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Lifetime Achievement Award-Dierdre Layton

St. Joseph’s Second Grade Startion
Inspiring students for 20 years, and still going strong

Deirdre Layton says sometimes people ask her why, after 20 years, she’s still teaching. She says it’s because her job never gets old. “Every year is a new year—different kids, different challenges.”

Layton has spent those 20 years at St. Joseph’s of Yorkville, mainly as a second grade teacher. She says teaching is her dream job—she tried advertising for a year, working at her father’s company, but quickly found out it wasn’t for her.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. It’s wonderful to do something you love. Because when you get up in the morning, even if you’re tired, you know that once you get there, you know you’re going to love it,” she said.
Layton spent a year teaching in Boston after getting her undergraduate degree at Boston University, but couldn’t stay away from her roots, and so came back to Manhattan.

Over the course of her career, Layton has received several national accolades. In 1998, she was a finalist for the Elizabeth Ann Seton compassionate educator award, and in 2004, she was a finalist for the National Catholic Educational Association’s distinguished teacher award.

The curriculum at St. Joseph’s is a blend of church teachings and what’s set by the state. In the second grade, students receive preparation in taking their first communion.

Layton is well regarded by parents and colleagues alike. Teresa Bernero, the school’s principal said, “Our school identity consists of three main components: a strong academic program, a faith-filled community and a family environment. Mrs. Layton is a living example of all three and advances this identity in her words and actions.”

In the classroom, Layton is known for taking an individual approach to her students and drawing on their strengths. “Each child learns differently, and so you really have to try a lot of different methods to make sure you catch everyone in the classroom,” she said. “You really want to use as many senses as possible in each lesson.”

And, whenever possible, she tries to incorporate parents. “That’s the key to success. It can’t just be the teacher who’s pulling her hair out to get the child to learn something,” she said.

Layton has kept in touch with many of her students over the years, a feat made easier by living in the neighborhood where she teaches. And many of her students come back to visit. “I think they feel that St. Joseph’s is a great home environment,” she said.

This summer, Layton will run a camp that takes kids to different museums throughout the city. And come August, she says she’ll start getting antsy to head back to school.

So is she retiring any time soon? Layton says she hasn’t even thought about it.

— Courtney McLeod