Gail Calvo - Second Grade Teacher

Location: West Mercer Elementary

Philosophy: “I love cooperative learning,” says Gail. “In a classroom there are varying degrees of abilities. One child is good in math, another in social studies. I encourage them to help each other, to give and take.” Gail believes that learning to cope in the world and problem-solve are as important as academics. “As the year progresses,” says Gail, “I encourage students to share their problems and explain how they resolved them.”

Gail also empowers her students to make a difference in the world. “One of the highlights in my second grade curriculum is the Giraffe Club project. This is where students stick out their necks, just like a giraffe to make a difference in their community. We study five different diverse leaders. Students then pick a community project where they can help out and make a difference. They learn about historical figures like Harriet Tubman, an escaped slave who helped to free other slaves. They were shocked to learn that people were once owned, and they learned how individuals can make a huge impact in the world.”


Typical day: : “I like a daily routine that is individualized and covers multiple subjects,” says Gail. “For instance, we have an activity called Word of the Day. Students find a word in the dictionary; write out the syllables and the definition. As the year progresses, they are to determine by how many 'words of the day' they've done how many school days there have been. Let’s say it’s 85 days. I challenge them to come up with an equation where only eights are used. They all do something unique, and then explain how they got their equation. When they can explain to you how they know the answer–those are the 'Ah Ha' moments for me, to see the joy when they understand.”

Best part of the job: “I have what’s known as “quiet lunch” in my classroom, because the main lunchroom is big and noisy and overwhelming for some kids. Now and then former students will ask if they can join me for quiet lunch, just because they miss me. As time passes, you realize how much you impact some children. All it takes is to sit and listen to them. Kids teach us. I learned a lot in 2nd grade, as a teacher!”

Something people may not know: “I love dance,” says Gail. “Ballet, everything. I love the theatre. If I could retire I’d travel the world watching dance and plays. And eating!” Gail’s 27-year old son Joshua went through MISD schools.

Years in district: Gail began as a classroom aide for Lujean Whitmore in 1991 and became a full-time teacher in 1997.

Outside interests: “I love to cook,” says Gail. “And I love to read books that relate to cooking!” Gail is also an avid baseball fan like her mother, and lists chocolate and gardening among other enthusiasms. She lives on Mercer Island with husband, Mark, and they recently celebrated 33 years of marriage.

Joby McGowan - Kindergarten Teacher

Location: Lakeridge Elementary

Philosophy: Starting kindergarten can be an overwhelming experience for five-year-olds. “When kids are scared,” Joby explains, “I attempt to validate their concern rather than try to solve it for them. Just knowing someone gets how you feel is all it takes to have clearer vision. It calms you. If someone isn’t validated they don’t hear what else you say.” Joby has found that validation helps to comfort parents, as well. “When parents register concerns they are only advocating for their child. Knowing there are other adults who attempt to understand their child gives them a sense of peace. My job is about helping people feel connected. Both kids and adults need that.”

Typical day: “I roll in and whip up the rigor.” says Joby. “Then I welcome students, facilitate problem-solving, teach kids how to read, write, and be mathematicians. They have a snack. We read some great children’s literature, and I high-five them on the way out the door so we can do it again the next day.”

Best part of the job: Joby says there are three best parts of the job: 1) Watching kids make connections to the real world, 2) Watching a classroom community develop, 3) Teaching kids how to look at situations from more than one perspective. “Seeing other perspectives wasn’t my strong suit during my early years in the district,” he admits. “I appreciate that I was given an opportunity to grow and improve in that department. Oddly enough, teaching kids to be flexible in their thinking is the most enjoyable part of the job for me now, though I still have plenty of room for growth in that area. I need these kids more than they need me.”

Something people may not know: Joby was the homecoming king at his small Iowa high school.

Years in district: Joby has worked for MISD for nine years. He has taught first and second grades as well as kindergarten.

Outside interests: Joby has a glass fusing studio in his home. He makes trays, wind chimes and a variety of other things. He has even taught his students to fuse glass. “When you empower kids to be responsible they can handle it.” Joby also enjoys resort vacations in sunny destinations. “My favorite trip was to Cancun,” he says. “I love eating out and ordering Crème Brule for dessert before dinner. You sit by the pool, you don’t have to clean up, and who doesn’t like to be waited on?” Joby lives in Greenlake.