Shining a Light on . . . Tulie Germany

With a total of 16 years teaching experience, PK2 teacher Tulie Germany has a warm, loving nature that fills her classroom with joy. She brings lessons to life with creativity and confidence, making our littlest Stars and Suns curious and ready to explore. Take a minute to get to know Ms. Tulie a little better!

Why did you want to become a teacher? 

I became a teacher later in life. It all started when I was volunteering at my children's schools, and I discovered how much I loved working with kids. I was offered a position as a JK assistant, and the rest is history! I truly believe this is what I have been called to do.

What is your favorite thing about teaching PK2 kids?

 2–3-year-olds find such wonder and joy in everything they do. Being a small part of their personal achievements like coloring in the lines, recognizing a letter, or becoming self-sufficient, makes every day exciting and new for me, which is truly a blessing.

What are some ways you bring lessons to life/how do you make learning fun for your students?

I believe children at this age learn best through play and exploration, and they also crave structure. I try to keep a consistent daily routine while still making lessons engaging and interactive. For example, we start every morning with an affirmation chant, prayer, pledge and calendar. If our big lesson is about farm animals, we will make chickens as a craft, and overnight they will “lay eggs." The next day the children will gather the eggs. We will also shear shaving-cream sheep and milk pretend cows, just like a farmer. 

What do you hope to accomplish in your job?

My personal goal is to foster a sense of community with the students and their families and to build a love of learning during their formative first years, so they can grow to be lifelong learners.

What makes the St. Agnes-St. Dominic ECC experience unique?

I have worked in several diocesan schools over the years, and loved them all, but St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School ECC is different.  There is such a sense of community and continuity from PK2 through JK, all the way through to the high school. To have the Upper School students help in the ECC, or even just seeing the Lower School students go about their day as we are walking the halls has an impact on the littles. They can feel they are part of something bigger.

Which of the Dominican Pillars-Study, Prayer, Community, or Service-is supported most by your role here, or which one impacts you the most/means the most to you?

I believe all four Pillars play an important part in my role here. The Pillar of Study is obvious as I help my students learn. But also, I find that I learn something new all the time through professional development and collaboration with my peers. The Pillar of Community is supported not only by SAA- SDS within itself, but also as we venture out into the community to do service work. This Pillar of Service is so beautiful to witness. I loved when we, as teachers, went out into the community and did service hours as a professional development day. The final Pillar, and the one that means the most to me, is Prayer. I love when the ECC gathers on the Cloud for group prayers or when we go to chapel together.

What does it mean to you as an alumna, to come back to campus as a teacher?

I loved my time at SAA and am still close friends with several girls from my time here. The special bond of sisterhood was always fostered at SAA. The teachers always made us feel visible, heard and valued, and that stuck with me into my adult life. Now I have come full circle and get to be a part of that legacy. It is such a gift.

Do you have a favorite memory from your years as a student at SAA?

I remember how Sister Agnes Richardo would always end class every Friday with “Don’t sell yourself short!”  As a teenage girl it seemed silly on the surface, but it truly did resonate in my core, and I have carried it throughout my life. I also fondly remember traditions like Spirit Week, Teachers vs Seniors volleyball game, Ring Ceremony and so much more.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for my three beautiful children. My oldest son is 33, my daughter is 31, and my youngest son is 27. The three are very different, with their own strengths and passions, but all of them are kind, empathetic, compassionate people, and I am so proud to be their mom.

What is your favorite children’s book?

I still remember the first book I ever checked out from the library, it was, “Harry, the Dirty Dog”.  It still has a sentimental hold on my heart.

There are so many amazing children's books, it is hard to choose just one. I guess one of my favorites to read to the class is "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes.” The children love interacting with that story, and the moral at the end is wonderful: “No, matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song… because it’s all good.” I would love to write a children's book one day!

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the classroom?

I love musical theatre, art and karaoke. I guess at this point in my life I am most passionate about my faith. No matter what life has brought me, good or bad, God has always been there.