaching style and prepare her to make an impact at TFS.

What Mrs. Yonkovit loves most about her job is teaching seventh graders. “Seventh grade is the best of both worlds: my students are still kids—curious, funny, affectionate—but they’re also starting to become the remarkable adults they are meant to be.” She particularly appreciates their sense of humor and love of life. “Their energy and antics keep me laughing, keep me on my toes, and keep me young.” She shares that teaching science only adds to the fun, especially when students have those “a-ha” moments of observing something in the real world that clicks with what they are learning in class.

Mrs. Yonkovit’s days start early: she’s up before 6:00 a.m. and arrives on campus shortly after 7:00. Following morning prayer in the courtyard, first period is spent either planning in her cubby in the Siena teachers’ workroom or proctoring the study hall. Second period is always different, rotating between advisory, her forensics elective, or herding students at Mass. During the third and fourth periods, she teaches science in the upstairs lab she shares with her self-proclaimed teacher-hero, Alan Johnston. Midday includes lunch duty (and lunch itself), followed by seventh and eighth periods in the downstairs lab she shares with Karin Kuropas. After dismissal, she’s back in her cubby until about 4:00, and if there’s a home game, she can be found cheering on her students.

Even though Mrs. Yonkovit’s days are full, it’s exactly where she wants to be. May we all approach each day with the same passion and humor that Mrs. Yonkovit brings to TFS: “Being at TFS is where my faith, my vocation, and my daily life come together. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still show up the next day, maybe in my pajamas and a secretary in tow!”

We are blessed to have Mts. Yonkovit!