Dear Parents,

     Welcome to Aronimink room 107! As an Upper Darby alumnus, I am proud to be teaching is UDSD! I am a Learning Support teacher. I have been teaching students with learning differences for many years. My background runs the gamut in the realm of Special Education. In the 1980's I began working at United Cerebral Palsy as a Community Living Arrangement Supervisor with Intellectually Disabled individuals and then I started teaching independent living skills to adults with varying needs. When I began my Master's program in Counseling, I worked at Devereux as a teacher and residential counselor, primarily working with students who had emotional needs and services. At this time, I also helped organize a group called Barrier Awareness of Delaware County. Our focus was on creating a barrier free environment for individuals with physical disabilities including the blind and visually impaired. We spent six years educating policymakers, architects, engineers and merchants on the process of "Barrier free" environments. Proudly, our initial group of 6 were invited to the Governor's mansion for the signing of Pennsylvania's Accessibility Law. 

     I then taught at Academy Park High School for three years as a Learning Support teacher. After that, in 1991, I began working in Upper Darby School District. I have taught students on all three levels-elementary, middle school and high school. My primary position has been as a Learning Support teacher. I love teaching kids with varying needs and helping them to build their success both academically and personally. I completed my post graduate work and have a degree as a Reading Specialist. 

     I have two grown children and have been married 29 years. I love to read and spend time at the shore. 

     In closing, I love teaching, it is my passion! You are your child's best advocate, remember to call or email with suggestions, questions or concerns. We are a team. I am excited to be a part of the community where I grew up and enjoyed learning! Please contact me at dmcdermott@upperdarbysd.org or 610-853-4510. 

      My best, 

      Denise McDermott