Mrs. Ruzynski brings a wealth of experience to St. Joseph’s, having taught students from fifth grade through adult education, including ESL and GED preparation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Albright College and earned her teaching certification from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

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After relocating to Minnesota in 2014, Mrs. Ruzynski stepped away from full-time teaching to raise her four children, while remaining connected to the classroom through substitute teaching in the South Washington School District in the Twin Cities. In 2021, she and her family made Grand Rapids their home, drawn by the beauty of northern Minnesota and the strong sense of community at St. Joseph’s.

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In her fifth-grade classroom, Mrs. Ruzynski empowers students to take ownership of their learning. She emphasizes understanding the “why” behind concepts and encourages students to view mistakes as valuable opportunities for growth. By fostering a supportive environment, she helps students build confidence, take risks, and explore new ideas.

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A meaningful highlight of her classroom each year is a service-learning partnership with the pre-K classes. Together, students collect donations and assemble care kits for college students at Minnesota North – Itasca Campus. This hands-on experience helps students see the impact of living out their faith and serving others.

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Mrs. Ruzynski values the warmth and faith-centered community at St. Joseph’s and is passionate about supporting the academic, personal, and spiritual growth of every student she teaches.