SE Valley Times

Earlier this year, Gilbert Gold introduced a group of educators who joined the Gilbert Public Schools family. These individuals brought diverse backgrounds and experiences to classrooms across the district. As the first semester concludes, they reflect on their growth and future aspirations.

Abigail Mintz, an orchestra teacher at Oak Tree Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, and Val Vista Lakes Elementary, described her first semester as a valuable learning experience. She appreciated the district's commitment to professional development. "It seems that the professional development opportunities provided, especially for new teachers to the district, have been designed not only to help us get acclimated to the district’s standards but also to ensure that we still have the flexibility to bring our own creative approaches to teaching," she said.

Mintz was surprised by how her feedback was received. "A lot of my feedback is taken into consideration, and it's clear that there are advocates for me within the district," she added. This supportive environment has helped her focus on students' needs. As the second semester approaches, Mintz looks forward to seeing her students achieve new musical milestones.

April Clark, a kindergarten teacher at Neely Traditional Academy, experienced unexpected delights in her first semester. The vibrant school culture exceeded her expectations. "The amount of staff fun, like dressing up with our teams for holidays, has been truly wonderful," she shared.

Clark also shifted her focus from individual lessons to understanding learning standards better. This shift improved both her teaching practice and student outcomes.

Gabriella Deets teaches 4th-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Gilbert Elementary. Her first semester exceeded expectations due to support from colleagues and administration. "The staff at Gilbert Elementary and my administration have been so helpful to make my transition to the district and school as seamless as possible," she shared.

Jonathan Dangerfield is a Mandarin teacher at Gilbert High School. He praised strong leadership for fostering a supportive environment for teachers and students alike. "Our new principal has been extremely supportive and has a strong commitment to helping teachers and students have the best experience possible," he noted.

Dangerfield expanded his role within the school community beyond classroom teaching by connecting with students around campus.

Kourtney Madsen teaches 3rd grade at Canyon Rim Elementary. She described her first semester as exceeding expectations thanks to continued support from Canyon Rim Elementary. "I feel as though I have finally started to feel confident in my own skills as an educator," she said.

These educators' experiences highlight Gilbert Public Schools' vibrant community spirit which inspires future generations of learners while contributing towards brighter futures overall.