Faith Augur McCarthy
Faith Augur McCarthy has lived in the New Haven area her entire life. After graduation from Hillhouse High, she attended Albertus Magnus College, earning a BA in Spanish. She further developed her language skills at Middlebury College in the renowned language immersion program where she earned her Master's degree in Spanish. When Faith's daughters were in high school and college she returned to the classroom, earning her 6th year certificate in Educational Administration at Southern Connecticut State University.
Faith's teaching career began at Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield in 1950. The goal of having each student attain proficiency in one world language, in addition to their first language, was established and funding was available for programs in the elementary schools as well as advanced courses at the high school. She later taught at Amity Regional High School and was a Spanish teacher and Foreign Language Department Chair at Branford High School from 1968-1994. Still with a passion for educating students, she returned to Albertus Magnus College as an instructor of Spanish from 1994-2002.
While at Branford High School, Faith served on many committees, including the Principal's Advisory Council. As department chair, she served as a mentor to newer colleagues and supported their professional growth.
Recognizing the need to prepare students for a global society, she coordinated the opportunity for Branford students to study languages not available at the high school through the Yale International Studies Center and served as a consultant to the center. This unique program expanded the world language learning opportunities for Branford’s students.
Faith has been married to Robert McCarthy for fifty-six years. They are the parents of two daughters; Patrice Kirshbaum and Joann Oleynik. With their sons-in-law, Donald Kirshbaum and Dr. Kenneth Oleynik and grandchildren, Lynn and Sara Kirshbaum and Colleen and Ryan Oleynik, they have enjoyed several multigenerational trips.
Upon her retirement from the Branford Public Schools in 1994, Faith received an official citation from the State of Connecticut General Assembly for her contributions to education. In retirement, Faith continues to travel and volunteer in her church as a lector and Minister of the Eucharist.
Faith was influenced by her parents, Joseph and Anna Augur, who valued education despite not having the opportunity to attend college. She worked tirelessly to inspire her own students and share with them her love of other cultures and languages. Students from many years ago - now parents and grandparents themselves - still greet her fondly and recall the excitement of learning in her classroom. That is Faith's legacy to public education.
Faith's teaching career began at Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield in 1950. The goal of having each student attain proficiency in one world language, in addition to their first language, was established and funding was available for programs in the elementary schools as well as advanced courses at the high school. She later taught at Amity Regional High School and was a Spanish teacher and Foreign Language Department Chair at Branford High School from 1968-1994. Still with a passion for educating students, she returned to Albertus Magnus College as an instructor of Spanish from 1994-2002.
While at Branford High School, Faith served on many committees, including the Principal's Advisory Council. As department chair, she served as a mentor to newer colleagues and supported their professional growth.
Recognizing the need to prepare students for a global society, she coordinated the opportunity for Branford students to study languages not available at the high school through the Yale International Studies Center and served as a consultant to the center. This unique program expanded the world language learning opportunities for Branford’s students.
Faith has been married to Robert McCarthy for fifty-six years. They are the parents of two daughters; Patrice Kirshbaum and Joann Oleynik. With their sons-in-law, Donald Kirshbaum and Dr. Kenneth Oleynik and grandchildren, Lynn and Sara Kirshbaum and Colleen and Ryan Oleynik, they have enjoyed several multigenerational trips.
Upon her retirement from the Branford Public Schools in 1994, Faith received an official citation from the State of Connecticut General Assembly for her contributions to education. In retirement, Faith continues to travel and volunteer in her church as a lector and Minister of the Eucharist.
Faith was influenced by her parents, Joseph and Anna Augur, who valued education despite not having the opportunity to attend college. She worked tirelessly to inspire her own students and share with them her love of other cultures and languages. Students from many years ago - now parents and grandparents themselves - still greet her fondly and recall the excitement of learning in her classroom. That is Faith's legacy to public education.