Waynedale’s Cerniglia still fueled by her math pupils
Jeanne Cerniglia is in her 28th year of teaching in the Waynedale Local School District. Cerniglia teaches seventh-grade math at Waynedale Middle School.
Jeanne Cerniglia can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to be a teacher.
“Before starting school, I would organize my younger siblings into my ‘class,’” said Cerniglia, who teaches seventh-grade math at Waynedale Middle School.
Cerniglia has been a teacher for 31 years, spending the past 28 with Waynedale Local Schools, and she has taught about 3,000 students during that span.
“I can still see them over the years — their faces and smiles,” she said, “all those connections I hold inside.”
Cerniglia has always focused on her students, but she said she’s also built wonderful relationships with her colleagues.
“I didn’t realize how important that would be,” she said.
She also greatly values the relationships she’s built with her students.
“They fuel me,” Cerniglia said. “I’m 73 years old, and I never thought I would still be teaching, but I just love what I do.”
Cerniglia said the most challenging part of teaching is ensuring each student gets what they need from her.
“Making sure they believe in themselves as learners and valuable human beings,” she said.
When Cerniglia was a student, she participated in Future Teachers of America, National Honor Society, Ski Club, small ensemble (choir), field hockey and Pioneer Girls Club.
She has 17 grandchildren and loves spending time with them when she’s not teaching. She also enjoys traveling, reading and music.
“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a local teacher.