Veteran Teachers to Retire

At the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year, the following two members of the St. Mark’s faculty will retire after nearly four decades of combined service to the School.
 
Thomas S. Adams Master Teacher and member of the Middle School Humanities team, Rebecca Jenkins, will retire this year after more than forty years in the classroom, including the past sixteen as a teacher at St. Mark’s. A gifted educator and devoted mentor to her students, Rebecca began her teaching career at Stevens Park Elementary School in DISD and subsequently served on the faculties of the Instituto Suizo-American in Mexico, St. Philip’s School, and Parish Episcopal School, before finally joining the St. Mark’s faculty in 2005 to teach sixth-grade Humanities. Since that time, she has guided our boys in and out of the classroom, setting the highest standards and challenging her boys to be their best day in and day out. A passionate and collaborative colleague, Rebecca has strengthened and enhanced our Humanities program and made a difference in the lives of countless Marksmen. In addition to her core teaching responsibilities, Rebecca provided leadership as part of the Future Leaders Program, the International Boys Schools’ Coalition, Dallas Area Diversity Youth Organization, Middle School community service, and the St. Mark’s Teacher Institute. She also served as sixth-grade class sponsor and guided Middle School Quiz Bowl teams. An inspiration in the classroom and master of her craft, Rebecca has earned noteworthy recognition, including the Ackerman Award for Character Education, the Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award, and has been a finalist for the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award.  
 
A veteran in the Lower School, Catherine Wetzel will retire at the conclusion of this school year after a lengthy career in education and twenty years of service teaching third grade on the St. Mark’s faculty. Prior to joining the St. Mark’s family, Catherine gained meaningful experience teaching kindergarten and first grade at The Lamplighter School, in addition to various roles at the Westminster Presbyterian School, The Episcopal School of Dallas, and Greenhill School. During the past two decades on the St. Mark’s faculty, she has instilled a genuine passion and love of learning in her students. Always ready with a warm smile and cheerful greeting, Catherine provides her boys with enriching experiences both in and out of the classroom, including collecting and recycling one million bottle caps with the help of six classes of third-grade Marksmen and their families, friends, and teachers. Always cultivating an appreciation for the natural world, she has led the Seedlings and Lower School Gardening Club, the Origami Club, excursion trips to Camp Jolt, magic shows, and much more. She has been a mainstay in Lower School testing, pioneered Character and Leadership development for our youngest Lions, and served on the Faculty Advisory Committee. From Show-and-Tell Fridays to establishing important fundamentals in language arts, mathematics, science, and other core content, Catherine builds strong foundations for our Marksmen to ensure that they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. An exceptional teacher, valued colleague, and mother of John Wetzel ’11, she leaves a proud legacy of excellence.
 
Congratulations and many thanks to both of these fine teachers who have contributed immeasurably to our School and shaped the lives and experiences of many Marksmen.