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Sylvia currently teaches Advanced-Plus Math and ELA to students in grades 1st and 3rd. She started teaching with the Diocese in 1993 at Mission Basilica School in San Juan Capistrano. Over the past 30 years, Sylvia has taught at Mission Basilica for a total of 13 years and St. Serra for a total of 17 years.
Sylvia is known at St. Serra for her dedication and passion as an educator. According to Tim Tolzda, Sr. Principal, “Sylvia represents what a true professional is. She is dedicated to her craft, she puts others before herself and she demonstrates daily her love for the children."
“Sylvia constantly searches for new ways to reach her students and goes above and beyond to make learning fun,” says Carol Reiss, Lower School Principal – Preschool through Grade 4. “Each year, she creates a new classroom theme, which has included a life-like Amazon forest, a cross-country road trip, and a campground complete with a reading tent and pretend campfire.”
Sylvia was instrumental in creating St. Serra’s Advanced-Plus program. She has also assisted in coordinating the Catholic Math League program for St. Serra for many years, and she has volunteered her time outside of school to coach middle school students for the Diocesan Academic Decathlon.
Sylvia is credited with introducing and coordinating a number of well-loved programs during St. Serra’s early years, including the Stations of the Cross, 5th Grade Taste of America, Imagination Machine Assembly and the Walk Through the American Revolution.
Sylvia credits her own parents with her love of learning and her dedication to the sharing of Catholic values with students. “I was blessed with the gift of a Catholic education due to the sacrifices my parents made for me,” said Sylvia. “I believe that Catholic values can and should be integrated into every lesson.”
Sylvia’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Sylvia believes that if you put your faith into what you do, all things are possible. St. Serra has been blessed by the message of hard work and positivity that Sylvia has shared with so many students over the course of her career.
The Diocese will select and announce the Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award in early January, and all nominees will be recognized at a dinner celebrating Catholic educators in early February.
Congratulations Mrs. Peterson!
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