Mrs. Sondej

Hi! My name is Christina Sondej (like the day of the week — Sunday)! I have known since I was very young that I wanted to be a teacher. I thank my 2nd grade teacher, Miss O'Leary for inspiring me! I started assisting with a Religious Education program when I was 10. When I was 15, I taught my own 2nd grade class and was the 2nd grade level coordinator. I taught both 2nd and 3rd grade for 7 more years until I moved.

I was a preschool aide while I attended Saint Xavier University, Chicago. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (birth through 3rd grade) and have Special Education approval from the Illinois State Board of Education.

I am certified in DuPage County. I have substituted for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade and for a graduate requirement, I student taught 3rd grade. I have taught Kindergarten for two years, 1st grade for twelve years, and this is my thirteenth year in Pre-K! I have been teaching for almost 30 years and proudly spent 20 of those years teaching at St. Dominic, Bolingbrook. St. Dominic closed in 2022 and I am very excited to have found a new home for me and my son at St. Mary of Gostyn!

I worked at KinderCare every summer until my son was born. I would go on all of the field trips with the Kindergarteners and School Agers. I had my "Summer Job" for 14 years and it was so much fun!

I have attended Catholic grade school, high school, and college which has aided in my love of teaching at a Catholic School! I was honored to have my Pre-Kindergarten curriculum featured at the NCEA (National Catholic Education Association) 2019 conference in Chicago and presented in Denver in 2022! Working with Loyola University, my curriculum was presented to administration, principals, and educators as maximizing instruction with intentional curriculum. I am also on the Diocese of Joliet Early Childhood Standards Committee to ensure our youngest learners are receiving the best age-appropriate learning foundation.

My husband and I have been together for over 28 years and we have an AWESOME 7th Grader that we are so proud of!

St. Mary of Gostyn is a wonderful school and we are going to have a fun-filled, faith-filled, learning experience! I am so privileged to spend such an important time in your child's life with your child. We are going to have an amazing year!