This is my 33rd year teaching within an elementary school setting.  I have taught 3rd grade, 4th grade, 3rd and 4th Multi-age, and Gifted K-8th grades.  It will be my 26th year teaching within the Gifted program.  I love working with this population of learners!

I have a degree in Elementary Education with a math minor, and hold specialized endorsements/credentials in gifted education, math consulting K-8, middle school math, ELA, social studies, and English as a Second Language.  I am a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy Education Preschool-8th Grade. 

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Phone: 623-445-5348

 

Hi Students and Parents!

          I'm Heidi Essert-Dini. This is my 36th year teaching in the Deer Valley School District. My first year in Deer Valley began at Esperanza Elementary School as a librarian. It was an exciting position in which I was able to make the media center the hub of the school through sponsoring various cultural activities and allowing open library time for children to explore books and book-related activities.  Over the last 32 years, I have taught grades K-3, and have mainly served as a Reading Specialist working hard to strengthen children’s foundational skills and to encourage a love of reading.  I also have had the privilege of teaching SAGE (Gifted) Math, Fifth grade Math and English Language Learners.  In all these positions my goal as an educator was & still is to provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment that meets the individual needs of each student through a curriculum full of engaging and relevant activities. My hope is that by providing this type of environment, each child will develop a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lifetime.
          This year I am again honored to work with the K-3 gifted population.   I am excited about working with students to help strengthen their thinking and problem-solving abilities.  I am thrilled to be here at Stetson Hills and to have the opportunity to work with such a highly-qualified, warm and caring staff.   I will be on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

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3rd-6th SPARK Enrichment, 4th-6th ELA/Math SAGE Replacement:  Vicky Pizzagoni

K-2 SPARK and Math Enrichment:  Heidi Dini

K-2 Homeroom Teachers:  Angelina Bautista, Angela Dew, and  Shelly Miller

1st Grade Gifted Cluster: TBD

4th Grade Gifted Cluster and Math Walk-Up Teacher for 3rd Grade:  Breana Sanchez

5th Grade Math Walk-Up Teacher for 4th Grade:  Cindy Lunde

4th and 5th Grade ELA SAGE Replacement:  Vicky Pizzagoni

6th Grade Math Walk-Up Teacher for 5th Grade:  Danielle Harmon

6th Grade ELA Enrichment Early-Release Fridays:  Vicky Pizzagoni

6th Math SAGE Teacher/7th Walk-Up for 6th Grade:   Vicky Pizzagoni 

7th Grade Advanced ELA Teacher:  Carolyn Moody

8th Grade Walk-Up Teacher for 7th Grade:  Brooke Noble

8th Grade Advanced ELA Teacher:  Kristin Grasso

H.S. Algebra 1/2 Honors for 8th Grade:  Sarah McRae