Grace Kraft joined the Theology Department at the start of the school year, and she couldn’t be more excited to be living out one of her biggest dreams: teaching. 

From the moment she stepped into the building for her interview, she was struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Naz. “I felt instantly supported and welcomed,” she said. “It’s a community where everyone genuinely cares for one another.” Kraft also noticed something special about the students. “The students here are so open, respectful, and really passionate about learning—not just about school, but about each other,” she said.

Kraft grew up on the north side of Chicago, where she was inspired by her own high school teachers who sparked her interest in education. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “My high school experience played a big role in that decision. I had some really amazing teachers who made learning feel exciting, and I wanted to do the same for others.”

After Kraft earned her degree from the University of Illinois, the search for a teaching job began. When the opportunity to teach theology at Nazareth arose, Kraft knew it was the perfect fit. “Teaching in a Catholic school felt like the right place for me, especially because it combines my love for faith with my passion for teaching,” she said. 

One of her favorite classes to teach is Senior Theology. “I love giving students the chance to learn about different religions and beliefs outside of their own,” she said. “It helps them strengthen their own faith while also fostering a deeper understanding of others’ perspectives.”

Outside of teaching, Kraft is an avid runner, a passion she developed in high school when she ran cross country. Running is her way of staying balanced, and she enjoys the clarity and focus it brings. “It’s my time to clear my head and recharge, which helps me bring my best to the classroom,” she said. This year, Kraft even helped lead the Girls Cross Country team to state. 

Kraft is looking forward to a great year at Nazareth, where she hopes to continue inspiring her students to learn, grow, and appreciate the diversity of beliefs and perspectives that make the world so rich.