Huntington Highlights: Teacher Sara Guagliano Enjoys Positive Moments at Huntington

Working at Huntington High School has taught Earth Science teacher Sara Guagliano that “it takes a village of well-minded individuals to complete a vision.” The favorite part of her day is when all the work is complete and she can share laughs with her students.

Ms. Guagliano attended Valley Stream Central High School, graduating in 2016. “My high school experience was pivotal, as I learned to problem-solve in social situations, navigate challenges to my emotional well-being, and balance my academics,” she said. “Learning these life skills during my high school years inspired me to become a teacher. Without the guidance and love from my teachers, high school would have been really challenging.”

The tenured Huntington science teacher holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stony Brook University. She is a new teacher mentor in the district along with being a faculty advisor for the high school’s women’s empowerment club.

“I have had positive moments collaborating with teachers, administrators, and paraprofessional staff to help support the needs of our students,” said Ms. Guagliano about her time at Huntington High School. “My favorite part about my teaching days is the laughs I share with my students. Collectively, we are all so overwhelmed by various stressors that we forget to appreciate the best part about experiencing life- developing a genuine connection with others. By providing that sense of safety and connection with my students, we build a community together that fosters learning and inquiry.”

Ms. Guagliano said she also has “a personal passion for learning about the natural world, especially when it comes to marine life. Outside of work, I love visiting aquariums, museums, beaches and other natural preserves.”

The Huntington School Board appointed Ms. Guagliano to a probationary science teacher position at a public meeting on August 30, 2021 and approved a tenure appointment for her last August.

“Ms. Guagliano is an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking teacher,” Huntington High School Principal Rochelle C. Brown said. “Beyond her tireless efforts in the classroom, she has fully embraced our PBIS program and propelled it forward with great energy and commitment. It is truly an honor to work alongside her.”

Ms. Guagliano is the fifteenth teacher or staff member to be profiled as part of a new “Huntington Highlights” initiative that provides community members with insight into teachers and support staff members who toil at the district’s eight individual school buildings.

“Ms. Guagliano embodies what it means to be a part of the Huntington community,” Ms. Brown said. “She is an amazing science teacher, that consistently encourages and pushes her students to do the best. She always focuses on inquiry that is driven by student curiosity while effectively balancing support with high expectations. She is also the advisor for the women's empowerment club inspiring the next generation of young women by promoting equity and awareness around unique issues that affect women of all ages. She also does a lot of work on building their confidence and self worth as well as developing their leadership skills. She is a key collaborator and contributor to our PBIS program and takes the lead on organizing numerous initiatives within the program including most recently, our staff shout outs.