Ms. Paula Greco, special education teacher, has been working at Coronado for 18 years and teaching for a total of 39 years.

Ms. Greco says that she was greatly influenced by all of our wonderful EA’s in her time at Coronado, and especially enjoyed teaching her Fundamentals of English classes. Some of her favorite co-teaching experiences happened in science with Mr. Muth and Ms. Evans as well as teaching English with the entire department.

She started her career in New York City “work[king] with a difficult type of city student.” When she came to Coronado 18 years ago, “the students were kinder and more motivated to learn.” Much has changed since the early 1980s, and even early 2000s when she started here at Coronado, but the most significant changes happened when “Covid hit and there was this strange feeling of disengagement. That was a challenging time for everyone.” A new sense of normalcy is what she wishes for Coronado going into the future.

When reflecting back on the past 39 years, Ms. Greco picked a simple, yet powerful series of memories to discuss. She said that she will always fondly remember “the look on a student’s face when he/she gets it.” This is one of the true joys of teaching. Additionally, she hopes that students and staff alike will keep in mind that “There is nothing more important than a life’s work helping others.” There is purpose in what we do, especially when we actively serve others.

As for next year, Ms. Greco is trying not to make plans too quickly. She said, “It’s hard! Perhaps explore a type of work, part-time that is very different from what I’ve done for the past 39 years.” She also couldn’t help but express her gratitude for a career well-spent: “I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with our youth.”

Ms. Greco has done so much in service of her students over her career, so we wish her a restful retirement where she can embark on some new adventures, perhaps not tied to the school calendar for the first time in four decades!