A stand-out teacher

Gabrielle Barry, a science teacher at the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, recently received a March of Dimes Golden Apple Award in recognition of her commitment to the school, outstanding skills as a teacher and numerous efforts in education. A lifelong resident of Valley Stream, her parents were both educators and so it seemed “the thing to do” when it came time to choose a major in college. In 1999, Barry received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and went on to teach at Valley Steam Central and Oyster Bay high schools.

Barry learned basic American Sign Language when she was a Girl Scout and taught a few classes on the subject at Oyster Bay High School. She went on to earn a master’s degree in secondary education of students who are deaf/hard of hearing from Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

In the summer of 2003, Barry sought a teaching position at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf. At the time, Mill Neck wasn’t in need of a math teacher, but the administration was seeking a science teacher. Barry pursued certification in science, and has been teaching the subject at the school ever since.

Over the years, she has been active in Mill Neck Manor’s Interact Club, Extended Day Program, Academic Bowl Team and Prom Committee. Most recently, she took on a role as a drama teacher, and is currently planning her club’s first show.

Principal Kathleen Kerzner nominated Barry for the March of Dimes Golden Apple Award because she is a teacher that demonstrates exceptional work ethic. Barry has received numerous accolades for her outstanding work with students, including an award from the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technology for integrating technology into her curriculum.

Married with two cats, Barry is an avid reader who enjoys crocheting and is a member of her church’s council and women’s group, and also serves as the congregation’s newsletter editor.