An SJA Original!

Beth Bloemker Groves grew up four doors from St. Joan of Arc Church, attending Saint Joan of Arc School from kindergarten through eighth grade. St. Joan of Arc was not only the focus of her education, but also an extension of her own backyard. “It was where I made friends, where I played, where I prayed, where I received every sacrament, where I was married. It was the center of my universe.” It clearly gave her strong roots and a sense of community that she still cherishes today. She values the strong work ethic and desire to do ones best that was instilled in her by the sisters and lay teachers who taught her.

Beth continued her education at Bishop Chatard High School and The University of Dayton. She earned a Masters in Education and her Mathematics Endorsement from IUPUI and her Administrators License through Indiana Wesleyan. Beth has taught middle school mathematics for over twenty-five years. In the past ten years she taught at Christ the King School and was Assistant Principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary. She returned to her alma mater four years ago as assistant principal and middle school mathematics teacher. She is currently teaching in her own sixth grade classroom and the new Math Center. She feels a very strong sense of dedication to Saint Joan of Arc and is thrilled to be back. Beth says, “It’s like coming home…only from a different perspective. I see these wonderful children and all the potential they have…and I’d like to help them be all that they can be. It is time to give back. I’d like to instill in my students what Saint Joan of Arc School instilled in me…a strong faith in God, a commitment to service, and a lifelong love of learning.”

Beth and her husband Bob live in Christ the King Parish. They have three grown children, Patrick, Betsy and Christine.