Meet Mrs. Yamate, our 4th grade teacher!

Mrs. Yamate - 4th Grade

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What made you want to become a teacher? 
Growing up, I always loved learning and reading because these things made me feel alive. My classmates, teachers, and books were like family to me. Attending St. John’s as a child was so foundational in my relationship with Christ, and I never felt alone or scared as a student here. I wanted to become a Lutheran school teacher because I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much. I wanted to teach kids about Jesus and His love for them. I wanted to show students that if they work hard, they can achieve anything they dream of doing. 

Was there a teacher growing up that inspired you, and why? 
All of them! 

My fifth grade teacher had such a calming presence. She gave me vintage textbooks that she didn’t need anymore. When I first became a teacher, I was placed at the school where she taught so we became colleagues! She continues to influence and inspire me. 

St. John’s kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Johnson, was an inspiration to me even though she never was my teacher. I assisted her in running VBS when I was in middle school and she was always so kind to me. 

I also was inspired by St. John’s third grade teacher, Mrs. Mayrens, because she came back to teach at St. John’s after being a student here. This was something I always wanted to do, and she was an example that in God’s timing, it can happen. 

Is there a subject that you especially love to teach?
I love teaching social studies and history. I like teaching about culture and the commonalities between different cultures.  

What did you miss the most about teaching in person during the stay-at-home order? 
I missed seeing the students’ eyes light up when they met a goal, or when they achieved something that they had been working towards. I missed the relationships and engaging with all of the students at one time.

What is the best advice you’ve received about teaching?
Pray for your students, families, and colleagues. Pray before making any big decision. Instead of getting frustrated at someone during a situation, pray for them.

What are you most looking forward to at the start of the year? 
I am excited to serve and give back to the community that gave so much to me. I feel honored to teach family members and children of the people I grew up around. I am looking forward to sharing my excitement for this place with the wider community. 

What do you like about St. John’s? 
St. John’s is a church and school community that feels like a home. St. John’s has been a beacon for Lutheran education on the Northwest side of the city, and tries to be inclusive and achieve excellence in a humble way. I am thankful for the staff who are servant leaders and truly love being here. The teachers and staff have dedicated their lives to making this a great place.