Teacher of the Month⼁Introducing Deanna R.
At Pacific Preparatory, we are so lucky to work with the most thoughtful and inspiring instructors, all who bring lessons to life with engaging connections to student interests and their community. This month, we are pleased to celebrate Deanna, whose expertise facilitates engaging, multimodal lessons.
Deanna (she/her/hers) holds a New York Teaching Certification, an Early Childhood Education certification for grades birth through 2, and a Common Branches certification for grades 1 through 6. She graduated from CUNY College of Staten Island in New York with a BA in Elementary Education, and later from Touro College in New York with an MA in Special Education. With 17 years of experience teaching early elementary students, including 5 years of experience in an online classroom setting, Deanna is dedicated to connecting with and exploring new things with her students. She currently teaches all subjects for preK-3 students at Pacific Preparatory. In her free time, Deanna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, as well as photography, crafting, cooking, and fitness.
When did you start teaching and why?
My passion for teaching developed at a young age when I had the opportunity to work as a camp counselor and babysit for a family with four children. Through these experiences, I discovered my love for working with children and helping them learn. I continued to pursue this passion throughout high school and college, where I did private tutoring and had the opportunity to work as a Teaching Scholar in an elementary school. This experience solidified my desire to become a teacher, and I was fortunate to secure a job right after graduation. Now, as an early childhood education teacher, I am committed to positively impacting my students' lives and inspiring a love for learning in them.
What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?
As an elementary educator of the primary grades, I have a great passion for teaching all subjects. However, if I had to choose one that I am particularly passionate about, it would be reading. Reading is the foundation of all learning and is essential for academic success. It is the key that unlocks the door to all other subjects and is vital for students to develop the skills they will need to succeed in their future classes. I am dedicated to helping my students develop strong reading skills and a love for reading, which will serve them well throughout their education and beyond.
What do you enjoy most about teaching with Pacific Preparatory?
Teaching at Pacific Preparatory is a truly fulfilling experience for me. The supportive atmosphere and dedicated staff make it a pleasure to come to work every day. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to work closely with my students, tailoring lessons to their individual needs and watching them grow and succeed. The students and their families have become an extension of my own family, and I feel privileged to be a part of their lives. I also appreciate the flexibility that I have to incorporate hands-on activities and real-world connections in my teaching, and the ability to create an engaging and dynamic classroom environment through the use of my office as a classroom. The school provides an excellent opportunity for me to grow as a teacher and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students.
What is your favorite activity to do outside of teaching?
Outside of teaching, I have a diverse range of interests and hobbies. Some of which include photography, crafting, cooking, reading, cycling, and exercise. However, my favorite activity is cooking. I find great joy in recreating recipes passed down from my grandparents and great-grandparents, as it allows me to keep family traditions alive and share them with loved ones. Cooking is not only a way for me to relax and unwind, but it also allows me to be creative and experiment with new flavors and ingredients. I find it to be an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable hobby.
Deanna, we and your students are so lucky to have you on our team! Congratulations on being our Teacher of the Month!