At first glance, a transition from marketing to theology might seem unexpected. But for one educator here at school, the shift was less about career change and more about personal fulfillment. Mrs. Alexandra Kopcyzk teaches Theology to Juniors and Seniors and has been teaching here at Lourdes for about 6 years.
“I wasn’t feeling fulfilled,” Kopcyzk admits, reflecting on her early career in marketing. “So I started to really develop my personal relationship with God. I actually joined a Bible study with Lourdes alum, and it was through that experience that I realized I loved learning and talking about God.”
That realization led her back to Lourdes, a school that had always held a special place in her heart. A proud alumna of the Class of 2012, she fondly remembers her time as a student, though she wasn’t particularly involved in the theology department back then. Still, when she decided to enter education, Lourdes was the only place she truly considered.
Now in her sixth year as a theology teacher, she finds her greatest reward in witnessing her students’ personal faith journeys.
“When I have one-on-one conversations with students and see how they are developing their own personal relationship with God, it inspires me,” Kopcyzk said. “A lot of times, students don’t even realize how strong they are. Seeing them apply the lessons from class to their own lives, it always leaves me speechless.”
Her impact in the classroom hasn’t gone unnoticed. On January 27th, after a schoolwide mass, celebrating Catholic Schools Week, she was named Educator of the Year.
“I felt so blessed and so humbled, when I found out,” Kopcyzk said. “Even some of the other nominees were my own teachers, so it was truly an honor. It’s just further motivation to keep going and to continue making a positive impact.”
In order to be named Educator of the Year, one has to have made an immense impact on their students in a unique way. Mrs. Kopcyzk, despite not having been a teacher for very long, did just that.
When asked what sets her apart as an educator, she describes herself as a “thoughtful teacher.” While she acknowledges she may not be the funny or overly charismatic type, she prioritizes building genuine connections with her students.
“I really try to make it a point to connect one-on-one with my students,” she said. “Obviously, with so many students, it’s hard to do that with everyone each year, but I want them to feel seen, known, and loved. They’re not just another student in my class.”
Her teaching style is deeply influenced by some of her former teachers, particularly Business teacher, Ms. Minoso, whom she admired for her engaging and straightforward approach.
“She didn’t beat around the bush,” she said. “She told us the facts and made sure we actually learned.”
Guiding students through their faith in today’s world isn’t always easy, but she believes Lourdes has created an environment where faith isn’t something to be hidden or embarrassed about.
“A lot of people feel like faith is something you just don’t talk about, but we try to encourage the girls to own their faith,” Kopcyzk said. “It’s not always easy, but once they develop confidence in it, navigating the modern world becomes just a little easier.”
She also ensures her classroom is a safe space for open discussions, especially for students who may be questioning or struggling.
“Faith is a choice,” she said. “I never want students to feel like I’m pushing them to make a decision. It has to come from them, on their own time. I just want them to have the freedom to ask questions and explore.”
Above all, she hopes her students leave her class with one key lesson: faith is what carries you through.
“When you have nothing else left in you, the one thing that will get you to keep moving forward is faith,” Mrs. Kopcyzk said. “Life will have its highs and lows, but trusting in God, even in the toughest moments, will always carry you through.”
