For today’s #SundaySpotlight, the Lafourche Schools Spotlight is on Theresa Biondo.
Theresa is a retired teacher and current office clerk and reading tutor at St. Charles Elementary School. She is a graduate of E. D. White Catholic High School and Nicholls State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education as a Reading Specialist. She has been a valued employee of the Lafourche Parish School District for 30 of her 40 years in education. She was named Teacher of the Year at Bayou Blue Elementary in 1997 and at St. Charles Elementary in 2011.
“Ms. Theresa previously served St. Charles Elementary as a beloved teacher, but now, as a retiree, she continues to support our Wildcats through our Title I tutoring program and our whole school as a part-time office clerk. St. Charles is so blessed to have her,” said SCES principal Jessica Leblanc, who nominated her for the Spotlight. “Not only does her vast literacy knowledge benefit our ELA teachers in their shared small group time, but Ms. Theresa also embraces the virtue of lifelong learning to help our Wildcats RISE and SHINE!”
“She enthusiastically shares the great strategies she learns from our teachers, too! She exudes spirit and enthusiasm for our school, our students, and our staff, and her loving demeanor is infectious,” Leblanc added. “She has everyone's best interest at heart, and it shows when she interacts with all of our St. Charles stakeholders. I can't imagine SCES without her!”
Theresa has experienced many memorable moments in her four decades in education, but one moment in particular has had a lasting impact on her.
“When my first grader, during the first week of school, with a very worried look told me, ‘I can't read.’ I responded, ‘You will learn to read. Mrs. Biondo is going to help you!’"
“He soon became confident in reading and finished his first-grade year reading at a 3rd grade level,” Theresa shared. “The smile and confidence this young reader achieved was such a reward and something I will always remember!”
Please join us in thanking Theresa for her many years of dedicated service to the children of the Lafourche Parish School District. Four decades in education is more than just a career; it is a legacy of impact that has shaped the lives of countless students and colleagues alike, and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
#lpsdproud #SchoolSuperstar