Music that Describes Gabriella
Gabriella Guerra was nominated by Jarret Hughes, a member of her community.
Mrs. Guerra, as her kindergarteners know her, is a shining star who demonstrates excellence, leadership, and professionalism, all while providing a nurturing environment for her students. She has gone above and beyond for a little boy named Ollie. He was adopted from an orphanage in Ukraine in December 2021 and started kindergarten with Mrs. Guerra in January 2022. Ollie has a rare form of dwarfism, so not only does he have some physical needs, but coming from an orphanage in Ukraine to an American kindergarten, he had a lot of adjusting to do!
Mrs. Guerra was nothing but encouraging, even when Ollie struggled. She was in constant communication, asking for ideas on how to best help Ollie and assuring his parents that she knew he would figure this school thing out. She has been exactly the teacher Ollie needed as he adjusted to life with a family in America!
Now, Ollie is thriving! He is loved at his school, he is learning, and he truly has figured out this school thing. One day, Mrs. Guerra read a Ukrainian Easter story to her class, and she showed them a video about how to make Ukrainian Easter eggs called Pysanky. In celebrating Ollie's culture with her class, she has built a more personal connection between the students and herself! Even during rough days with Ollie initially, Mrs. Guerra was always kind. She saw who he could be with a little direction and encouragement.
"We are so very thankful for her! Teachers like Mrs. Guerra work through the hard times and bring out the joy of what teaching this young generation is all about," said Hughes.
Ms. Guerra's ability to teach children how to be good humans is beyond impressive. At the core of her classroom is the principle of respect. Every single student who enters at the beginning of a school year and leaves at the end of the school year, leaves a more compassionate, respectful, empathetic, and resilient. I could not ask for more of an educator and I am truly fortunate to work and learn from Ms. Guerra.
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration!
Mrs. Guerra - wow! Fantastic job. You are truly making a difference in the life of Ollie, his classmates and to his parents. Life is about connection and being inclusive which you are a shining example. I recommend Miss Guerra as well for Lifechanger of the year.
This is a wonderful story, so positive. I love the inclusivity that Miss Guerra is teaching! I recommend Miss Guerra as well for Lifechanger of the year.
It is heartwarming to see Ollie’s huge smile at school. He must have been scared to death during his first days but his exceptional teacher saw his heart and not his behavior. I wish my own special needs grandchildren had teachers as perceptive and dedicated as Mrs Guerra.
Sounds like a special teacher!
What a blessing Gabriella is to her students and community! So thankful for her example, heart and dedication
What an amazing impact in Ollie's life!
We absolutely need more teachers like this, and this is the best story.
Miss Guerra has been a blessing to my grandson who was adopted by my daughter. He is a special needs child from Ukraine, spoke no English, and was a problem child at school. With her encouraging attitude, she has transformed my grandson into a positive good sweet child at school and home.
What a great story. He will always remember her and how welcome she made him feel. Excellent teaching through kindness.
I write to recommend Gabriella Guerra for Life-changer of the Year. Her dedication, knowledge, and passion is evident in all she does. She creates a welcoming and supportive learning environment for her students, no matter how diverse their needs. A kindergarten teacher is one of the most important figures in a young child's life, and a great one like Mrs. Guerra can set a positive course for a student's entire academic career. Kindergarten teachers are also responsible for teaching children basic life skills--no matter is too insignificant for a teacher to address. Mrs. Guerra nurtures and encourages children through this major transition, and she is unfailingly prepared, kind, and devoted to changing students' lives. Quite simply, she is in the business of changing lives every single day. In return, she is deserving of this title and award that might change her life just a bit.
Ollie is my nephew and I’ve seen first hand the amazing changes he’s made since being in mrs. Guerra’s class. She has been nothing short of amazing with him, I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this award!
We need more teachers like Ms. Guerra! She has gone above and beyond to make every student feel special and connected, and teaches them to celebrate each other and themselves. She is laying a foundation for these kids to be kind, open hearted, accepting people which is so important. No one deserves this award more than her.
So truly thankful for her being Ollie's teacher to help him get through everything
Ollie is my great nephew. The stories I hear from his mom and dad on how amazing Ms. Guerra has been with his adjustment to life with a family, life in America, learning English, American school, etc, have been nothing but incredible. I have seen it with my own eyes as well. In person, in photos and videos. His start in kindergarten, was rough, to say the least. She never gave up, never threw in the towel. She knew he had potential and she found was to bring out of him all the good that wrapped up in that special little package. Because of her, he loves school! He is thriving, learning and making so many new friends. Please, please consider Ms. Guerra for this honor.
The best .. she is worth it
I’ve been so pleased to hear how Mrs. Guerra has helped our adopted grandson, Ollie, adapt to life in the US, teaching him English and how to get along with the other children. Encouragement was her secret. I would love to see her win!
Mrs.Guerra truly is an amazing teacher and loves each and everyone of her students. She deserves the life changer award for the patience and love she has shown Ollie when he arrived and to this day! He has come a long way with Mrs. Guerra’s support and encouragement. ??
What an wonderful story of a loving and creative person who gives more than expected to help a child become accustomed to this country and his school. God bless her and Ollie
I wish all teachers were as special as Mrs. Guerra!! To take the time to make sure that every child is connected and feels secure and important is without a doubt a treasure.
As a family friend of Ollie’s I have heard numerous stories of his time in Mrs Guerra’s classroom. Not only has she changed Ollie’s life and impacted his education and how he’s adjusted to life in America, she has changed the life of every student in her classroom. She has been a living example of how to care for someone and show them love even in their worst moments. She has taught her class how to see beyond the behaviors of a classmate and see their needs. She has taught her class how to truly have empathy and be a friend. Mrs Guerra has advocated for Ollie and met every need that came to light. She truly is a life changer and deserves recognition for a job well done.
Thanks for being a wonderful teacher and giving of your time and talents to help your students! Good teachers are like gold!
Ollie is our great grandson, we are so proud of the work this teacher is doing
Mrs. Guerra you are a teacher worth gold. The time you take and effort you give with each and everyone of your students is nothing short of a blessing. We know teachers are helping to develop, encourage and build the brighter future for our future leaders and you are doing just that!
Sweet, sweet Mrs. Guerra. Oh how you’ve changed our lives! We can’t even say how thankful we are that Ollie was placed in your class. I have no doubts that YOU are the reason Ollie is now thriving in school! When others may have given up, you kept encouraging! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your care and devotion to our boy.
Mrs. Guerra, you are an inspiration to humanity. What wonderful memories Ollie will have for a lifetime! Thank you for shining so brightly!
