The Diocese of Saginaw today announces that Mrs. Krista Willertz has been named as the Catholic Identity and Curriculum Coordinator, a newly created position to serve Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Saginaw. The hiring of Mrs. Willertz is part of Our Catholic Schools: Centered in Christ, Committed to Excellence efforts, an initiative announced in April and dedicated to strengthening and growing Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw.
Bishop Robert Gruss named Catholic schools one of the priorities of his ministry and Mrs. Willertz says that makes this an exciting time to be involved in our Catholic schools.
“The Holy Spirit is on the move here in the Diocese of Saginaw,” Mrs. Willertz said. “There is much to look forward to in helping students, staff, families and community members grow in their relationship with Christ. God is the answer to what ails our world. Our Catholic schools are poised to lead the way to a love and peace that is very much needed.”
Mrs. Willertz currently serves as principal at All Saints Central Middle and High School in Bay City, a role she will continue in until the future building leader is in place. Prior to her time at All Saints, Mrs. Willertz was a teacher at Nouvel Catholic Central High School in Saginaw, Everest Collegiate in Clarkston and several public schools in Ohio. Mrs. Willertz holds a bachelor's degree in science, a master's degree in education, and will soon complete a school leadership program. She is currently in year three of the diocesan Lay Ministry program.
In the new position, Mrs. Willertz will enhance Catholic identity and curriculum to help ensure that our Faith is appropriately, intentionally and effectively intertwined in the important learning and work that occurs every day in our schools. She will support principals and teachers in the development and implementation of best practices and appropriate resources related to instruction and learning, and also support school communities by providing opportunities for spiritual formation for students, staff, faculty and parents.
“I am excited to add Krista’s passion for and knowledge of our faith, along with her strong educational experience to our team,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Cormac Lynn. “I look forward to supporting and engaging our principals, teachers, students and families in this important aspect of our ministry.”
Beyond her traditional teaching and administrative duties, Mrs. Willertz has created a blended learning curriculum for AP biology and presented it at the national College Board conference. She has also spent many years modifying curriculum for students with special needs. When digital learning was in its initial stages, Mrs. Willertz was part of a team that was tasked with creating, reviewing and recommending curriculum/resources to help a large, urban school district prepare to lead the way in the areas of blended learning, one to one technology and Google applications for educators.
Mrs. Willertz has been married for almost 30 years to her husband Chris, who also works in K-12 education. They have two adult children, and their third child is a sophomore at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Mrs. Willertz and her family are members of Saint Brigid of Kildare Church in Midland.