Q&A with Jo Lim
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton preschool teacher of over 20 years
Tell us about yourself and what led you to become an educator?
My name is Jo Lim, and I like to be called, "Mrs. Jo." I have been teaching preschool at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, for the past 23 years. I have a master's degree in Montessori Education from Notre Dame de Namur University and a bachelor's degree in English from Dominican University. As the daughter of a diplomat, I lived in Switzerland, France, the Philippines, and Brazil, or as I like to tell the children, four of the seven continents of the world have been my home.
What drew you to teach at Sacred Heart?
As parents and teachers here at Sacred Heart, we have the most wonderful job in the world—that of shaping and guiding our children into becoming the very best person God meant them to be. The formation of character begins at home and continues in the classroom where we make each child feel seen, loved, and appreciated in an atmosphere that is joyful and caring.
As parents and teachers here at Sacred Heart, we have the most wonderful job in the world—that of shaping and guiding our children into becoming the very best person God meant them to be. The formation of character begins at home and continues in the classroom where we make each child feel seen, loved, and appreciated in an atmosphere that is joyful and caring.
What are some of the skills preschool students are developing during these years?
The children are developing character traits like courage and honesty, responsibility, and discipline. My job is about teaching children to become peacemakers and to care for others, respecting not only other people, but one's own self. It is about modeling good manners and reaching out to the community in a caring way.
We want to give the children a sense of the world beyond themselves—for they will become our parents of tomorrow. We want to give the children a strong foundation and a sense of appreciation for the world we live in. It’s my hope that one day, our children will make positive contributions to society, be it in the form of a song, a school, or a smile.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I speak five languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, and English. And yes, I dress up as Minnie Mouse every Halloween!
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12
