Meet Our Third-Grade Teachers, Cindy Brown and Pam Hagerbaumer: Blessed to Be at St. Peter School

One of the mottos at St. Peter School is “Do your best and God will do the rest!” Third-grade teachers Mrs. Cindy Brown and Mrs. Pam Hagerbaumer certainly believe this to be true. They also believe God has led them to their current positions at St. Peter School. They feel right at home as co-teachers — and they happen to be cousins, as well!

For Mrs. Brown, coming back to St. Peter School was like coming home, since she attended the school as a child and taught there for five years after college. She then taught for 15 years in the public school system and returned to St. Peter School seven years ago.

“Something drew me back when I saw an opening,” Mrs. Brown says. “I felt I was supposed to come back, and I missed the atmosphere.”

Mrs. Hagerbaumer found a love for St. Peter School right out of college. She attended the former St. Mary’s School and Notre Dame High School. She interviewed at St. Peter School, loved it, and took the job 23 years ago. During her first four years, she taught sixth grade and has taught third grade in the years since.

“I love teaching and sharing the faith with the students,” Mrs. Hagerbaumer says. “Hopefully they leave this school with a stronger faith, and they know they have God to turn to.”

Both Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Hagerbaumer look forward to this upcoming school year. And while they certainly encountered plenty of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic last school year, it also led them to appreciate the simple things every day, like seeing a smile.

For Mrs. Brown, the year was especially challenging since she was also going through cancer treatment at the time. She taught virtually while her students were together in the room. She was able to return after Christmas break, an opportunity for which she was very thankful.

Both teachers love the atmosphere at St. Peter School, along with the students, families, and fellow teachers and staff members.

Mrs. Cindy Brown with her family

“It’s so easy — if you have a problem, you just ask,” Mrs. Hagerbaumer says. “There’s always someone to talk to about it. This whole school is a family. It’s nice I get to work with my cousin, too.”

“Working with Pam just makes the job for me,” Mrs. Brown says. “We are constantly asking how we can improve our teaching and curriculum.”

Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Hagerbaumer also feel blessed to teach in preparation for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.

“Third-grade students are eager and curious, whether it’s faith or math and science,” Mrs. Brown says. “They are constantly soaking up knowledge.”

Mrs. Hagerbaumer loves being a part of the lives of her students and appreciates their eagerness for learning and the questions they ask. She also loves that third grade is a transitional year for students, as they learn to be more independent in their studies.

Mrs. Brown agrees and appreciates the love for learning even among teachers. She believes St. Peter School is where she is called to be and feels very blessed to be a part of the family.

Reading out loud to the students is a favorite activity for both teachers. They also love teaching math and all the activities that go with the subject. Mrs. Hagerbaumer also loves all the excitement of Catholic Schools Week, typically held in January. For Mrs. Brown, the beginning of the school year is most exciting.

“I love just meeting all the students and getting to know their personalities,” Mrs. Brown says. “There is nothing like the excitement of the beginning of the school year.”

In their free time, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Hagerbaumer both enjoy reading. They also both love to be outside and to spend time with family.

Mrs. Brown speaks for Mrs. Hagerbaumer, too, when she explains one of the most important goals of the third-grade year at St. Peter’s School.

“We are creating lifelong learners,” she says. “It’s not just about what I teach this year. It’s about how to be curious and where to go for information.”

Mrs. Pam Hagerbaumer with her family