I grew up in California and have always loved working with children. I loved elementary school and always wanted to be a teacher. I started at the University of Southern California and finished at University of Pacific, majoring in psychology and education. Since 1986, I have been an elementary educator. My graduate work concentrated on reading acquisition and bilingual education. I started teaching in 3rd and 4th grades in California. My son, Matt, was born in 1988.

 

         In 1990, my family moved to Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, where I taught third grade for 12 years. Maui was a beautiful place to live and teach. I learned a great deal about cultural diversity and enjoyed my time by the ocean. I met my husband, Greg, on Maui.  My father, Fred, still lives on the island of Maui at times and in Tahoe, CA as well.

 

         With Matt going into high school, we decided to move to Arizona. He is a graduate of SDOHS and Arizona State University with honors. He is now a history teacher and coach as well as making me "Gramma" with my darling grandson. I taught first grade the year that we moved here. Then I joined DVUSD and helped open Terramar, teaching 4th grade. Then our daughter, Christal was born in 2005. I helped open the current campus of Diamond Canyon, teaching 4th grade, 5th grade ELA, and  3rd grade.At Sunset Ridge, I taught 4th grade and 6th grade ELA. I was thrilled to join Las Brisas Stars in third grade as team lead as well as second grade lead..! I have served on CIT, GEIT, been writing liaison as well as 3rd and 4th grade team lead. I have added my SEI endorsement and Middle School ELA endorsement. Now I am so excited to join Aspire/DVOA in third grade and fourth grade as well as work  together to make our new district school #extraordinary! I have been in DVOA/ Aspire from the beginning. 

 

         Teaching is my passion and has filled my life! I love working with students and guiding them on their learning journey! I believe in meeting students where they are at and taking them as far as I can during our academic year. I want students to know that I believe in them and maximize their abilities. Our shared belief will work towards achieving our goals and ultimately, success.

 

         I love living in Arizona with my family. My son got married in the summer of 2014 in Goodyear, AZ and lives now in Maryland with his wife Cheri,stepson and younger son(making Mrs. Costello a grandma!) My daughter, Christal, and I love baking and have formed "Christal's Cupcakes". We enjoy time with our little dogs, Belle and new puppy, Wendy as well. I was recently a few years ago on a health challenge and was so excited to complete (2) 5Ks, 10K and beyond thrilled to cross the finish line of my 1st Half Marathon with my son! We are also involved in charity work in the community with "Hands Across Anthem" and working with seniors. Christal just graduated from BCHS and is off to ASU.

 

         I have a very "open door policy" and encourage open communication with parents! Working together, we will make it an awesome learning year!

 

 

Cindy Costello

email: cindy.costello@dvusd.org