Dana Ripa Creates an Enriching Classroom Environment Where Sacred Heart Students Develop Tech Skills

What she hopes students take away from her classroom: “I want my students to always know I am in their corner and will be there to help them succeed in any way I can.” 

At Volusia Catholic Schools, your child receives a well-rounded education that balances core academic requirements with enriching courses in religion, foreign language, fine arts, physical education, and technology. 

Technology and computer science courses are important in helping students build the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking strategies needed to become remarkable learners and leaders in the 21st century. 

At Sacred Heart Catholic School in New Smyrna Beach, Technology Teacher Mrs. Dana Ripa instructs students in developing tech skills within a highly enriching environment. She provides individualized attention to meet each student’s needs, while also instilling character growth and faith formation in daily lessons. 

Learn more about Mrs. Ripa’s background and approach to engaging students in the classroom. 

Inspired to Become a Catholic School Teacher

Mrs. Ripa was born and raised in Roselle Park, New Jersey, before moving to New Smyrna Beach when she was in middle school. During her education, she attended a Catholic school for three years and it left a big impression. 

“It was my favorite school that I ever attended. I loved how small and intimate the environment was,” she says. “I knew at 10 years old I wanted to be a part of that type of environment when I became an adult.” 

With a passion for teaching from an early age, she later went on to become a teacher. She first joined the Sacred Heart Catholic School community as a volunteer teaching Sunday school. After 20 years of volunteering, she joined the staff and has now been teaching at the school for 11 years. 

Throughout her time, she has taught a variety of classes, including 1st Grade, Pre-K, 3rd Grade, and Technology. What has not changed is the loving, faith-filled community that she is honored to be part of at Sacred Heart. . 

“Seeing students come together in prayer is very special, and it is something Sacred Heart does very well,” she says. “I love the family factor in Catholic schools. The students, families, and teachers are all there for each other.”

Building Students’ Tech Skills Through Customized Lessons

As the Technology Teacher, Mrs. Ripa strives to make an exciting, interactive class that keeps students engaged. She believes in a student-led approach to her lessons. 

“I love to have my students set the tone and process for how we will go about learning something new,” she says. “Each year I wait to meet my class and see the dynamics and interests they each bring to the classroom.”

Once she gets to know them, she creates lessons centered around their interests and needs. 

“Students may even require a unique set of delivery for the same lesson. It is ever changing!” 

No matter the class, she knows her first priority is that students feel loved and supported within her classroom.

“My biggest mission as a teacher,” she says, “is to make sure each student fully believes I am rooting for them to succeed and become the best version of themself.” 

 Getting to Know Mrs. Ripa

Outside of school, here are a few fun facts about Mrs. Ripa:

• She has a 13-year-old Shiba Inu dog named Toby. 

• She is an avid reader. One of her favorite memories was reading the Harry Potter series as they came out.

• Her favorite TV show is “The Office.”

• A Bible story she loves is about casting the first stone (John 8:1-11). 

• She enjoys reading, drinking lots of coffee, and hanging out with her family.

• If she could have a superpower, she would love to be able to read people’s hearts and thoughts. 

• A favorite place she has stayed is San Diego, and she would love to take an Alaskan cruise someday.

We thank Mrs. Ripa for the love, enthusiasm, and dedication she brings to her classroom at Sacred Heart!

Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Volusia County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through a Catholic school education.