Spotlight on Mrs. Darmo

Joann Darmo

Teacher of Elementary Enrichment

District

• Name: Joann Darmo

• College(s) and degrees(s): Brandywine College: Associate Degree;
Western Governors University: B.A. Education K-5

• Work experience: Instructional Assistant: Walnut School Grades 2/3 & 4/5
Substitute Teacher: Mt Laurel Schools

• Favorite books
o fiction: I just read Mockingjay from the Hunger Games Trilogy and I loved it.
o nonfiction: I enjoy to read National Geographic each month.

• Favorite television show: Modern Family

• Last movie I loved: Slumdog Millionaire

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: I love all different types of music, so I would say I wear out my shuffle button on the iPod.

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: My father, he died right after I got married and hasn't been here to see me start my family, have a career I love, and my antique VW Bug convertible which he would love! He was a great moral compass for me, and I would treasure any time I could have with him -- even if it was just lunch.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: I love the mountains.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: It's always last on the list because I despise doing it -- cleaning my house.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): My beagle, Max

• Favorite sports team: Any team my daughters play on and, of course, the EAGLES!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Hawaii or Europe

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: It's sad that I don’t remember her name, but I look back now and I wouldn't have received my teaching degree without her. I was taking a class at TCNJ at the beginning of my journey to get my teaching certificate. I was quite overwhelmed, being the oldest in the class and a mom with three little children. She noticed this, called me at home and talked to me about why I wanted to be a teacher, the life experiences I had, and the qualities she saw in me that would enable me to someday be a great teacher. That short phone call was the catalyst I needed to keep going. I thank her from the bottom of my heart -- because she cared. I remember that everyday and try to make some connection to my students to show them that I care about them and their education.