Mary Dichiara

Mary DiChiara sets the only acceptable standard as a professional, a mother, a scholar, and a friend.  She is a master of her craft.  Her genuine interest in students, earnest respect from her colleagues, and sincere love for teaching cultivates the garden in which all of us have grown and prospered.  Mary's treasures are full from the love of students over the years, and the jewels in her crown are duly earned.  -Sarah Love

Mary is such a pleasure to work with-a great teacher and friend! She pushes students to work hard! She is also one heck of a mom and grandmother! I will miss her SO much! -Meredith Jackson

Mary DiChiara is loved by all because she is always listening. She is a rigorous teacher with complex content, and the students still love her. Once people encounter Mary DiChiara, they keep coming back because she listens, and through that, they know she cares. Mary is kind, caring, and selfless; she leads by example, finds humor in everything, and leaves you feeling good every time you talk to her. Mary is the model teacher that reflects rigor, support, and encouragement. -Candace Strickland

Mary DiChiara is one of the most dedicated teachers I know. Unlike most teachers, on her off periods, she always has multiple students surrounding her desk. They all want her attention and feedback! It's not merely the students who adore her; Mary's colleagues are equally devoted to her as her students. Mary is the central node of our English department. Everyone loves Mary! She is a fantastic listener, a strong brainstormer, and a loving friend and teacher. Our school will face a deficit without her next year. -Tosha Caston Smith

All I can say about Mary is she is the kindest, sweetest person ever!  I will miss my hall buddy. Not sure who will answer my grammar questions now??? -Ashelie Halla

Working with Mary in the Advanced track has had a great impact on my teaching. She is compassionate, intentional, and always willing to collaborate! She also cares about how you are doing as a person--not just as an educator--and I want to mirror that for other people. Thank you, Mary, for all you have done! -Abigail Shwarz

Mary and I started at Spain Park the same year, and we've been great friends ever since. She has been a mentor to me in my career and my life, and I will truly miss her when she retires. But, I am so excited for her to be able to do all the things she enjoys - primarily spending time with her grandbabies! She has had a profound impact on so many teachers and students at Spain Park. You will rarely go in her classroom without finding a mess of students hanging around just to talk to her. She inspires greatness in and out of the classroom.  -Julee Rodgers Noel

Although it’s been six years since I had the privilege of teaching alongside Mary, her influence remains with me. During our time together at Spain Park, she was the kind of colleague everyone hopes for—generous with her time, her materials, and her wisdom. Mary’s support was constant, whether stepping in to cover my class or lending a caring ear during a personal crisis. In addition, I experienced the joy of watching my two sons grow tremendously as writers, readers, and thinkers under her instruction. The patience she showed them—working around track meets and theatre competitions, signing them up for Saturday school, and offering deadline extensions—made a real difference in their academic success. Her retirement marks the end of an incredible chapter, and she will be deeply missed. -Karen Dillard

Mary Dichiara! Thank you for being the absolute BEST from my first year at Spain Park to your last. You welcomed me in with open arms and an amazing kindness. I learned so much from you. Thank you for being the BEST person. -Joy Gonzalez