About
Lynn Fleenor
Second Grade Teacher; Testing Coordinator and Curriculum Consultant for the four schools in the Diocese of Baker
Ask students what they love about school, and they’re likely to reply “Lunch!” or “Recess!” So there’s perhaps no greater satisfaction for Lynn Fleenor than when she tells her kids to wrap up their work for lunch and the students respond with, “What? It’s lunchtime already? Can we have more time to do this?”
No doubt, their response means the students are totally motivated—in that “zone” where the spark for learning has been ignited and they—not the teacher—are driving themselves to perform. Personal motivation is key to children succeeding in education, something Mrs. Fleenor knows quite a bit about, given that in addition to having taught various grades at St. Thomas since 2008, she heads up the Renaissance Star Testing and reading programs. Through these tools and the individualized learning data gathered, she’s able to help coworkers better understand student academic measures and how to modify curriculum to address each student’s personal needs.
A big fan of parochial education, Mrs. Fleenor’s own parents sacrificed much to ensure she received the same kind of quality schooling. Although originally from Cincinnati, she grew up moving quite a bit as her father was in the military. Because he was stationed in Sacramento, Calif., multiple times, she considers that her “home.” However, happily married with three children, she’s been in Redmond since 1999—and this is their “home.”
A creative type with a love for art and fashion, Mrs. Fleenor has an intriguing past—right after high school, she worked as a model for several years and tells a funny story about walking out on the runway, wearing her clothes backwards by accident…an awkward moment, no doubt, but easily able to laugh at herself and hold her head up high, Mrs. Fleenor didn’t let it get her down.
No doubt, her determined spirit has played a clear role in her personal success and quest for personal and professional growth. After marrying her husband, they spent some time in Tokyo where she taught English and served as a missionary before returning home, starting a family and then formally launching her career in education. In addition to teaching, managing the Renaissance testing and reading programs for St. Thomas Academy, and serving as the diocese’s testing and curriculum consultant, Mrs. Fleenor is now enrolled at University of Oregon’s administrative licensure program. Once that wraps up in May 2019, she’ll be one step closer to achieving an even bigger goal: earning a doctorate degree in education as part of a five-year plan. Competent and capable, Mrs. Fleenor juggles this just like everything else: with a highly strategic work ethic, a personality that thrives on curiosity and grace, and a strong sense of faith that she practices for herself and nurtures in both her students, not to mention many others in her life.
Favorite saint? “Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is my favorite saint and a wonderful example to me. Like her, I joined the Catholic Church as an adult. She found strength in the Bible and by helping others through her work in founding Catholic schools, hospitals and orphanages. I love working in education and have visited an orphanage in Argentina several times. Helping others and sharing God’s love for them gives me a great sense of purpose.”
Joined STA in 2008
Education: Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, Master’s in Teaching, George Fox University
Licenced Principal, Oregon Teachers Standards and Practies Commission
contact email: lynn.fleenor@redmondacademy.com