2007 Recipient of Who's Who Among American Teachers

2008 Recipient of Who's Who Among American Teachers

2009 Recipient of Who's Who Among American Teachers

2008 Recipient of Who's Who Among American Women

Miss Constantino

I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington into a large Italian family of which I am third generation. My heritage is a large part of my life and I've spent many years researching and documenting my family history. The grades I remember most from my schooling are 3rd, 5th and 8th. I graduated from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School and went on the Highline Community College and then Central Washington University. 

Something's I like to do in my spare time are: reading, knitting, genealogy research, web design, going to movies and spending time with my family. Something you can probably figure out from the design of this page is that I like tea, discovering new tea rooms or shops is another past time I have.  I don't spend a lot of time watching TV but my favorite shows are Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Ugly Betty, Moonlight and True Blood.

 I have been teaching for 20 years, 17at Saint Brendan Parish School. I began my career here teaching computer classes, in later years adding 7th grade Literature and Religion. As the 7th grade homeroom teacher I was the recipient of The Gates Foundation Teacher Leadership Project.  It was an honor to receive the grant which allowed me to bring technology into my homeroom on a fulltime basis by putting computers in the room at 1:4 ratio.

I moved to third grade in 2004 and I love it! I believe that all children can learn, they just have different ways of doing it. I strive to bring books to life for them during reading and read alouds, history comes alive as we learn about those who came before us and communities near and far. I currently am the chair for Curriculum Development and a member of the Technology Team.

In my classroom there are many themes that take place, from day one I try to instill a sense of responsibility and pride in work. I set high expectations for treatment of our peers. Students are respected for their various learning styles and supported. Parental involvement is a high priority and parents are informed of such early in the year.

ODDS AND ENDS:

Favorite Children's Book:

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco and anything by Sharon Creech, Ann Rinaldi and Tomie de Paolo

Food:

Pizza, Spaghetti, Chinese Food, and Ice Cream

Music:

Country, 80's and some current Pop

Quote:

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless. ~ Mother Teresa