Mrs. Kerry Toomey
Fourth Grade

Kerry had 10 years of previous teaching experience, both in private and public school education, before joining PNA as a fourth grade teacher.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California.  After attaining a multiple subject teaching credential, she spent a year substitute teaching in the San Diego area.  Kerry then returned to school and completed a two-year learning handicapped internship program at San Diego State University.  During this time, she taught children with severe emotional disabilities in an upper elementary school classroom with the San Diego Unified School District. This is where she honed her classroom and behavior management skills.  After her public school experience, Kerry continued her career in the private school community where she taught at Coleman Preparatory School in La Mesa, California. While at Coleman, she taught at both the third and fourth grade levels.  Coleman’s mission was to provide an exemplary education, while building strong character, much the same as PNA’s  mission.  Kerry wrote and developed a writing curriculum that is still in use today at Coleman.  She was assigned the role of mentor to all new and developing staff.  Kerry put her career on pause to raise her two young children and was excited to return to the classroom where her passion lies.

Kerry spends much of her vacation time traveling extensively.  She is excited about bringing a broad world view into the classroom here at PNA.  She feels passionate about helping children understand the reward one receives from serving others both in the community and the world.  

Philosophy:
"I believe that all children have their gifts and talents and are unique as individuals. My goal as a teacher is to help my students continue to improve upon their strengths and to provide the best educational setting for them to do so.  All children have a desire to learn about the world around them and it is my responsibility as a teacher to encourage children’s curious nature and guide them in the learning process.  A teacher’s role goes beyond teaching the basics and must always keep in mind that the student is a whole person - mind, body and spirit.

I feel that PNA is a wonderful place for me to return to the teaching profession. The small class size and mission of the school allows me to meet the needs of each individual student.  PNA’s emphasis on character building and serving others is what I value most as a person and parent.  I am excited about the opportunity to incorporate these principles into the classroom setting through education and action."