Gabrielle Wriborg, SC School for the Deaf and Blind’s Teacher of the Year
Gabrielle is a 7th-12th grade math teacher who is inspired by her students just as much as she inspires them! Here is a bit of her story:
“My grandfather, who was a high school principal, recognized my passion and procured for me a full-sized chalkboard when his school was remodeled. It was the pièce de résistance of my collection of classroom necessities. I would sit my class of studious teddy bears in front of the chalkboard while I presented the lessons. My class was proficient in the use of
the English language, enjoyed performing scientific experiments, had a petite understanding of French, and developed a fondness for my favorite subject, Mathematics.
the English language, enjoyed performing scientific experiments, had a petite understanding of French, and developed a fondness for my favorite subject, Mathematics.The most satisfying part of my day is when I see a student’s eyes light up when he or she gains an understanding of a concept. If I was given the opportunity to speak to people who are considering entering the teaching profession, I would tell them, ‘it is the most rewarding career they will ever have; however, to truly succeed you must have a passion to teach. Without this passion, I would not be the teacher I am; I would not be able to connect with my students at their level of understanding; I would not enjoy the struggle of helping them achieve the next level of understanding; and I would not be able to celebrate with them the moments when they truly grasp a concept.’
I love acting as a facilitator of the learning process. The hardest part of being a teacher is the students who have no system of emotional support outside of school. Observing a student’s excitement as he or she discovers new information and makes new connections is awesome!”