Megan Horner
Math
Mrs. Horner grew up in a family that put a high priority on education. Like many teachers, she knew from an early age that she wanted to teach. Coming to the Academy as a student made her dream crystal clear. Not only did she want to be a teacher, but she wanted to teach at the Academy.
“I knew from an early age that this was a special place. I may not have been able to verbalize it at the age of eight, but I felt the emphasis on the education of the whole child. I knew that we, the students, were not only held to a high academic standard, but we were loved, valued and respected by our teachers.”
Coupled with her passion for teaching, her love of math and science motivated her to complete high level math and science classes. After graduating summa cum laude from Saint Louis University with a B.A. in elementary education, Mrs. Horner returned to the Academy as a Third Class teacher. After 24 years in Third Class she has spent the last eight years teaching Fifth and Sixth Class math. The developing independence and academic curiosity of her students excites and inspires her daily. Mrs. Horner loves seeing the pieces fit together as a student’s number sense and problem-solving skills develop and the math begins to make sense. Watching the light bulb turn on, when a student has that “ah ha” moment, gives her great pleasure.
“It is an honor and privilege to spend my days with these students carrying on the mission that Philippine Duchesne brought here in 1818 and that I experienced as a student,” she says.
As an active member of her parish, Mrs. Horner has played a significant role in preparing the older students for the sacrament of Confirmation. She enjoys spending time with her husband, her son (an Academy alum), and extended family. Most weekends you will find her with a group of family members rooting on the Billikens or at the lake enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of the outdoors.
Tammy Strother
Religion and Social Studies
For as long as she can remember, becoming a teacher was the only thing Mrs. Strother wanted to do. “God put that mustard seed in my mind at a very young age.”
At age 17 she started college knowing the path she wanted to take. She attended the University of Missouri, St. Louis and graduated cum laude with a B.S. in elementary education. After teaching fourth grade for five years in the Francis Howell School District, Mrs. Strother spent the next 12 years as a stay-at-home mom. When deciding to return to teaching, the only place she wanted to teach was the Academy.
“When my children began attending school here, I saw that the Academy was addressing the whole child, not just the academic aspect, and I wanted to be a part of that community.”
Mrs. Strother enjoys teaching history and religion. “It is amazing how these two subjects are intertwined. Ancient civilizations and our country were formed out of religious beliefs. I consider history a form of storytelling. This gets the students’ attention and draws them in.”
Mrs. Strother considers teaching religion a privilege. “Students need to understand the Church’s teachings to feel a connection with their religion. I also want to strengthen their relationship with God through different forms of prayer, both private and communal, and through service opportunities.”
Mrs. Strother enjoys spending free time with her family and puppies, gardening and working on her house.
Michael Taylor
Science
From the first day I walked into The Academy of the Sacred Heart in 2011, I felt welcomed and supported. The school always felt like home to me and not just a workplace.
The focus on social awareness resonates with my own belief that we need to not only be informed of issues in the world but also have the strength to bring about positive change. This emphasis combined with ASH’s strong academic foundation creates the perfect opportunity for lasting change and something that I’m enjoying being part of.
My philosophy for teaching Science is to provide a foundation that instills in students a lifelong passion for learning. My lessons include peer collaboration as well as student-paced work allowing students to be successful and feel challenged at the same time.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy the outdoors with my wife, two daughters and German Shepherd.
Elizabeth Johnson
Language Arts
I am excited to continue my career in education at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. I already feel welcomed by this special, holy community. I am touched by the positive environment of the students and staff alike and know this will be a place where I can continue to inspire students to be lifelong learners, especially in the area of Language Arts.
I am deeply passionate about the foundation that a Catholic education can provide for individuals during their formative years, as I have reflected on my own education. When Christ is present in each classroom, it makes a difference in relationships that are formed and the lessons that are learned. I look forward to seeing how this comes alive in my classroom at the Academy!
I also enjoying playing pickleball and spending time with my husband and cat when I’m not teaching!
