After 27 years in education, Mary DiChiara is closing her (paper!) grade book. She is beloved! Spain Park has been so lucky to have her teaching English for the past 13 years.
We don't know what we will do without her, but she has a plan for the days ahead. Mrs. DiChiara looks forward to spending time with her 7 grandchildren, reading the books on her to-be-read list, and organizing her house.
Thank you for all your years of service to our community, Mrs. DiChiara, and good luck in all of your future endeavors!
What are some of the most memorable moments you've experienced during your teaching career?
The most memorable moment of my career would be a trip that I received where I was invited to meet and share, along with select students, the experiences of ten Holocaust survivors in order to bring these lessons and their stories back to the classroom. It was a life-changing week, and I will treasure my time with these extraordinary people. Also, I was very humbled to receive the Spain Park PTSO's 2024 Teacher Impact Award.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a teacher, and how did you overcome them?
My absolute greatest challenge is technology, so Covid and virtual learning were difficult for me. I'm sure many of my students can testify to my weakness! I am a paper and pen teacher, but I learned some great skills; however, I still find it overwhelming.
What advice would you give to new teachers?
My advice is not to be too hard on yourself. It is very easy to become overwhelmed. Learn some tricks that give you a little more time in class to get some things done that you need to do, and never forget the most important thing-your daily interactions with the kids. Those relationships are where the true joy of teaching can be found.
Any other thoughts for the road?
I'd like to thank Spain Park. I have been blessed to teach at some amazing schools, but Spain Park will always hold a special place in my heart. We have fabulous students, parents, administrators, staff, and coworkers! I have loved my time here.
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
Mrs. DiChiara was easily my favorite teacher at Spain Park. That says a lot considering how many fabulous teachers I had. She created an incredible learning environment that influenced growth and made students feel welcome and heard. She's the type of teacher students go to see years after having been in her class. -Cole Dillard, Class of 2018
Mrs. DiChiara was one of my favorite teachers all throughout high school. She was always a shoulder to cry on, the biggest encourager, and made me fall in love with writing and English. Happy Retirement, Mrs. DiChiara!!! We love you so much and your legacy at Spain Park will be around forever! -Libby Johnson, Class of 2024
Mrs. DiChiara is a teacher I’ll never forget. I’m still grateful for everything she taught me, not just in the classroom, but about life as well. So much of who I am today is because of her guidance and support. -Amr Tarakji, Class of 2021