Nena Allegra Manuel ’14
Since graduating from Carondelet in 2014, I went on to attend Saint Mary’s College on an academic scholarship. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Justice, Community & Leadership – Teachers for Tomorrow Program.
In 2019, I graduated Saint Mary’s College with my Master’s in Education and a K-8 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and received the Alpha Delta Kappa Outstanding Future Educator Scholarship Award for 2019.
Carondelet and Saint Mary’s fostered my desire to continue being a life-long learner. During my time at Saint Mary’s College I learned what it means to form transformational relationships, relationships that transcend transactional interactions with people that have extended into my teaching career.
I began teaching in 2018-2019 in a 6th grade class, while enrolled in the Masters Program at Saint Mary’s College. I taught a 6th grade self-contained class at Antioch Middle School in the Antioch Unified School District.
This year, 2019-2020, I am currently teaching 5th grade at Rodeo Hills Elementary in the John Swett Unified School District.
My path to my profession began at an early age. I come from a long line of educators who instilled that education is the key to success. Growing up I was able to observe my mother in her classrooms and began the process of gathering teaching techniques. These experiences helped me to see first hand from a teaching perspective the beginnings of what it takes to become a teacher.
As an educator, it is very important that I provide a warm, positive, family oriented, and safe classroom atmosphere for the students where I continue to set high learning and personal expectations for my students. My philosophical approach to education focuses on teaching the whole child, by allowing each student to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, as they are encouraged to share their ideas.
As a proud graduate of Carondelet High School, I have been able to continue to carry on the deep-rooted philosophies of the Saint Joseph teachings. A Catholic Education was very important to me because it helped strengthen my values and acquire useful life skills academically and spiritually.
Attending Carondelet High School was truly a gift in my life as it introduced me to the sisterhood and bonds that will stand the test of time. It has influenced how I interact with people as well as my work ethics. I thank God for the opportunity to have received a great Catholic Education at Carondelet High School.
To all Carondelet students, appreciate and enjoy the gift that Carondelet gives you through the sisterhood, education, and the everlasting networks you will create.
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