What makes the faculty at Cristo Rey Columbus so special is their passion and dedication to our mission. We caught up with Math teacher, Ms. Jocelyn Trout, who is currently in her first year as a teacher at CRC:
Q: What inspired you to teach at Cristo Rey?
A: I actually did not initially apply to work at Cristo Rey Columbus. But through the working of the Holy Spirit, I was encouraged to apply amidst a busy season of already interviewing at other schools. Upon hearing about the unique mission here at Cristo Rey Columbus, I found myself slowly envisioning a future at this school. It felt like God was redirecting my path in a way I hadn’t planned but was where I was needed.
Q: What is your favorite part of the experience at Cristo Rey?
A: So far, my favorite, and most surprising part, is the constant support of faculty and staff. From the very beginning, I realized I was surrounded by people who genuinely care. Whether I need a quick bathroom break, support with a particular student, ideas for improving a lesson, or even just a quiet room and a listening ear on the hard days, there is always someone ready to step in without hesitation. Teaching will always come with difficult moments regardless of the school or setting. But here at Cristo Rey, those challenges feel lighter because we carry them together. There are so many small acts of kindness that happen every day, and they remind me that while this is my workplace, it is really a community rooted in a shared mission.
Q: Not every student feels like they are able to do well in math class. How do you help them build confidence and realize they have what it takes to be successful in the subject?
A: Any student who sees my laptop sees a sticker that says, “you’re not bad at math.” When learning mathematical concepts, students often need more time than is allotted during a traditional school year. Some students who come in freshman year have felt lost ever since they couldn’t memorize their multiplication facts by the end of third grade. I am striving to help students break the trend of always feeling like they can’t keep up. This way, students get to experience a math class where they can be successful even if it is still a challenge. It warms my heart when students say, “I love your class,” or “I never understood that before, but I do now.”
In addition to teaching them, I pray with and for my students every day. Many of our students carry busy, stressful, and sometimes chaotic responsibilities outside of school which can make learning feel overwhelming. My hope is that for the time they are in my class, they experience a sense of peace, stability, and belonging. I want them to know they are safe, capable, loved, and supported—not just academically but spiritually. When students begin to believe that God has equipped them for success, their confidence grows in a much deeper and more lasting way.