Featured Alum
Ms. Anne DiPalermo
"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius
This quote best sums up how I feel about teaching Kindergarten.
In college in the early 70s, my desire to pursue a degree in education was delayed by the fact that, at the time, there were too many teachers and not enough jobs. So, I married my sweetheart from John Carroll University in Cleveland and we moved to California. After having four children and the realization that they were growing up, I knew that I needed to commit myself to a career that I enjoyed.
I substituted for four years, which reawakened my desire to teach full-time. I researched credential programs in the San Jose area and National University fit into our family's busy schedule: our four daughters were involved in swim team and dance and I was able to take care of their activities and also attend classes in the evening. I completed the credential program in one year, finishing in August of 1993. Two months later, I received a full-time position in the Evergreen Elementary School District in San Jose as a Kindergarten teacher.
Last Spring when I was called into the principal's office, the district's Deputy Superintendent was also there. My heart beat wildly as I tried to imagine what had I done wrong. I was shocked to learn that I had been chosen as Evergreen's Teacher of the Year. My family was very proud of me. My husband attended the ceremony along with our four daughters, who had traveled from different parts of the state, to share this honor. In 2003, I earned Certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in Early Childhood.
Returning to school at the age of 40 and realizing there were many students in my classes at National who were also pursuing their dreams gave me the confidence to attain my goal. I recommended National's program to my friends who asked me about it, many of whom have completed their credential program at National. National University and its convenient schedules and supportive faculty made a difference in my life – I learned to enjoy school again. This is exactly what I want my Kindergarten students to learn – that school is fun – so they will want to come back.
