I want to tell you a little about my background to help you get to know me.
I have been married to my husband, Dan, for 30 wonderful years. Mr. Tonelli will come into the classroom a few times during the year to work on special projects with the kids.
We have three children: Jason, Shannon, and Kevin. They are now grown, and I can tell you a lot of what I believe as a teacher came from watching them as students. I know their successes and struggles were linked to their personalities as well as their abilities. I believe that children learn best when they are enthusiastic about what they are learning.
Before becoming a teacher, this was my career path:
- I started as an electronic technician. I repaired things like televisions, radios, and something called a real time analyzer used by musicians to test acoustics.
- I was a stay-at-home mom. As our children grew, I was happily at home with them for about 12 years.
- I was an educational aide for about 10 years. I worked with students with many types of special needs including autism and severe behaviors.
- During my years as an aide, I decided I wanted my own classroom and earned my Bachelor of Science in Education for Early Childhood. Later, I earned my Masters of Reading Specialization and have a Reading Endorsement on my teaching license. I am currently in my seventh year of teaching.
I believe that all my prior experiences are seen in my philosophies and practices as a classroom teacher. I try to use them to make our classroom a place where children want to be and where they want to learn. When children want to learn, there’s no stopping them! I’m looking forward to a great year!
Denise Tonelli
Longcoy Office: 330-676-8350
My voicemail: 330-676-8371 ( I NEVER answer the phone during the school day. I rarely check messages until the end of the day. I do this so my focus is on the children. If you have a message that I will need during a school day, please call the office and they will make sure I get it.)
My email: ke_dtonelli@kentschools.net