Meet Mrs. Jody Eichner
Library K-8
Computers K-5
Mrs. Eichner has been teaching at St. Matt’s since 2001, starting out first as a student teacher, then a substitute, to eventually a full time teacher. She received her Associate of Arts from FVCC and her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Univsersity of Great Falls.
Mrs. Eichner has lived in Flathead Valley since 1985 and her parents still live here. She enjoys her time with them, as well as with her sisters and their families who live elsewhere now. She happily credits St. Matt’s principal, the other Mrs. Eichner, for introducing her to her husband Tim, who is Principal Eichner’s husband’s brother. They married last summer and are now excitedly awaiting the birth of their first child later in the spring. Besides her cherished family life, Mrs. Eichner also enjoys rafting, hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing as well as involvement in church activities.
For as long as she can remember, Mrs. Eichner wanted to be in a helping profession, including motherhood. Since she is afraid of needles, nursing was out. She is happy to have chosen teaching, and now is looking forward to combining it with motherhood soon.
The best part of Mrs. Eichner’s day is each morning knowing there is a fresh start ahead (which is why she also loves the first day of the school year). What she likes most about teaching at St. Matthew’s is the opportunity for prayer to be a part of everyone’s day. “At any point during the day, the class can stop what they are doing and pray together. Being able to show their faith throughout their childhood is so important. Students are able to take this into their lives outside of school and be witnesses of their faith.”
Mrs. Eichner loves seeing the light bulbs come on when students figure concepts out. “Having a room full of children looking up to me makes me want to inspire them to work harder and expect more. St. Matthew’s inspires me to come up with new ideas and to work harder. Just as we expect students to rise to high expectations, so are teachers expected to go above and beyond.”