TEACHER: Dianne Bernasconi

SCHOOL: Fairhope High School

SUBJECTS TAUGHT: Family and Consumer Sciences

SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT YOURSELF: I was the first Madam in my town in Massachusetts. I was also queen for a year with the Honduras Association in New Orleans.

Dianne Bernasconi passion shows while talking about her curriculum for the upcoming school year.

“I’m opening the FACS program at Fairhope High School,” Bernasconi says. “They’ve had it before, but it closed.”

This isn’t the first FACS program opening she’s dealt with, either. She opened the program at Foley Middle School too. She has previously taught at Foley Middle School, Spanish Fort Middle School and Spanish Fort High   School.

“I’ve sewn since I was eight years old, and I love to cook,” Bernasconi says. “I live the curriculum.”

Bernasconi decided to teach because she wanted to make a difference.

“I love making connections — the ‘aha’ moments — with the students,” she says. “I love what I do, and I get so inspired seeing the ideas of my students.”

Bernasconi is looking forward to help from the local community to start this program at FHS.

“I have all of my major appliances—sewing machines, ovens, etc.,” she says. “What I need help with is the small items like utensils, sewing notions, scissors, minor items the students still need.”

With community support, Bernasconi knows her students will have a better program. She’s also looking forward to partnering with local businesses for different lessons she has planned for her students.

When she isn’t teaching, Bernasconi enjoys sewing, traveling, dancing, entertaining and causing mischief.