We know CPDLF students and their families liked to get to know our educators and staff members, so we’re putting together personality profiles on some fan favorites, like Mrs. Di Lorenzo.
Mrs. Di Lorenzo and her husband, Alessandro
Current Roles: Elementary Instructor (Third and Fourth Grade), Learning Guide, and Onboarding Guide
County Residence: Juniata
Family: Husband (Alessandro), a 6-month-old daughter (Adalynn), and four cats (Phoenix, Athena, Apollo, and Penelope)
Favorite School Subject: “I loved them all, but I had a big passion for art and music.”
Her Future in Teaching: “I always knew I would be a teacher. I would act out each school day at home with my stuffed animals. I had a chalkboard and a little desk. My mom could always tell what I learned that day and who misbehaved in class based on what I’d do with my toys.”
Why She Became a Teacher: “Even though I wanted to be a teacher, I actually struggled in school from Kindergarten through Third Grade - which is something people wouldn’t guess. I was constantly getting into trouble and was labeled as a “bad kid.” The teachers didn’t want to spend time getting to know me. One teacher finally took the time to understand me, why I was acting out, and the potential within me. That one-on-one attention helped me get the support I needed and helped me see the value within myself. Instead of putting me in the hall or sending me to the Principal’s office, she included me. If she hadn’t intervened, I wouldn’t have graduated high school or gone to college. It wasn’t an intelligence thing: I was having problems at home and desperately needed attention and a way to express my frustrations. She was the first person to realize there was a cause to my behavior and took the time to address the cause. It’s helped me recognize those same symptoms and attitude changes in my own students. If I can change one kid’s life the way that teacher changed mine, it’s all worth it.”
Baby Adalynn Di Lorenzo
How She Connects With Learners: “There’s a lot that we do at CPDLF! I teach a ConnectsU program called “What I Need” where students identify their own strengths and areas for growth. They get to earn badges for their progress as they acquire those skills. It’s on things like test anxiety, organization, and other Habits of Success. They work to apply those skills to both school and real life. I also host a morning meeting each day to check in and see how the kids are feeling, ask questions, get our bodies moving, review their schedules, and set a positive tone for the day. As a Learning Guide, I meet with each student individually to hear what’s happening in their lives, assess what they need, and find ways to support them. I have to ensure their needs are met before we can expect them to focus on academics. I connect them to resources and I offer live tutoring. I say I have a “virtual open door policy” and my calendar fills up fast!”
What She Loves About CPDLF Learners: “We don’t limit our Learners! The possibilities for them are limitless. Brick-and-mortar schools confine them to one room all day. CPDLF kids can move (both physically and academically) and connect with us from literally anywhere on the planet. They can experience the world around them without missing school. They apply what they see to the classroom and vice versa. CPDLF kids can also incorporate their special interests into their studies more than students in a traditional classroom setting might be able to.”
Fun Facts:
- Her family is pretty large! Mrs. Di Lorenzo’s family owns a pizza shop and spends a lot of time with them making sure everything is perfect for their guests looking for delicious Italian food.
- She was born in Arkansas and didn’t move to Pennsylvania until she was five years old.
- She played clarinet in band and competed at Districts, All State, and national competitions.
- She can speak German and her husband speaks Italian. Their daughter will be trilingual!
- Mrs. Di Lorenzo loves Greek Mythology!
- She loves to bake and is trying to perfect her gluten-free recipes.
- She’s working on her Masters Degree, saying that “education is constantly changing, so it’s important to continue to learn.”
