Connetquot Central School District

Congratulations to our very own Ms. Filomena Loredana Costa, who has been named Teacher of the Month by the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI Long Island)! 

As a dedicated and passionate educator, Ms. Costa brings over two decades of experience in world language instruction to her students. Fluent in Italian, proficient in French and Latin, and deeply immersed in the cultures she teachers, Ms. Costa fosters a vibrant, inclusive classroom where language learning comes alive. 

Loredana holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University, as well as advanced degrees in Language and Literature from respected institutions in Italy. Her professional journey spans both continents, beginning in Sicily where she taught English and French at the secondary level. She has been an integral part of the Connetquot Central School District as a teacher of Italian and French since 2008. In addition to her classroom work, she offers private tutoring, has taught at the college level, and previously served as a teaching assistant and language program coordinator at Stony Brook University. Her commitment to excellence in world language education is evident through her involvement in professional organizations such as the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI), the Long Island Language Teachers (LILT), and her leadership role with the Foreign Language Advanced and Consortium (FLACS), where she contributes as a Checkpoint A & B Chairperson. She is also certified to teach Italian from Kindergarten through 12th grade, both in Italy and New York State.

Loredana's lessons are more than just instruction, they are cultural experiences. Whether organizing immersive activities, drawing from her own experiences as an exchange student in England and France, or integrating technology with Google and Microsoft tools, she ensures every student feels connected to the language and culture. She is known among peers and students alike for her enthusiasm, warmth, and ability to inspire a lifelong love of learning. Her work is characterized by a global perspective, cultural authenticity, and academic rigor. Loredana's passion for language and education has enriched her students' lives and brought meaningful, cross-cultural understanding into her school community. She is a model of professionalism, empathy, and innovation in education.