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Carly Gayer Named Bayport-Blue Point Teacher Of The Year

Photos courtesy of the Bayport-Blue Point School District

Art teacher Carly Gayer was named Bayport-Blue Point School District Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year.

Ms. Gayer has taught K-5 students at both Blue Point and Sylvan Avenue elementary schools since 2001 and will add universal pre-kindergarten students to her weekly instruction schedule during the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to working in the district, Ms. Gayer was employed as an art teacher at a middle school in Oswego, New York and at a BOCES school in Sullivan County where she taught students 4-21 years of age with special needs.

Ms. Gayer explained that although part of art instruction is about having a fun experience, it is equally important that students be provided an environment that cultivates respect, pride, independence, creativity and organization, and clear expectations so that children can become efficient, contributing and successful members of the artists’ community, the classroom.

“After their art-making experiences, the treasures and value of the finished masterpieces they walk away with are immeasurable, not just as artists, but as humans,” Ms. Gayer said. “They learn to problem-solve, self-reflect, learn from mistakes, talk and collaborate with peers, express themselves and simply just enjoy being creative.”

During Superintendent’s Conference Day on Aug. 29 and during the Sept. 13 board of education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney introduced Ms. Gayer as Teacher of the Year and read comments written by her colleagues. Dr. Hearney read, “This exceptional teacher [Gayer] makes the world a more beautiful place not only with her incredible artistry and creativity, but even more so by the kindness, compassion and positivity that exudes from her day in and day out.”

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