Susan Bassie

I was reared in a small town in the Mississippi Delta which is the alluvial flood plane of the Mississippi River. The Delta is the northwest portion of Mississippi. My family farmed cotton, soybeans, wheat, had cattle, and an aerial crop dusting service. As you can see, agriculture and flying are a big part of my life.

I have a Master of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. My undergraduate degree was in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. I graduated from both Mississippi State University and Delta State University.

Before coming to St. Mary’s, I taught school in Mississippi and Memphis, TN. I have taught science and health at the junior high level as well as adults in night school who were working to attain their degree. After teaching 6 years, I returned to school and received my Master’s degree in Biology and went to work in the agricultural industry. I was an ag chemical representative for 16 years and then moved into the biotech industry testing and training others to test for genetic modification in grains, as well as testing for things like e.coli, listeria, and salmonella in foods and processing plants. Even in industry, one of my main rewards was sharing knowledge and learning from others.

At St. Mary’s I currently teach physical education to grades K-8 and health to grades 5-8. In addition, I teach writer’s workshop and direct the choir with Mrs. Zvonar’s help. I have been allowed to build a wonderful PE program that is fun, safe, and meets Illinois State Standards. I have implemented the “new PE” approach where we have students moving from the time they get to class until they leave. At the end of the year, students have learned the rules and played many different sports as well as learned self confidence, self esteem, and teamwork. I believe in teaching the whole child rather than just developing their athletic ability. My goal is for them to have fun and learn life long skills that will help them be healthy, feel comfortable, and succeed in as many situations as possible.

Some of our units are: adventure education which involves creative ways of problem solving, basketball, baseball, football, dance, skating, volleyball, takraw, badminton, physical fitness, and this year we will add a Nascar unit. In addition, grades 5-8 meet for health class where we have a 4 year curriculum developed.

On a personal note, I am one of 9 children, eight girls and one boy. I am married to Marty Behrens who is an electrical engineer at Ameren and we have no children. However, I have 18 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews. And, let’s not forget all of those students that are in my life. In addition, I have a little sister of 5 years in the Big Brother Big Sister Program that has been very rewarding.

My interests are anything to do with science (primarily the botanical side), music, sports, and friends and family. Not necessarily in that order. My faith has always been a huge part of my life and St. Mary’s has offered a wonder opportunity to develop my spirituality. That development continues.

	Susan Bassie
	Email susan.bassie@stmarysschool.net Special Links	I was reared in a small town in the Mississippi Delta which is the alluvial flood plane of the Mississippi River. The Delta is the northwest portion of Mississippi. My family farmed cotton, soybeans, wheat, had cattle, and an aerial crop dusting service. As you can see, agriculture and flying are a big part of my life. I have a Master of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. My undergraduate degree was in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. I graduated from both Mississippi State University and Delta State University. Before coming to St. Mary’s, I taught school in Mississippi and Memphis, TN. I have taught science and health at the junior high level as well as adults in night school who were working to attain their degree. After teaching 6 years, I returned to school and received my Master’s degree in Biology and went to work in the agricultural industry. I was an ag chemical representative for 16 years and then moved into the biotech industry testing and training others to test for genetic modification in grains, as well as testing for things like e.coli, listeria, and salmonella in foods and processing plants. Even in industry, one of my main rewards was sharing knowledge and learning from others. At St. Mary’s I currently teach physical education to grades K-8 and health to grades 5-8. In addition, I teach writer’s workshop and direct the choir with Mrs. Zvonar’s help. I have been allowed to build a wonderful PE program that is fun, safe, and meets Illinois State Standards. I have implemented the “new PE” approach where we have students moving from the time they get to class until they leave. At the end of the year, students have learned the rules and played many different sports as well as learned self confidence, self esteem, and teamwork. I believe in teaching the whole child rather than just developing their athletic ability. My goal is for them to have fun and learn life long skills that will help them be healthy, feel comfortable, and succeed in as many situations as possible. Some of our units are: adventure education which involves creative ways of problem solving, basketball, baseball, football, dance, skating, volleyball, takraw, badminton, physical fitness, and this year we will add a Nascar unit. In addition, grades 5-8 meet for health class where we have a 4 year curriculum developed. On a personal note, I am one of 9 children, eight girls and one boy. I am married to Marty Behrens who is an electrical engineer at Ameren and we have no children. However, I have 18 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews. And, let’s not forget all of those students that are in my life. In addition, I have a little sister of 5 years in the Big Brother Big Sister Program that has been very rewarding. My interests are anything to do with science (primarily the botanical side), music, sports, and friends and family. Not necessarily in that order. My faith has always been a huge part of my life and St. Mary’s has offered a wonder opportunity to develop my spirituality. That development continues.