My name is Rita Harvatin. I hold a lifetime certification in the following areas: Elementary Education 1-8, Language Arts 4-8, Social Studies 4-8, PK-3 from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. I continued my education and received my Masters of Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. I am dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of learning in children.
I have taught since 1988, beginning my teaching career in the St. Louis Public School system. I taught at Cupples Elementary (1st grade, 2nd grade) and Oak Hill Elementary (2nd grade PAR-Project Alternative Room). I then went to teaching part-time in Preschools-Southhampton Presbyterian, Union Preschool, and St. Lucas-Word of Life Preschool, to spend more time with my family. I pioneered a new preschool program at St. Mary Magdalen until the school closed. I have been at St. Margaret’s since 2005.
I believe learning is a lifelong process. I continually register for workshops to enhance my teaching abilities to better serve my students and their needs.
I am married with 4 children and five grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love to play poker with my aunts and uncles once a month. I also enjoy playing Bunco and Crazy Rummy with friends, relaxing on the beach, reading by the pool, traveling, and collecting Christmas ornaments.