BERLIN — In 1989 Jeanie Mancini walked into Dr. Barry Tull’s office and suggested Worcester Preparatory School create an early childhood program. Tull, the school’s headmaster, had been thinking along the same lines and agreed with the ideas Mancini presented.
“I remember that day well,” said Dr. Tull, “and I remember thinking that Mancini would be the perfect teacher for our youngest students. She was.”
Twenty-six years later, after watching her treasured 4-year-olds go through their years at Worcester and off to college and careers, Mancini, a master teacher and mother of two WPS alumni, will retire in June. The Mancini brand of teaching — caring, encouraging, dynamic and fun — will always be part of Worcester Prep’s early childhood program.
Mancini plans to use her time after retirement to enjoy her first grandchild and to work with her husband, Gabby, at the family restaurant, Mancini’s, in Fenwick Island.
“I’ll miss my beautiful little ones,” said Mancini, “but I’ll always take pleasure in remembering their eagerness to learn and their love of life. I’ll enjoy following many of them as they move forward in their schoolwork and careers.”
As Worcester Prep prepares for Mancini’s retirement this year, it welcomes master teacher Erika Phillips as the new pre-k teacher. Phillips, who is certified in Early Childhood Education, has been at Worcester for 11 years, first as a fifth grade teacher and currently as Lower School computer teacher.
“She is a caring and enthusiastic teacher, who will work hard to instill a love of learning in her students. Anyone who has watched Erika interact with students and parents — who has watched her teach — knows that she is the perfect person to continue the work Jeanie started for our school so many years ago,” Tull said.
Worcester Prep’s pre-kindergarten program cultivates a love of learning and discovery and the carefully designed environment encourages young students to explore, discover and grow.
Phillips is excited about taking on this program where children are eager to come to school every day and are excited about learning.
“She is, like Jeanie Mancini, a treasure,” said Lower School Head Celeste Bunting.