• GRADE 3 TEACHER

• FACULTY/STAFF EVENT PLANNER

Bio: Hello! Welcome to Third Grade! My name is Maria Perina and I am an educator here at Divine Mercy Academy.  I completed my bachelors degree in Elementary Education at the University of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ in 2021. I am certified in Pre-K thru 6th grade, Teacher of Students with Disabilities and non-violent crisis prevention training, with over four years of experience.

Hometown: Rockaway Borough, NJ

I like working at the Academy because the close knit community of faculty, students, parents and staff make working at DMA worthwhile.

Teaching Philosophy: My mission as a teacher is to educate and inspire my students to become the best version of themselves. Students who are kind, compassionate, and curious about the world around them.

Fun Facts about me: I enjoy shopping second hand, thrift stores, and creating themed outfits to what I am teaching. Dresses with frogs, snowman earrings, and book inspired bracelets have a happy home in my closet.
I am constantly looking for great books to read. I am part of two book clubs and am starting a classroom book club this year. We are reading the classic Mary Norton’s, “The Borrowers” in third grade.
I collect silly stickers, magnets and keychains. My favorite keychains are the ones my students make for me. I decorate my purse and lunchbox with them. 

When I’m not in the classroom you will find me… reading a good book in cozy pajamas and slippers.

Ask me about… my favorite books and restaurant recommendations. I always enjoy trying different cuisines from around the world. Indian food is probably my favorite!

What you will hear in my classroom… typically a collection of bad puns, excitement over learning, and an eclectic mix of music (currently The Proclaimers are on deck in the morning).