- January 1, 2025
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Sandra Gilbert’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing her student’s faces light up when they grasp a concept they were previously struggling with.
It’s the best feeling, she said in a statement to the Observer.
“Throughout the year I collaborate and plan with other teachers and brainstorm ways to reach students,” Gilbert said. “Teaching is about learning as an educator as much as it is about the learning of students.”
Gilbert, who is an Exceptional Student Education support facilitation teacher at Pine Trail Elementary, works with students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Being nominated as Teacher of the Year, she said, makes her feel flattered that her colleagues think she is deserving of the honor.
“I work alongside so many caring, dedicated, and talented people,” Gilbert said. “They all motivate me every day.”
She’s worked at Pine Trail Elementary for 20 years. It’s “home,” she added.
“Being nominated has renewed in me that my contribution has had a positive impact in our school for both students and colleagues,” Gilbert said.
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Dowling College in New York, and later her’s master’s degree in special education from Long Island University.
If she could share one piece of wisdom with students, it would be to never give up.
“I realize that things can be hard sometimes, but it won’t always be that way,” Gilbert said. “I struggled in school when I was younger. With the support of great teachers and family, I was able to work, put myself through school ... and have the most important job of being a teacher.”
When she’s not at work, Gilbert said she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and friends. She also enjoys reading, doing puzzles, crafts and cooking.
