In their Own Words
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I know that this is a place where I can make a huge impact on the lives of these hard working students who otherwise would feel like giving up. Students come here after experiencing frustration elsewhere, and I enjoy the challenge of proving to them that they are, indeed, smart and can do well when they set their mind to believing that they can. It's hard work, both for them and for me, but the end reward is something that cannot be put into words. Few learning environments are set up for the success that Villa Maria can provide, and I am proud to be a part of this process.”
- Sue Berry
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because there is no other school like Villa Maria. The atmosphere is amazing and everyone from the teachers, staff, students, to the parents are phenomenal. The small classroom size really lets me get to know and understand my students in the best way possible. I can teach to each student’s needs and make a difference in each of their lives. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Villa Maria, just as many past teachers, parents and students have.”
- Amy Pelletier
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because the small class sizes make it possible for me to get to know my students and their learning styles very well. Also, I have the opportunity to get to know their parents, and together, we can develop plans to enhance their children's academic, social, and emotional education. Lastly, I appreciate the close-knit, nurturing community of Villa Maria, where teachers and staff are supportive of each other's efforts to benefit the children.”
- Betsy Varian
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because the feeling I get when a child is able to understand a concept, socially or academically, brings tears to my eyes. I am thankful to be a teacher in such a warm and caring environment. Every day is a new day.”
- Caitlin Kneisel
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because here, individuals care about one another in a manner that extends beyond the limits of a normal working environment. Every day that I spend at Villa Maria is a day during which I feel I have the ability to dramatically affect the lives of the students I teach and the adults who share both my sense of commitment to teaching and my passion for learning. I feel that I have a role and a duty to my students that far surpasses the simple title of educator. I am a mentor, a counselor, a confidant, and, above all, an advocate for the children who need compassion and support in nearly every faction of their lives. I love teaching at Villa Maria because it affords me the opportunity to know that I am doing something truly worthwhile to improve my community and the lives of the beautiful children with whom I have the honor of spending my every day.”
- Maggie Dobi
“From the moment I stepped into Villa Maria’s corridor, I knew it was a special place. A welcome sign with my name appeared and Sister Phyllis had greeted me at the door. I know interviews had always been nerve racking, but this one, here at Villa was different. Sister Carol Ann and Eileen Cassidy wanted to know about me and my teaching adventures. They didn’t want to labor over my portfolio, but find out about me and my interests in working with children. What really made the day even more special and assured my love of being here was seeing the school in its entirety. I had a chance to visit all the classrooms and feel the peace that was offered at Villa Maria. Overall, the peace and love caught my attention that as I began my first year, it was the staff, too that made me sure of being here. To love teaching and making a difference is one thing, but to have a staff that feels the same about education, makes working at Villa Maria priceless.”
- Mary Geiring
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I like the professional collaboration that happens here and I really get a sense of success with student progress and parent feedback!”
- Kim Hanson
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because the teachers and staff are kind and understanding to each other and the students.”
- Mary Hennig
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I love working so closely with students. It gives me the opportunity to really help them. It also is very rewarding to be able to see the “ah-ha” moment when my students finally get it.”
- Liz Olsen
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I love the small, cozy environment. I feel like I can really get to know my students and be effective in teaching them according to their individual needs. I also love the staff. I enjoy spending time in and out of school with my co-workers.”
- Mary Beth Wetmore
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because this is a school that cares for children. It’s a place where a child can be sure of success in learning. All students can look to the future and follow their dreams. They know that the goals they set for themselves can be reached as they take their place in society and the American dream. I, as a teacher, want to have a part in that formation.”
- Sister Joanne Helen
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because it is a great place to teach. Being here has given me an understanding of how students with various learning needs work. Each day, I get the opportunity to teach them something new or impart knowledge that’s meaningful.”
- Cate Mahoney
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because it is a warm and loving environment. When I come to work, I feel very peaceful and ‘at home.’ My students and co-workers make my job enjoyable and fun.”
- Amy Collins
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because the atmosphere throughout the school is warm and friendly, and teachers can develop a close relationship with the students.”
- Barbara Dahm
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because it is such a good feeling when you are helping children succeed. Also, Villa Maria is just a warm environment to work in. I love it.”
- Jessica Federici
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I enjoy the small class sizes. Since I really get to know my students, I can play up their strengths and address their weaknesses. Also, professional development is a priority here. From monthly in-house sessions to support for outside seminars, I am able to further hone my skills as a teacher.”
- Jennifer Friedman
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because there is/are:
- a feeling of caring that permeates the school
- a caring for children and looking out for each other
- a high level of professionalism and being responsible
- the ability to design own lessons with certain degree of flexibility
- a sharing of ideas and concerns
- workshops fostering high level of learning
and where:
- children are “children” first—little people—students, second
- its smallness creates opportunities for staff and students alike”
- Cindy Deubel
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because it is a collaborative work environment where staff and teachers work as a team both to support each other and to address the individual needs of each student.”
- Nancy Kennedy
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I like the small class size and the nurturing environment for the teachers and students. Villa Maria allows for creative teaching. For example, the teachers can use any hands-on or manipulatives to teach the children, e.g. science — earthworm dissection; campus — trees and plants (look and observe around the campus); math — money games and cards. The staff and teachers co-teaching with themes really enhances learning and benefits the children.”
- Dede Adolph
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I enjoy the small teacher/student ratio and in turn, the small community of teachers and Villa families that it creates.”
- Christine Gioielli
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I once, and still do have, processing and comprehension problems. I found that if you surround yourself with the proper people who care about you, then, you can live with a disability and still become a very successful and productive person.”
- Artie Waters
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because it’s a warm, friendly environment where teachers are supported and appreciated.”
- Renee Morroni
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I enjoy working with students who provide a rewarding atmosphere.”
- Christine Santorella
“I want to teach at Villa Maria because I think that every child deserves a chance to learn and succeed. Villa Maria gives children with learning disabilities the environment and opportunities to learn. Many of these students were left behind in public schools and have come to Villa Maria. Here they have a chance to succeed.”
- Whitney Finn