John Pettinella, Foreign Language, Italian
“In June 2001, I retired as a teacher from the New York City Public Schools after 32 years. Since I was still ‘young,’ my plan at that time was to continue working, but probably in a different field. Two months later, I responded to a newspaper ad curious to see what a Catholic high school had to offer, and I accepted a position as a teacher of Italian at Iona Prep. From the very first day, I noticed that Iona offered a unique educational environment; the atmosphere that reigned throughout the school was positive, and the daily interaction among students and teachers was based on mutual respect and a clear sense of purpose. I observed immediately the strong dedication and the professional manner displayed by my colleagues in handling daily tasks. It was truly refreshing to see the respectful behavior and the intellectual curiosity on the part of students. All of this re-ignited and strengthened my love for teaching that many years ago had pushed me to begin my career. After several years at Iona Prep, I consider myself fortunate to have answered that ad back in 2001 and to have the opportunity to work in this great school doing a job that I truly enjoy.” Jenna Toneatto, English
“Although I have only been a part of the Iona Prep community for a short time, I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with such an incredible ensemble of students and faculty members alike. Teaching both Composition and Grammar and English 2R has allowed me to not only hone my pedagogical skills, but also develop relationships with students that have made a profound impact on my life. In fact, it isthe community that exists within Iona Prep that is precisely what makes the school so special – there is something to be said about the ‘family-like’ environment that the Prep is known for. Iona Prep is more than just a school; rather, it is a place where students are nurtured in mind, body, and spirit, and motivated to exist as the most successful version of themselves each day.” Barbara Anderson-Foreign Language, French“This is my second time around as a foreign language teacher at Iona Prep. I moved to New York in 1998 and was hired at the Prep as a French and Italian teacher. The faculty and students were so welcoming and kind that Iona became like a home to me. I always found the students here to be fun-loving and respectful…the perfect combo for a language teacher. I moved back to Europe for a while, but returned to Iona Prep to find the same spirit as I had the first time. Iona is not just a school to me. It really is my community.” |
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