Meet Mrs. Sarah Gates Fifth Grade Teacher | St. Ann School

There is something special about walking into Mrs. Sarah Gates’ fifth grade classroom. It’s a place where students are greeted by name, curiosity is encouraged, laughter is welcomed, and faith is woven naturally into each day. With a deep love for teaching, learning, and her students, Mrs. Gates brings both heart and intention to everything she does at St. Ann School.

Mrs. Gates believes deeply in each of her students and is intentional about creating a classroom where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski

A Calling Rooted in Family and Faith

Mrs. Gates grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, alongside her younger brother and two younger sisters. She attended Catholic high school, where her faith continued to grow and take deeper root. Teaching was always close to her heart — inspired by her parents, both educators in their own ways. Her mother was an elementary school teacher, and her father served as a firefighter and paramedic who also taught paramedic courses for many years.

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and teach,” she shares.

That calling eventually led her to Western Illinois University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in mathematics. It was there that she built a strong academic foundation that continues to shape her classroom today.

Mrs. Gates is in her element teaching 5th and 6th grade math
Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski 

Finding Her Way to St. Ann School

Mrs. Gates truly believes that God’s hand guided her to St. Ann School. After teaching for several years — including time at a multi-age school teaching combined 3rd–5th grade students and later teaching fifth grade exclusively — she made the decision to step away from the classroom to raise her family.

For 15 years, she was a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her own children for part of that time. Then, one day, everything aligned.

“I saw an opening for a position at St. Ann’s, and I just knew I should apply. The time was right,” she says. “God was giving me a wonderful community of fabulous people and parents to be a part of.”

Her family has been part of the St. Ann parish since 2013, and she officially joined the school staff in 2018 — a role she considers a true blessing.

Mrs. Gates with her awesome 2025-2026 5th grade class

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, Mrs. Gates’ life is full and joyful. She and her husband, Jason, recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary. The two grew up in the same Illinois town and moved to Stoughton in 2011.

Mrs. Gates recently celebrated her 27th wedding anniversary - congratulations!

They are proud parents to three adult children:

• Sullivan (22), who works in fire protection as a fire sprinkler fitter for Dave Jones
• Annabelle (20), who is pursuing a degree in early childhood special education at UW–Madison
• Charlotte (18), who recently earned her CNA license and will attend UW–Eau Claire this fall to work toward a nursing degree

“I’m so proud of them,” she says.

The Gates family also includes Buddy, their sweet senior dog who has been with them since the kids were little.

When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Gates loves to read — and read some more. She’s also an avid puzzler and almost always has a 1,000-piece puzzle in progress. Most of all, she treasures time spent with her family, especially shared dinners and moments of laughter amid busy schedules.

The Gates Family!

Teaching with Heart and Purpose

Mrs. Gates’ classroom is shaped by her own experiences as both a teacher and a parent. Over the years, teaching has taught her patience, humility, and the importance of truly seeing each child.

She was recently honored with a special teaching award — recognition that took her completely by surprise.

“I was shocked. Truly speechless,” she recalls. “I had to read the email a couple of times for it to sink in. I feel so humbled that a parent would take the time to nominate me. I love coming to work each day, and I love working with each and every one of my students.”

Moments like that, along with watching students grow in confidence and understanding, continually affirm her calling.

The TDS Telecommunications Most Valuable Educator Award program honors educators working in Wisconsin schools who are making a difference in the lives of students and their communities. Mrs. Gates received a certificate of her nomination (above), and she will receive an Amazon gift card too.

A Classroom Where Students Feel Known

When asked what she hopes students gain most from her classroom, Mrs. Gates’ answer is simple and powerful: belonging.

“I hope they know that I truly believe in them,” she says. “I care about them as people and about what’s going on in their day and their lives. I want them to feel welcome and valued when they walk into my classroom.”

As both an ELA and math teacher, she gets to see many sides of her students. In ELA, she works to instill a genuine love of reading — especially through shared class novels.

“One of my favorite things is reading aloud and looking out at their faces as they follow along, completely caught up in the story,” she shares. “The depth of our book discussions is something so special. Each class teaches me something new.”

In math, Mrs. Gates is passionate about helping students build confidence.

“I didn’t always feel successful in math growing up,” she says. “So I want my students to know they can be mathematicians.”

She compares math to a sport — the more you practice, the better you get — and affectionately calls her students “mathletes.” Through games, logic puzzles, and meaningful discussions, she helps students see math as a language they can learn and unlock.

Who knew math could be this fun?
It is when Mrs. Gates is your math teacher!
Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski

Faith in Action Every Day

Faith is at the center of Mrs. Gates’ classroom. From daily prayer to recognizing liturgical seasons and feast days, faith is naturally woven into learning.

Recently, her class chalked their classroom door for Epiphany and explored the many names of Jesus during January, the Month of the Holy Name. Students searched Scripture to find names that resonated with them personally.

“I want my students to love being Catholic and to see how present God is in their lives,” she explains.

She also incorporates sacred art into religion lessons, inviting students to study and reflect on artwork connected to their faith — often uncovering rich symbolism and thoughtful insights.

Every year, 5th grade students present "A Living Saints Museum" for their entire school, family and friends

Building Character, Community, and Responsibility

At the start of each school year, Mrs. Gates’ fifth graders help define what they want their classroom to be. Together, they create shared expectations rooted in kindness, empathy, and responsibility — and each student signs the agreement.

“That sense of ownership matters to them,” she says.

St. Ann’s close-knit environment provides daily opportunities for leadership, especially through relationships with younger students and faith family buddies. Mrs. Gates loves watching her fifth graders step into those roles with confidence and compassion, particularly during Mass.

“It’s beautiful to see,” she says.

5th grade students regularly sit with their 2nd grade buddies at Mass

Partnering with Families

Mrs. Gates believes strong communication with families is essential.

“I think of it as a triangle — the parents, the student, and me,” she explains. “We all have a role to play.”

She regularly sends short class newsletters to keep families informed and is always available to connect with parents. The trust and partnership she shares with St. Ann families deeply impacts her work and makes teaching even more rewarding.

Strong partnerships between school and families helps students to feel supported, welcomed, and ready to thrive each day.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski

Looking Ahead

As her students move on from fifth grade, Mrs. Gates hopes they carry confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love of learning with them.

“I want them to know they are capable of great things,” she says. “I hope they keep their sense of wonder — and that they remember some of the great books we shared together.”

When asked what families should know about St. Ann School and its teachers, her answer reflects her heart:

“St. Ann’s is an amazing school with a dedicated staff. We keep our faith at the heart of everything we do. It’s more than a school — it’s a family.”

Mrs. Gates, alongside our incredibly talented Middle School team

We are grateful for teachers like Mrs. Gates, who shape not only strong students, but kind, confident, faith-filled people.

Growing in confidence, kindness, and joy — together
Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski