Meet Mrs. DaCosta

1 year old Diana Borges

You didn't always hear the name DaCosta in the halls when I started the profession of teaching. Back when the above picture was taken I was Diana Borges. I have been teaching for 14 years: two years in 3rd grade at Ann Street School in Newark, NJ and ten years at Valley Road School in Clark, NJ where I mostly taught third grade. I also taught a Preschool Disabled class and Academic Enrichment for grades 3-5 during my time with Clark Public Schools. I recently made a move and left my tenured position to teach in the town in which I live in. I remember when I first started out teaching, I was a firm believer that I would NEVER work in the same town in which I lived. But as with many things in my life, I learned: never say never. Some thought it was a risky move. Many thought I was crazy to leave a secure, tenured position. But in the end, a move I made in the best interest of my family has turned out to be a positive experience. So, being a "Townie Teacher" I once shunned as a "know it all" novice, became my new normal for two years. Then, the unexpected happened: A position as a technology integration specialist became available in a local district. My experience with the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District exposed me to the world of edtech and a different perspective of tech integration at the elementary level. With the support of administration, colleagues, and quality professional development, I took risks that resulted in transforming my practice as a teacher.

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. In fact, I used to line up all my stuffed animals along the edge of my bed and play "school" with them! Those stuffed animals were such great students- they always sat quietly, kept their eyes on the teacher (me, of course!), and completed their homework. I do remember a time my mom was a bit dismayed to discover that I had been writing homework assignments for my "students" on my freshly painted bedroom walls with hot pink chalk. Shortly thereafter, I got my very own chalkboard! Thus, my journey to the teaching profession began.

#featheredbangs #80s

I decided to make my childhood dream a reality. In 2001, I graduated from College of Saint Elizabeth with bachelor’s degrees in both Elementary Education and Mathematics. I also earned my certification in Special Education at this time. In 2009, I went on to earn my master's degree from Kean University in Educational Leadership. This was especially challenging to balance as a newlywed, homeowner, and first time mom-all the while, working full time!

I like to stay current on the latest educational trends and LOVE to research new ideas. While I always loved to teach math, I developed a passion for teaching reading and writing after spending a week at a Teachers College Reading and Writing Project summer institute at Columbia University in New York City. Under the direction of Lucy Calkins, I spent a week with staff developers like Mary Ehrenworth and Kate Roberts and many other like-minded educators from around the country and the world. It was at this event that the seed was planted for my quest to have all students share my love of literacy!

I live in New Jersey with my husband, Luis (Lou), son, Luis (Louie), and daughter Elliana (Ellie). I am blessed to have my supportive immediate family nearby, in addition to LOTS of extended family near and far. My family is here in the States as well as in Canada and Portugal. My family is so large and zany, we could star in the Portuguese spoof of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I am first generation Portuguese-American and take pride in my heritage.

My parents, although not college graduates themselves, pushed my sister and I to work hard in school and get a good education. After all, they left Portugal with their families in hopes of creating a better life for themselves. I admire the courage and grit that was required of my parents and their families to leave all that was familiar to start over in new countries (While both of my parents emigrated from the same small town in Portugal, my father's family immigrated to Canada and my mother's family immigrated to the United States). Some of their anecdotes are hilarious, while others are painful. It is my hope to document these stories as a legacy for my children and future generations so that they always know where they came from. As I pursue my career goals, I only try to emulate the hard work ethic I observed in my parents growing up.

(Mrs. DaCosta’s 3rdgrade picture-about the time of the “chalk” incident)

(Louie & Ellie)

(Selfie with my husband on Portugal Day 2014)

I truly consider it a privilege to be able to touch the lives of children through teaching.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse