Congratulations to Oakwood’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year Ms. Courtney Galano! Ms. Galano is a special education teacher, and has been part of the South Huntington family for 20 years. Oakwood Primary Center has been her teaching home for all of those two decades, teaching in a variety of settings from kindergarten to second grade. 

 

Her colleagues say that “inclusion is not just a practice – it’s a mindset” for Ms. Galano. They describe her classroom as a “model of calming inclusivity, empathy, and creativity. She is known for her unwavering compassion and her commitment to student growth, no matter how small the steps may seem to others. Every gain is a victory, and every child is celebrated.” 

 

Ms. Galano received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from St. Joseph’s College, and a Master’s Degree in Literacy Education from Long Island University. She volunteers as a Girl Scout troop leader and a substitute religion teacher. She spoke with us about her teaching career and what being named Teacher of the Year means to her.

 

 

Q & A

 

What inspired you to become an educator?

I grew up with a hearing impairment.  This was a struggle for me at times and I am very fortunate to be where I am today.  I have a very supportive family and I also had many teachers who went out of their way to help me.  Many of the teachers I had growing up went out of their way to accommodate me so I didn’t feel different from my peers. I always wanted to be that teacher for children with special needs. I will always be an advocate for my students because I want them to have all the accommodations they need to be successful.

  
What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the school day is morning meeting.  I love meeting with my students each morning and checking in with them for the day.  During morning meeting, the children learn about the calendar and weather.  They also talk about their feelings and we go over our schedule for the day.  It is such an important part of our daily routine and I never skip it. 

 

What have your students taught YOU?

I learn new things every day from my students.  Having a smaller class (8:1:2)  allows me to get to know my students and help them learn to communicate their own wants and needs. I have watched many students navigate AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices better than I ever could.  It is an amazing thing to watch and I feel fortunate to be on this journey with them.

 

How do you show your Wildcat Pride? What makes the South Huntington School District special to you?

I am very proud to be a teacher in South Huntington.  Oakwood has become a second home for me over the past 20 years.  I am so blessed to work with so many wonderful educators and administrators.  I enjoy participating in activities after school at Oakwood.  I love the diversity of our school district.  Our children learn at a young age to be kind and accepting of everyone.  It is such a beautiful thing that you don’t see in every school district. 

 

What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you?

To be named Teacher of the Year is such a great honor.  I work with many wonderful teachers at Oakwood who are just as deserving. This recognition from my peers is something that is deeply appreciated and valued. It validates all the accomplishments my students have made through my hard work.  I am so appreciative of being recognized for this amazing achievement. 

 

 

(this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity)
 

 

 

Oakwood principal, Dr. Annie Michaelian (left) and assistant principal, Ms. Sarah Schlessinger (right) join in congratulating their building’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Courtney Galano (center).