all Staff

Kristin Kriener

Principal

Email: kkriener@st-teresa.pvt.k12.ia.us

Department: Administrators

Location: K – 8 Staff & Faculty, Ossian

I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Mount Mercy College. I have endorsements in Early Childhood, Reading, and Gifted and Talented Education. I received my Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration from Iowa State University. I have been an educator for 25 years teaching first grade, second grade, Title 1 reading, technology, K-12 gifted & talented coordinator, and now principal.

​In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy watching my children in all of their activities and traveling to new places. I like to go golfing, read, fish, as well as watching movies.

​Some of you may be wondering why my faith journey has led me to becoming a part of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School family?

  1. Reason 1: After teaching at St. Patrick’s School in Waukon and being the principal of St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, I believe a Catholic education draws children into a deeper relationship with Christ and the church. I learned more about my Catholic faith in the 5 years I have worked in the Catholic school setting than in the 12 years I attended the religious education program growing up.
  2. Reason 2: I believe the role of a Catholic catechist is to teach the Faith of the Catholic Church by both word and example. I don’t know Jesus anywhere near as well as I would like to know him. Therefore, this continues to be an incredible opportunity to get to know Jesus better and share the good news with our students and staff.
  3. Reason 3: A Catholic education promotes a lifelong commitment to faith and virtue. In the past, I have felt something missing in my life… it was my ability to talk about God’s teachings to my students. To resist God is to resist our very truest selves. Therefore, I feel that I have found my purpose once again: To help others be the best version of themselves with the guidance of Jesus Christ.
  4. Reason 4: There is no substitute for spending 172 days in an educational environment permeated by faith and Gospel values. I know my own children have benefited from their Catholic education as their relationship with God has flourished.

I look forward to spending time with our students and I thank you for entrusting your children to our care as we work together to nurture your child’s spiritual, academic, and social-emotional growth.