Congratulations to Sabrina Cariello, Countrywood Primary Center’s Teacher of the Year!  Ms. Cariello joined the South Huntington family in 2001. In her 23 years at Countrywood, she has taught both first and second grade, and has also taught in the dual language program.  She is known as a teacher who goes above and beyond for her students, creating bonds and friendships with them that last long after they leave her classroom.  Her lasting friendships have led to numerous invitations to current and former students' family celebrations over the years to commemorate special milestones, something Ms. Cariello said “truly touched me and I know I have made a positive impact in their lives.” 

In fact, Ms. Cariello still keeps in touch with some of her teachers from elementary school, and she credits them with inspiring her to become an educator.  She remembers her third grade teacher reading poems to the class every day from Where the Sidewalk Ends which instilled in her a love of reading.  She wanted to do that for other children.  And she’s already inspired another generation of teachers - one of her former students is currently working as a permanent substitute at Countrywood. 

Ms. Cariello’s class has been well represented over the years in the many different events and programs that Countrywood students participate in including the Barnes and Noble Holiday Concert, the Black History Month Celebration at Walt Whitman High School, and singing the National Anthem at Countrywood Night at LI Ducks Stadium for more than seven years now.  Plus you’ll find her volunteering her time for food drives, PTA meetings and events, the Countrywood Fall Festival and the second grade Talent Show.

Ms. Cariello holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional (Elementary Education) and Liberal Studies, a Master of Science in Special Education, and a permanent certification in PreK-6th grade and Special Education.

Countrywood Principal Mitch Levy calls Ms. Cariello “part of the South Huntington fabric,” and when the school’s Teacher of the Year Selection Committee discovered that she had never been honored as Teacher of the Year before, Ms. Cariello quickly shot up to the top of the list.  Describing it as a “wonderful feeling” to be acknowledged for something that she loves to do, Ms. Cariello is honored to be nominated by peers who have taught her how to be an excellent educator and have helped her to keep learning and growing throughout her career.