Mrs. Diana Ruffini - First Lady, Mecca Shriners

Transforming Tradition: Leadership Strategies

Diana Ruffini is a dedicated educator with over 24 years of experience in elementary education.
Currently serving at New York City Public School 22 in Staten Island, New York, she has
established herself as a leader in both the classroom and the community.

In 2024, Diana served as the **First Lady of Mecca Shrine**, where she played a vital role in
transforming the shrine into a family-centric center. Her efforts focused on community
engagement and inclusivity, making Mecca Shrine a welcoming space for families and
members alike.

As First Lady, Diana initiated her **First Lady Project**, which provided books to the
Philadelphia and Boston Hospitals. This project emphasized maintaining normalcy through
reading during our children's time in care. Understanding that access to books fosters comfort
and distraction, Diana aimed to nurture a love for reading among young patients, aligning
seamlessly with her passion for elementary education. By offering age-appropriate books, she
sought to empower children facing health challenges, ensuring they could experience the joy of
storytelling and learning even in difficult circumstances.

Diana holds dual licenses in Common Branches and Early Childhood Education, as well as a
TESOL certification. She is a certified United Federation of Teachers Teacher Center Coach,
enhancing her ability to mentor and support fellow educators and Peer Collaborative Teacher,
demonstrating her commitment to improving educational practices. Diana earned her
Advanced Certificate in TESOL from Saint John’s University in 2017, a Master of Science in
Elementary Education from the College of Staten Island in 2002, and a Bachelor of Science in
Elementary Education from Saint John’s University in 2000.

In her current role as a Peer Collaborative Teacher and classroom teacher in a 1st Grade Dual
Language Bilingual ICT setting, Diana creates an engaging and supportive learning
environment. She has taught across various grades, including kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 5th,
adapting her strategies to meet the diverse needs of her students. Diana proactively integrates
technology into her lessons, making learning accessible and enjoyable. She believes that
establishing a solid foundation in early education is crucial for student success and encourages
students to explore learning opportunities through challenges, fostering a growth mindset that
empowers them.

She collaborates with parents, guardians, teachers, and counselors to create individualized
action plans for students facing academic or behavioral challenges, ensuring that her students
receive the support they need to thrive. Diana actively participates in professional meetings
and training workshops to continually enhance her skills and stay updated on the latest
educational methodologies.

Outside of the classroom, Diana is deeply committed to her local community. She collaborates
with parents and organizations to create a supportive network for students and their families.
Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom as she aims to inspire the next
generation of learners to be curious, compassionate, and engaged citizens.
In summary, Diana Ruffini exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional educator. Her
passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and dedication to professional growth
make her a valuable asset to her school and community.