First Presbyterian Pre-School & Kindergarten

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Teacher Spotlight: Toni Rossi

Our Teacher Spotlight section highlights one of our dedicated teachers or staff members at FPPK.

Toni Rossi celebrates a remarkable milestone this year: three decades of teaching. Her passion, experience, and dedication have made her an invaluable member of the FPPK school community, where she lovingly teaches our 2-year-olds. She achieved her Early Childhood Education degree from California State University, Northridge, with a minor in psychology and journalism. Toni Rossi's impact on our students and families is immeasurable. Her ability to engage a child’s sense of wonder motivates them to make new discoveries throughout their day. 

Her Approach

Toni believes a school should be a loving, compassionate, and inclusive place. Her teaching philosophy embraces each student's curiosity, individualism, and love of learning. Anyone who enters her classroom can see her passion shine through the children.

"When a teacher is doing a science experiment, singing a song, dancing or just being silly and a student says, 'Again!', then I know that I'm on to something," Toni said. "That makes me happy. That and seeing the children's smiling faces each and every day."

Experience

Her vast experience includes working with terminally ill children at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles and the Thalian's Center at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. She also taught kindergarten enrichment classes in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the United States. She’s also worked in the private sector for many years, teaching Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten.

Her Personal Life

Beyond teaching, Toni is known for her deep love of the arts and enjoys going on nature hikes. She also enjoys cooking and playing the piano and autoharp. In her spare time, she attends concerts, football games, Broadway shows, and art and art exhibits. 

We are thankful she has chosen FPPK as she embarks on her 30th year of teaching, enriching the lives of her students, one child at a time.

First Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten (FPPK) cares for children ages 2.5 years to Kindergarten. We offer each child the care and compassion they need to become confident and engaged life-long learners. It's where they start that helps them finish. Learn more about giving your child the right start at FPPK School.