Welcome to Ms. Ernst's Classes!

Hello! My name is Mrs. Laura Ernst. This is my eighth year teaching here at SMS.  I currently hold the positions of the 3rd and 4th Grade Math, 3rd-8th Grade Religion, and 3rd Grade Homeroom teacher. My new position is incredible because it gives me an opportunity to work with a majority of our remarkable students. I prefer a hands-on approach to learning and enjoy teaching the students when they are learning through exploration. This is when they take charge of their learning and I can navigate instead of direct them throughout their educational journey.

My interest for education sprouted at a young age.  Growing up in a family of 7 children I assisted with homework duties for my younger siblings.  It was then that God started to prepare me for my calling as a teacher. My parents were a driving force of this passion.  My Dad is a natural teacher and a modern-day Renaissance Man with knowledge about anything hands-on.  He is passionate about extending this knowledge to his children and anyone else that is blessed enough to be in his presence. While my Mom was a certified High School Art Teacher who was truly passionate about making a difference in children’s lives.  This is what led me to choose the educational path as well.  Later, I obtained my Bachelor's degree at Shawnee State University with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Social Sciences. I have a continuous Religious Education Certification through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. I love being able to transfer the knowledge that I’ve acquired throughout my life onto the lives of the students at SMS.

My husband Ryan and I have five children, Caroline, Gabrielle, Griffin, Josephine, and Isla. Caroline and Gabrielle are SMS alumni and now attend Georgetown High School. Griffin and Josephine are current SMS students and Isla is an adventurous one year old that keeps our family hopping. We live on a small farm outside of Ripley and raise cattle and chickens. As the mother of five children, I have had several opportunities to foster growth and development. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing a young child learn something new, knowing you have been a driving force behind that growth.  It was this passion for nurturing my own five children and a love for my faith that led me to pursue a position at St. Michael.  As I continue my eighth year here, I am eager and excited to watch your little ones grow and flourish as well.

SMS is such a unique place.  When asked to describe it, many explain it to be a family.  Once you are a part of St. Michael’s it never leaves you.  This truly is a beautiful place to be!