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Immigration Lessons on an Island: Staten

Tourists from around the world were impressed with her class project

By Juan DeJesus

Third-grade teacher Maryann Diglio prides herself on giving each child individual attention so her students can experience the greatest amount of success and maximize their learning.

The 52-year-old Staten Island resident came to teaching at a later point in her life. Diglio earned a bachelors degree in accounting from St. Francis College in 1981. But after 10 years of crunching numbers at Ernst & Whinney, which later became Ernst & Young, she knew she wanted to do more with her life.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. I was never comfortable in that field. I felt that I never gave back. When my children got older, I took the chance to go back to school and do what I love,” said Diglio.

Diglio earned a masters degree in 2004 from the College of Staten Island, allowing her to enter the world she knew she was destined to be a part of.

“Ms. Diglio always had a curiosity about teaching and learning. Her ability to look at learning and differentiated instruction systematically has grown tremendously,” said Patricia Lynch, director of studies at Staten Island Academy, a private school.

After coming to Staten Island Academy, Diglio quickly adopted a workshop model. The teacher emphasizes hands-on learning from her pupils. A quick lesson starts the class, followed by students breaking into groups or off on their own.

The teacher lets the students develop ideas that are later presented to the entire class. If she sees that students are having a hard time, Diglio will prepare a mini-lesson to help focus their understanding.

“All the children and parents feel that Ms. Diglio honors their experiences and their voices, no matter how soft the voices or how diverse the experiences,” said Lynch.

Diglio even describes her teaching as a learning experience.

“I’m a learner myself,” she said. “I love learning. I’m very curious and the students feed off my passion.”

Diglio’s lessons are plucked directly from newspapers, magazines and literature, but she excels at using the pupils’ natural curiosity to expand on their learning experience.

“Maryann developed an immigration study three years ago that has grown yearly in depth, integration and complexity. Her students had the honor of having their picture books hanging on display at Ellis Island,” said Lynch.

The picture books were made after the students conducted interviews with immigrants who are school parents. The project was a huge success, even surprising the teacher.

“The ranger called me up and said it was so magnificent. It was the most looked-at display. People all over the world were looking at the books. At one point the rangers were afraid of the books breaking,” said Diglio.

But the point the teacher got from that experience was very simple.

“We all touch someone. These people from other countries were being touched by something these children worked on. That is a great lesson,” said Diglio.

Even with the success of her students, Diglio continues to read studies and other materials to better prepare herself to meet the needs of her students.

“Maryann understands that teaching is a never-ending challenge with new research constantly arriving. Maryann retains her curiosity as her fund of knowledge expands, which is why she is a truly lifelong learner,” said Lynch.

“Every child is worth it,” said Diglio. “It’s worth all the attention and the care you put in. It is really all about the kids.”

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Maryann Diglio
Staten Island Academy
715 Todt Hill Rd.,
Staten Island