Teresa Works Thirty Years in CUSD

By Stephanie Wright

A lot of things have changed in the last 30 years. Parachute pants are officially out of style, basketball players’ shorts go past their knees, and “Rocko’s Modern Life” isn’t aired on Nickelodeon anymore. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the presence of everyone’s favorite campus supervisor: Teresa Carratturo. The 2009-2010 school year marks the 30-year anniversary of her service to Capistrano Unified School District. The district awarded her with an honorary certificate and a pin, unaware that the campus supervisor known simply as “Teresa” deserves so much more. Teresa has a long history before even coming to Dana. She was born and raised in Argentina, where she taught elementary school for three years and spoke not a word of English. She studied Spanish Literature at a University in Buenos Aires for a year and a half. Then on her wedding day she left for the States. “I have two very vivid memories of that day,” she said about coming to her new home. “The Mama’s and the Papa’s were on the radio, and I had my very first hamburger at In ‘N Out.” Thus began her experience in America. For seven years she worked in a school of language in South Pasadena, California, teaching Spanish in exchange for English tutoring. Then in 1980, she made her CUSD start at R.H. Dana Elementary School as a bilingual aide. She also offered help to Spanish-speaking students and served as community liaison for parents with students in English as a Second Language for 10 years. In 1990 Teresa began her career at Dana Hills as a campus supervisor. The change was monumental. “I had to learn the culture of high school,” she commented. “Elementary school and high school are a world apart.” She also had to re-learn Spanish and adjust to the Mexican dialect. Throughout her years, she has supervised several students that returned as her equals. Mike Hulse, Charlie Briggs, Rick Stinson, Craig Dunn, and former teacher Neil Sampson were once all observed by Teresa’s watchful eyes. She says that she is very proud of each and every one of them. “It was the most agreeable surprise ever to see them giving back to Dana Hills,” she said of the former students. Principal Dr. Rob Nye expressed similar feelings toward Teresa, saying, “She is a Dana Hills treasure. We’re very lucky to have her.” However, seeing others give back is not her favorite thing about her job. “What I love the most,” she said, “is the chance to show that there is a better way to do things through respect for each other and accountability.” Teresa is recognized by the district as an interpreter/ translator, but if she could give herself a title, she would describe herself more as a mentor and community liaison, as she often works with Spanish-speaking parents. The reason why she is needed for that service, she explained, is because of bad communication. “I always joke that the parents are the ones that need the classes,” she laughed. As of right now, she has no plans to leave. “I’ll stay as long as they want me,” she joked. On a more serious note, she added, “I’m not done with my job yet. There are still kids I want to see graduate.” When the time does come for her to leave the halls lonely and cart empty, she says she is considering moving to Washington state. “That’s where my children live with their families,” she explained, “but I have wonderful friends that are like my family, too, in California. And good friends are the best thing that life can give you.”