All in the family
Mothers, daughters choose careers at same Catholic school

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor 

JERSEYVILLE — Although children sometimes choose to follow in their parent’s career footsteps, three mothers and their daughters in Jerseyville share an extra special connection. They are all leading youngsters at St. Francis/Holy Ghost School (SFHG).

“We have several mother/daughter pairs who are working in our school,” says Dr. Dennis Cramsey, a former principal at the school who is now working part-time as director of advancement.  “What’s exciting is that the daughters are aspiring teachers and are the first ones to participate in our newly created ‘grow you own’ program. The teacher shortage has challenged all schools, Catholic, private, and public, to become more resourceful in our efforts to recruit, hire, and retain great teachers. We currently have two teacher candidates who will be teacher certified by next May and we have informally offered them teaching positions and plan to provide scholarships to assist in their educational costs during their last semester while they are student teaching at our school. We also have another daughter who stepped up to fill the vacant PE position … and she is doing a wonderful job in her long-term substitute teaching position.” 

“We are pleased because we wanted to encourage some of our alumni to come back to the school, and they have,” said Father Marty Smith, pastor of St. Francis Xavier and Holy Ghost in Jerseyville, as well as St. Patrick in Grafton and St. Mary in Fieldon. “I want to express how proud we are to see the fruits of these wonderful new vocations that began with the fostering of our past generations at our school.” 

Vicky Maag is one of SFHG’s most devoted teachers. “I have been teaching at St. Francis Holy Ghost Catholic School for 27 years,” she said. “I have taught grades 3-5. I have been teaching fifth grade math, science, and religion for the past 17 years. My favorite thing about teaching is definitely the students. Having a daughter with a life limiting disorder, my faith is so important to me. I am proud to be teaching at a Catholic school where I can live my faith boldly with my students.” 

Maag’s oldest daughter, Clancy Maag, was going to sub for a few months at SFHG for the fall semester, as she finished her bachelor’s degree online, however when a year-long position opened, she accepted the full-time PE job. “It has been pure joy seeing Clancy in the building,” Vicky said. “My favorite part is having her come and sit with me during weekly adoration. Being in the presence of Jesus, with her close to me, has been a highlight of my year. 

“My husband smiles as we both share kids’ stories about our day at the dinner table,” she said. “I have not handed out much advice because I know teaching PE is much different than teaching in a classroom setting. I just always tell her to have a Jesus day.”     

What advice Vicky has given Clancy has been appreciated, says Clancy, who graduated from SFHG in 2018 and was involved in student council, math club, basketball, volleyball, track, and softball. “My mom has given me some pointers,” she said. “She is always the first person I go to with questions I have or to bounce ideas off her. She has a lot of experience and practice with teaching and kids, so it is great to have her by my side.” 

Clancy calls her job an answer to her prayers. “When I found out a full-time PE position for the whole year opened up, I was so excited and knew that I was meant to do this, and I am so happy I did. I am so grateful for the students I see every day, and the wonderful other teachers and staff that always put a smile on my face.” 

Andrea Isringhausen is another veteran teacher and her daughter, Carmen Isringhausen, another 2018 graduate of SFHG, worked as a classroom assistant last semester and is student teaching in that third-grade classroom this semester. 

“I’ve been teaching for 21 years,” Andrea said. “In 2009. I began as a reading teacher at St. Francis Holy Ghost, and for the past seven years, I have served as the kindergarten teacher.  I love the fact that every part of the curriculum allows us to incorporate Jesus and the Catholic faith. Our families are very supportive, and I love being part of the Jerseyville community.

“Some advice I have given Carmen is to communicate with the student’s parents from the start,” Andrea said. “If what you’re teaching seems boring, then the students will likely find it boring as well. To keep their attention, make sure to create engaging lessons. I enjoy having Carmen do her student teaching at the same Catholic school where I am employed. Since we are both in the same environment, we can bounce ideas and challenges off each other.” 

Carmen said attending a Catholic school — and being the daughter of a Catholic school teacher — gave her a strong foundation that continues to guide her both personally and professionally. “My mother was a big influence on my decision to become a teacher,” she said. “Growing up, I saw how much she cared about her students and how dedicated she was to her classroom. Watching her create a positive, supportive space for her students inspired me to want to do the same. She encouraged me to follow my strengths and helped me to see that teaching is a meaningful and rewarding path. 

“My mother has taught me that teaching is about patience, understanding, and building relationships with students,” she said. “She always reminds me that every child learns differently and that it’s important to support their individual needs. She has also shown me how important it is to create a calm and caring classroom environment where students feel welcome and confident.” 

Cynthia Hampton, the latchkey provider at Holy Ghost for over 25 years, says she loves what she does. “I love working at a Catholic school where faith and family are the center of everything we do. Where core values of kindness, responsibility, respect, and gratitude are instilled with love in a faith-filled environment.” 

Hampton provides constant supervision at Holy Ghost, ensuring safety and overseeing interaction among the children before and after school.  She believes her daughter, Casey Massey, wanted to become a teacher because she has a passion for helping children to grow. “She aspires to give her own children the same quality of love and security she received,” Hampton said. 

Massey was a student at SFHG from kindergarten through eighth grade. She was an assistant in PreK4 in 2023 and assisted in both third and fourth grade in 2024. “This year, I’ve been with fourth grade and am excited to finish my degree here,” she said.

“I’ve wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember.  The teachers at SFHG had a strong influence on me, especially when I struggled with math and focusing. Their patience and empathy helped me grow, and I want to provide that same support to my future students,” she said. “I want each of them to feel safe to try, encouraged to keep going, and truly proud of who they are becoming. I do hope to continue teaching in a Catholic school and share the values of community, faith, and education.” 

Massey gives a lot of credit to her mother. “She may not know this; however, my mom was a big part of me becoming a teacher because of her love and passion for working with kids. Making a kid’s day brighter comes so naturally to her, whether it’s in line at the grocery store, at a local event, or anywhere in between. It’s really special to have someone like that to look up to and I was blessed to have that person be my mom. She is loved by so many, showing me the importance of family and community. Becoming a teach is how I can show my ‘Mrs. Hampton-inspired’ passion and be there for my own kids like she was for us and her students.”  

No matter what, Andrea Isringhausen says teaching is a special calling. “Currently, we are teaching the future, and especially at a Catholic school, instilling our morals and Catholic beliefs is crucial for sharping the future of our church and our school,” she said. “I still remember my teachers from kindergarten through high school who have impacted my life in some way. I hope to do the same with my students.” 

Vicky Maag agrees. “Teaching at a Catholic School isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to shape the mind, heart, and spirit of young people. I truly believe it is a vocation. It is a sacrifice and your heart has to be fully invested. I am so happy I said yes, 27 years ago!”