Mrs Theresa Gunderson

St. Stephen's Catholic Community,     

With great excitement, I introduce myself to you as the Principal of St. Stephen's Catholic School. I look forward to celebrating and sharing my Catholic faith as well as my passion for excellence in education with St. Stephen’s school, parish, and community.

I have been dedicated to the field of education for over 20 years which includes teaching English in Madrid, Spain, and teaching 3rd and 4th grades at the Spanish Immersion School in Robbinsdale. I have also served as Executive Director of O’Neill Language Academy, and most recently I was the Interim Executive Director of Cannon River STEM School, a K-8 charter school in Faribault, MN.

A bit about my educational background…I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from the University of Minnesota and my Elementary Education Licensure from Augsburg University. I am also licensed to teach Spanish and English K-12. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education and I am currently enrolled in the Administrative Licensure Program at the University of Minnesota, working towards a K-12 Principal’s Licensure. I am passionate about education and am always looking to expand my understanding of best practices to better serve the children, teachers, families, and community that I am blessed to work with each day.

On a personal note, I have been married to my wonderful husband, Jim, for 25 years. We have two children; our son is a junior at Mankato State University and our daughter just graduated from Hill-Murray School. In addition to raising our children in a Catholic home, we have raised them in a bilingual home. My husband, Jim, speaks to our children in English and I speak to them in Spanish. I am excited to see that there is a Spanish mass and a Hispanic community at St. Stephen’s.

As I begin this journey with you all, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes from Mother Teresa, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” As we begin to work together, I pray that we be witnesses of God’s kindness in each other and in our students throughout the year.

In closing, please know that my door is always open to you. I heartily welcome your conversation, ideas, and positive input. I look forward to celebrating our collective success for St. Stephen’s Catholic School Community during the school year!

Yours In Christ,

Theresa Gunderson, Principal