Mary Warren

When Theology teacher Mary Warren looks at Oakcrest students, she says she sees joy. 

“And that joy is low-key contagious,” she says. “There is a search and respect for the Truth among the students.” 

Mrs. Warren says that is what keeps Oakcrest set apart from others, the joy and search for Truth, adding that it is a very uplifting place to work. “The students and parents are a pleasure to work with.” 

One thing in particular that she finds remarkable about Oakcrest is the variety of outlets within the school where the students are exposed to new opportunities to widen their horizons inside and outside the classroom.  

“There are many opportunities to shine, to find your voice and your passions, and that really impresses me. At school, a student can try something and is supported and uplifted by the others in her efforts to try something new. That really strikes me. I’ve never worked in a place like this.” 

Before coming to Oakcrest to teach, Mrs. Warren taught in the public school system, worked in a technology company as a corporate trainer, started her own business, homeschooled her five children, and taught in the business school at The Catholic University of America. 

Through all of these, she says that the link has been Catholic social teaching. “My favorite part of teaching marketing was studying ethical practices, giving me an opportunity to reinforce ideas on Catholic social teaching. Several of my classes helped entrepreneurs gain traction for their businesses through our help with marketing plans.”

“Obviously, theology is a completely different discipline, but I feel like I’ve come home,” Mrs. Warren added. “This is where I belong. I’m excited about watching our students grow and graduate.” 

In her 10th grade Church History class, Mrs. Warren often sees that her students are eager to understand what is happening in the Church today and how that fits into the whole history of the Church and the world. In her 12th grade Ethics Class, she says her students are most interested in knowing the history of thought, “why people think a certain way and when did that start,” she says. “I want them to see where ideas come from, how to think and recognize the Truth, and I want them to have a greater clarity of thought.” 

Mrs. Warren sees her students’ desires to understand the context of events and ideas outside the classroom as well, in her Current Events Club that she moderates twice a month. “The club has very enthusiastic participants and that reflects what I see in the classroom. They like to know the background, and why things are unfolding the way they are.”