Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Terri Schilmoeller, a music educator at St. Teresa School in Lincoln, attributes her teaching success to the work of the Holy Spirit.

"As disciples of Christ, each of us has a particular mission," she said, quoting St. John Henry Newman: "God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission."

Schilmoeller reflects on her childhood when her parents guided her towards music rather than ballet. "I really wanted to take ballet lessons, but mom refused," she recalled. "Instead, my parents did pay for piano lessons and flute lessons." This early exposure led her to pursue a degree in music education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Raised in Lincoln, Schilmoeller attended St. Teresa Elementary School and Pius X High School, where she met her future husband, Eric. They now have five children: Vince, 13; June, 10; Owen, 8; Hazel, 5; and Roslyn, 3.

After graduating from UNL and teaching in Lincoln Public Schools for four years, Schilmoeller took a break to stay home with her children for three years. She then joined St. Teresa School as a music teacher when an opportunity arose.

"At first, teaching at St. Teresa School was simply a convenient family arrangement," she said. However, over time she realized that Catholic schools offered a spiritual dimension absent in public schools.

"I find it so energizing to be in a place where not only do I love all my co-workers but we have a shared mission that I really care about," Schilmoeller explained.

In her classroom, Schilmoeller emphasizes the importance of glorifying God through music. "There's nothing better than teaching kids a song we're going to sing at Mass or Adoration," she noted.

Her role at St. Teresa has also deepened her personal faith life and relationship with Jesus Christ. "I wasn't going to Mass every day before teaching in a Catholic school... which I think was actually the ultimate difference maker," she said.

Schilmoeller credits the Holy Spirit for guiding her and setting high standards for both musical excellence and behavior among students.

"The door to the job opened at the right time," she reflected. Now fully immersed in her role at St. Teresa School, Schilmoeller expressed no desire to leave: "I've grown in my faith and been maybe a small part of helping other kids and adults grow in their faith."

She will receive the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton award on October 13 at the third annual “Saints & Scholars” dinner celebrating Catholic schools within the Diocese of Lincoln.