Meet Dutilh Preschool’s New 3s and 4s Teacher, Michelle Varlotta

-Published January 2020-

Michelle Varlotta was already a familiar smiling face around Dutilh Church and Preschool when she accepted the invitation to be the lead teacher in the 3-year-old and 4-year-old classroom this winter. Though she is new to this particular role at Dutilh, Varlotta brings both experience and expertise to her position.

Varlotta was born and raised in Arlington, PA, on the South Side of Pittsburgh. She studied art education at Carlow University and earned her elementary certification so she could pursue her goal of teaching.

Upon graduation, Varlotta worked as a substitute teacher and was subsequently hired into a full-time position teaching for Pittsburgh Public Schools. Varlotta said people sometimes ask her why she chose to work in a challenging educational environment.

“I grew up in downtown Pittsburgh, and I wanted to help in downtown Pittsburgh. That was my home,” Varlotta explained. She recalled a particular moment when she knew she was in the right place.

“I was teaching second grade, and I had one student with a very difficult family situation. She would come in and put her head down on her desk and was really disconnected from everyone,” Varlotta said. “We formed a relationship and kind of bonded, and at the end of the school year, she said she wanted to spend the summer with me. That experience of being able to reach her made me feel like I was where I needed to be. We connected.”

Varlotta stepped away from teaching when her three children (now ages 9, 11, and 12) were born and initially reentered the workforce in the business world. She missed working with kids in the classroom, however, so in 2018 began babysitting for Dutilh Church’s MOPS program and substitute teaching at Dutilh Preschool.

Dutilh Church has also become home for the Varlotta family in recent years. They found the church through Varlotta’s oldest son, who was friends with a child who attended Dutilh.

“We were kind of church shopping, looking for a place that felt right,” Varlotta said. “Dutilh was the second church we tried, and after we left that day, my son said, ‘Church makes me feel so good!’ and I agreed. I knew we’d found the right place.” That was three-and-a-half years ago.

Though she has only been on the job in her new position for a few weeks, Varlotta said the experience has been a good one.

“I love being back in the classroom working with kids again. It’s such a great fit. It feels like it was God’s plan for me to be here,” Varlotta said.

Her favorite part about teaching the three-year-old and four-year-old students, Varlotta said, is their enthusiasm.

“I can’t wait to go to work every day. The kids come in and they are so excited! They come up and hug you and they just glow,” Varlotta explained. “Preschoolers are so high-energy—you can dance and sing and make everything fun.”

“Hiring a teacher in the middle of the school year is rarely easy, but by God’s grace Michelle’s application came in and we knew we had a perfect fit!” said Pastor Tom Parkinson. “She brings to the classroom enthusiasm and energy combined with experience and expertise. I look forward to how God will use Michelle to impact the lives of students at Dutilh Preschool for years to come.”

“Michelle has made the transition to a new teacher smooth for the children and their families,” said Dutilh Preschool Director Diana Barnett. “I can tell she is excited to be back teaching children. I look forward to seeing how Michelle will make the classroom her own as the year progresses.” 

Outside the classroom, Varlotta said she and her husband enjoy attending live concerts. Her favorite band to see is the Avett Brothers, and she also saw the Farm Aid festival this past summer. The most recent movie Varlotta has seen is the live-action Lion King, which she was able to watch with her kids during the holidays. The Varlottas also love outdoor adventures.

“As a family we are always hiking, biking, and kayaking. This past summer our family did our longest hike ever. It was a very challenging 10.2-mile hike in Virginia’s Shenandoah Mountains,” Varlotta said. “My kids were so proud of themselves; it was a huge accomplishment for all of us. When we do these hikes together, we definitely find the meaning of team work!”

To find out more about Dutilh Preschool, check out https://dutilhchurch.org/dutilh-preschool-1.