Fourth Grade

Mrs. Joan Johnson

I was born and have lived in this area all my life. I attended ICS in the '50's when the Precious Blood Sisters were teachers here. I really enjoyed school and always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I entered the convent in Ruma and stayed until they said I would enter Nursing School after graduation. I left the next day and finished my senior year at SSts. Peter and Paul (Gibault today) in Waterloo. I attended SIU in East St.Louis, SWIC in Belleville, and finally finished college in 1983 from The National College of Education, St. Louis Branch. I have a degree in Behavioral Sciences. I started teaching at ICS in 1965 and have taught here ever since. I am teaching fourth grade now. I enjoy my 4 grandchildren and one great grand child. I also enjoy shopping, reading, and watching movies. I spend as much time as I can with my mother who also lives here in Columbia. I am looking forward to another good year at ICS!

Mrs. Shari Murphy

Email: smurphy@htc.net

I am so excited to be teaching at Immaculate Conception School!
I grew up in Belleville, IL. I attended St. Augustine Catholic School and Althoff Catholic High School. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from McKendree University with endorsements in Language Arts and Physical Education, and a Minor in Coaching. I also have an M.A.T. from Webster University in Early Childhood Education.
I have had the unique experience to teach in a Catholic School, an affluent school district in St. Louis and a private all girl’s school and a private all boy’s school in Richmond, VA.
I have 3 children. My boys, the twins, attended ICS from kindergarten through 8^th grade and are now attending Gibault Catholic High School. My daughter is in 4^th grade at ICS.
Of all the things my parents have given me in my life, my Catholic education is the most important. I am proud and honored to do the same for my children.
In my spare time you can find me volunteering for the parish and school or on the nearest soccer field, basketball court, or softball field cheering for my children! Did you know I played college softball and I absolutely love coaching softball?
My motto is…. Think you can! Work hard! Get smart!