My name is Melissa Di Luigi, and I am the English teacher for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and this is my first year teaching here at Pinecrest Schools Canyon Country.  I am a graduate from of Canyon High School and have earned my BA in English from UCLA Masters in Education.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, singing, dancing, playing with my dogs, and spending quality time with my family. My educational philosophy is student-centered learning.  I try to work closely with students to determine what they need to learn and how they can best learn it.  I want to encourage their individuality while making sure they are prepared for the next level.  I want to guide them and teach them how to take control of their own learning.

What I enjoy most about my role here at Pinecrest is that I love that I get to read and explore books and stories with my students.  I enjoy helping and encouraging them to find a love for reading.

My most memorable moment as an educator was at the end of my teaching experience at Canyon High.  I had two freshmen girls who just gave me trouble all year.  At the end, I was sad because I felt like I didn’t get through to them.  I felt like I never made that connection.  I so badly wanted to be a positive influence on them and help change their perspective about their education and I felt like I failed.  On the last day these two girls came to me in tears and finally opened up to me.  They said they had learned so much in my class and did things they never thought they could.  I was relieved and happy to know that my efforts were well worth it.

mdiluigi@pinecrestschools.com