When Gretchen Del Rosario graduated from Vallejo High School in 1986, she decided to pursue her dream and dedicate the rest of her life to helping her community. The third grade teacher does this by helping students in her community appreciate who they are. Her philosophy in teaching her students is to deal with each student as an individual. ‘You can’t just tell them, you have to show them,’ says Del Rosario.
The accident that changed it all
Del Rosario didn’t always feel this way. Like everyone else, she was going through the motions in pre-school when she was involved in a terrible car accident that proved to be the turning point in her life. She was in her eighth teaching year at pre-school when the accident occurred and she had to spend 16 days confined to a hospital bed. This gave her the opportunity to re-evaluate her life.
When she attended a school district job fair, she decided that teaching at one of the public schools in the district would be a good place to start. She moved to The Great Catholic School after enrolling her son at St. Basil’s. It was then that she got involved with a local group, Vallejo Together, which helped the less fortunate in the community.
A generous spirit shines through
Del Rosario is an active member of the group and has helped out with many events, especially over the holidays, and her helping spirit is rubbing off on her students. They recently wrote letters to the local city’s officials to petition for the opening of a 24-hour shelter for the homeless.
While Del Rosario’s generosity within the community is something to be admired, her effect on her students in the classroom is what makes her stand out even more.
The students have their say
‘Learning is fun and she’s very helpful,’ says nine-year old Chloe Alejo. Nine-year old Diego Moreno adds that Del Rosario always tries to cheer him up when she notices that he is sad.
Many of the students, especially, appreciate Del Rosario’s approach to teaching math. Del Rosario has had several students write that they love math on their assignments. ‘I don’t get math always. But I’m beginning to understand it,’ says Danica Fajardo. Del Rosario even has a math club session after school hours for those who feel that they need additional help.
‘She helps us not feel bad about not keeping up with the others,’ says Mikhel White. ‘Doing extra work after school has really helped.’
Del Rosario admits that she loves teaching so much and wouldn’t dream of leaving the class to take up an administrative post for a while. “I’m not doing this for the money,” she says.
Many of her former students pass by her class for a chat after school or to share lunch with her. She’s clearly made an impression on their lives.
