Background
Mrs. Janelle Turcotte teaches 8th Grade Religion, Algebra, Physical Science, 7th Grade Religion, Pre-Algebra and Life Science, 6th Grade Earth Science and Math, and 5th Grade Math. She received her Master's Degree in Human Development from Washington State University, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Gonzaga University, as well as her Secondary Teaching Certification with endorsements in Biology and Science. Mrs. Turcotte has been teaching in Catholic schools for a total of 9 years at the middle school level. She has taught at St. John Vianney for the last 6 years teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade.

Educational Philosophy
Mrs. Turcotte believes that each student is a unique individual who needs a safe and positive environment to grow socially, emotionally, academically, spiritually, and physically. It is her hope as a teacher to help instill this secure environment so that students can openly share their thoughts and ideas with one another to reach their fullest potential. She believes teachers serve as a guide for students to learn through their own exploration and questioning. Her goal is to provide a variety of stimulating activities and hands-on learning so that students seek answers to their own questions through self-exploration and become intrinsically motivated to learn. One way students become more motivated is when information is meaningful and relevant to their lives. As a teacher, Mrs. Turcotte strives to link concepts and content in the classroom with their personal lives to make the information more meaningful. This can be done by connecting examples directly to personal interests and also by student input on lessons or assignments. Student input and discussion allows for a sense of ownership and then students become more motivated to work hard and reach their goals for success. Developing a sense of respect for oneself, others, and the environment is also an important aspect for every individual to learn in order to become a responsible citizen. As a teacher, she plans to instill this sense of respect through open sharing of ideas and discussions among students, as well as consistency with rules so that students know what to expect. She believes that as a teacher she is continuously learning. It is her hope to instill a love of learning in all of her students by showing her own passion for learning. She plans to bring a positive attitude, open mind, and high expectations to the classroom every day. Mrs. Turcotte believes that students deserve a consistent, caring, and encouraging learning environment to reach their fullest potential and she believes she can create this. She strives to be the best she can be every day. 

Mrs. Turcotte chose to teach in a Catholic school because she believes that spirituality and faith is a crucial factor in education in order to foster the development of the whole individual. Moral growth and faith values are an integral part of individual development. Her childhood and education was rooted in the Diocese of Spokane through St. Mary's and Gonzaga Prep. She feels blessed to have had the upbringing she did, and now she is very lucky to have the opportunity to assume the role that her teachers held and instruct future generations in Catholic education.