Los Feliz Arts

Judy Duzinski was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. degree, majoring in Elementary and Kindergarten education. With an interest in the arts, and a passion for learning new things, she knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. She had a wonderful and supportive family, who helped her realize her dream.
She met her husband, Jerry, at Penn State and they were married after graduation. Having had teaching experience in Warminster, PA. and State College, PA., Jerry’s commitment to the military that took them to Newport News, Va. and then to Germany for 18 months. “I was so fortunate to have had the opportunity to start up and teach Kindergarten at the American school in Nellingen, just outside of Stuttgart,” Judy recalls. During Jerry’s service in Vietnam, Judy went back to be with family, and taught in Pennsylvania again.
“A new chapter of our lives began when Jerry took a job in Kingsport, TN, where our children, Michael and Amy were born, 19 months apart.” Over the next 20 years, the family lived in Tennessee; Pennsylvania; New Jersey; and California. Jerry changed jobs, as he climbed the corporate ladder and Judy kept up with the latest methods and courses in Elementary Education— taking classes; meeting state’s requirements for certification, and always finding a position where she was able to teach. “We lived in the Bay Area of California when our children were in high school, Ms. Duzinski says, and I taught at a private school in Oakland.” Later, moving on to Chicago, once again because of Jerry’s work, Ms. Duzinski taught at an amazing private school, on the West side of Chicago, and also at a public school. “I always seemed to be riding the crest of the wave. Wherever we moved, it was because of Jerry’s job, but there always seemed to be a place (job) for me.”
This time it was different. Ms. Duzinski says, “This job was my choice! — well, if I would be chosen.” Ms. Duzinsk was introduced to LFCSA during a Spring Break visit with her daughter, who was anxious to share the news with her. After Ms. Duzinski’s visit to the school, she knew it was an amazing team; a wonderful program; and a motivated student body. “I really thought it would be a dream come true to work with this group of professionals at this school,” Ms. Duzinski said. Karin Newlin offered her a position in July, and they moved, without hesitation in August.
In her characteristically positive, flexible and accommodating way, Ms. Duzinski immediately dove into the work and the community. “It feels so good, so right. The administration has a clear focus on directionality; the staff share with each other and support one another.” And though the style of instruction is different from what she has used in the past, she is enthusiastic about the results she is getting. “It’s just… WOW!” she smiles, using a word her first graders have come to love and use often, especially since it is one of the first words they learned to spell this year!
Much of her 30-year teaching career has been spent in the kindergarten and first grade classrooms. “I really love this phase,” she says. “I love the sound of ‘silent’ reading (wawawa wawa). I love to see the growth and development each year. It’s like watching a garden grow.”
Her sense of humor, twinkling eyes and ready smile are suited to 5-and 6-year olds still grappling with the structure of school while her pleasantly firm but kind and positive manner teaches them about patience, respect, and the need for learning.
Ms. Duzinski considers her time at LFCSA as one of her most rich and rewarding experiences as a teacher. “There is such a wonderful, genuine concern for each other and for learning, exploring and researching…just the right ingredients to help these students be successful.”
She also recognizes the potential and importance of families for her students. “It is wonderful to walk through this experience with kids who are rich in language and who bring such rich experiences, love and support from their homes. I’m here because I was invited. I’ve been in many communities, taught in many public and private schools, but it is here where it feels is as if I’ve found the pot of gold.”