Mrs. Rinaldi – Passion, Dedication, and Early Learning

Mrs. Raquel Rinaldi has been a dedicated educator since 2000, teaching various grades, including 3rd, 4th, 5th, Pre-K 4, and now for the past eight years, Kindergarten at The Village School of Naples (TVS). Her passion for teaching was ignited by her own 3rd-grade teacher, Mrs. McGowan. "I knew as a 3rd grader, sitting in her classroom, that I wanted to grow up and be just like her!" Mrs. Rinaldi recalls. Her love for teaching has grown since she discovered her “sweet spot” in Kindergarten, a grade she adores for the curiosity, honesty, and energy her young students bring each day. "Kindergarteners keep me on my toes," she says with a smile.

When it comes to her teaching philosophy, Mrs. Rinaldi emphasizes creating an engaging and nurturing environment for her students. "My goal is to keep all students engaged with fun, ever-changing learning experiences, movement, and humor, while always maintaining a safe place where they can take risks and be the best version of themselves," she explains. Rooted in the school's Christ-centered values, Mrs. Rinaldi ensures that her students learn through His teachings, aiming to make each child feel known, nurtured, and loved daily.

As a dedicated and passionate kindergarten teacher at The Village School, Mrs. Rinaldi has been a beloved member of our community, bringing her energy and commitment to shaping young minds for years. A continuous and significant experience for her has been witnessing her own son, Christian, TVS Class of '23, fulfilling his dreams as a young adult in college. Mrs. Rinaldi reflects on how the entire TVS community played an integral role in shaping who Christian is today, teaching, guiding, supporting, and believing in him every step of the way.

"Our Administration, LS, MS, and US teachers, Quest, and Coaches all had a hand shaping who he is and prepared him for his journey."

Her daughter, Victoria, Class of 2026, is also following a similar path. "I wholeheartedly believe in our school's philosophy and mission. We truly are Knights for Life. I want this success for all my students, and it starts in kindergarten!" says Mrs. Rinaldi, encapsulating her deep belief in the impact TVS has on its students.

Her commitment to the school’s mission shines through in her work, ensuring that every student receives the foundational skills needed for a lifetime of achievement.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Rinaldi plays an active role in the broader TVS community. She is particularly proud of the Senior/Kindergarten Buddy program, where her young students form meaningful relationships with high school seniors. "It’s beautiful to see how these relationships develop and how the students foster each other," she reflects. In addition, her kindergarteners participate in a variety of school-wide events, such as Middle and Upper School science, social studies, and theater activities.

Mrs. Rinaldi is also deeply involved in several school initiatives, including serving on the Strategic Planning Committee, Lower School Focus Groups, and as a Mentor Teacher. She also participates in monthly professional development, continuously refining her craft.

One of Mrs. Rinaldi’s most cherished moments is when former students return to visit her classroom. "It’s always a special experience when students come back to say hello and share updates about how they’re doing," she says. 

As a final note, Mrs. Rinaldi often finds herself returning to the wisdom found in one of her favorite books, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. It’s a philosophy she carries with her, believing that many of life’s most important lessons begin in the early years, and as a Kindergarten teacher at TVS, she’s helping to lay that foundation for her students every day.

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