Gabrielle Sullivan knew from a young age that she wanted to become a teacher. As the youngest of three, she spent her childhood playing “school” and naturally taking on the role of the teacher. She was also fortunate to have several wonderful teachers of her own who helped inspire her love of learning and teaching.

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What Gabrielle loves most about teaching is watching her students grow throughout the year. She enjoys seeing their progress in reading and writing, as well as the social and emotional growth that comes with becoming more independent and confident. She also admits that she has a soft spot for school supplies, classroom routines, and, of course, summers!

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Creating a classroom where students feel loved, safe, and supported is especially important to Gabrielle. She wants her students to know they are cared for and that they can be themselves, make mistakes, and take risks. More than anything, she hopes they leave her classroom recognizing how much they have accomplished and feeling confident enough to take on challenges that may once have seemed difficult.

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Being named District Teacher of the Year was initially hard for Gabrielle to accept because she works alongside so many talented educators. She is grateful for the recognition and sees the honor as a reminder that the time, energy, and care she puts into teaching are seen and valued.

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One book that has had a lasting impact on Gabrielle is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, which holds an extra-special place in her heart because she has had the opportunity to meet its author. Another book that has resonated with her is The Correspondent, which highlights the lasting value of putting thoughts and feelings into letters. That idea comes to life in one of Gabrielle’s favorite second-grade traditions: Friday Letters. Throughout the year, students write letters to someone at home and receive a letter in return. At the end of the year, Gabrielle binds the letters into a book for each family to keep. It has become a tradition that families look forward to and treasure, creating a special keepsake while giving students a meaningful reason to practice writing throughout the year.

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Outside of school, Gabrielle enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and traveling with them to discover unique bookstores. Since everyone in her family now loves to read, visiting bookstores has become a favorite family activity. She also enjoys beach days with her family and walks with her husband.

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Perhaps surprisingly, Gabrielle wasn’t a strong reader as a child. That experience makes watching her students discover their own abilities as readers especially meaningful to her. She understands firsthand that growth takes time and that having someone believe in you can make all the difference.