Let’s visit the classroom of 2nd-grade teacher Lisa Ward and learn about the important aspects of her approach.

For six years, Lisa Ward has been helping our young learners grow in both knowledge and faith at The Franciscan School. She joined the TFS community in 2020, bringing her passion for early education and a deep love for Catholic school life.

A graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School in Pennsylvania, she earned her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Millersville University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in School Counseling at N.C. State University. Before joining TFS, she spent four years teaching transitional kindergarten in a Montessori school, an experience that helped shape her nurturing and student-centered approach in the classroom.

Teaching 2nd grade, she says, has been “a dream fulfilled.” As a former Catholic school student herself, she always hoped to return to that environment as an educator. “The tight-knit community here at TFS is so supportive and caring that it makes teaching here incredibly special,” she shares. What makes second grade stand out even more is the faith journey students experience throughout the year, particularly as they prepare for and receive their First Holy Communion. “It’s a privilege to support them as they grow in their faith,” she adds.

A day in Ms. Ward’s classroom is filled with learning and laughter. She and Mrs. Teresa Walsh collaborate to create a welcoming space where every child feels safe, valued, and known. They make it a priority to get to know each student’s unique skills and interests and weave them into daily lessons. “Our days are filled with a lot of learning paired with humor along the way,” she shares.

Mrs. Walsh, 2nd-grade ITA, shares that “Ms. Ward is engaging, supportive, and calming. She embraces every child emotionally and academically, always coming up with creative ways to keep learning fun.” Mrs. Walsh also shares that Ms. Ward’s past students stop in to visit their beloved teacher several mornings a week. “Working with her is a truly joyful experience every day,” she says excitedly.

Faith is another essential part of daily life in the classroom. Preparing for the sacraments is a highlight of the year, and the classroom becomes a space where questions, conversations, and reflections are welcomed and encouraged.

In every lesson taught and every milestone celebrated, Ms. Ward’s classroom reflects the heart of a TFS education. It’s a place where students feel known and loved, where learning is joyful and purposeful, and where each child is encouraged to grow into the person God created them to be.