Ms. Guarino Is Students' Pick for 2024 Teacher of the Year

Ms. Grace Guarino pauses for a selfie with some of her AP Literature students. Photo: Grace Guarino

By SAFOWANA ISLAM and SOPHIA WONG

This year, the students have chosen English teacher Ms. Grace Guarino to receive the 2024 Teacher of the Year award from the City of Midwood. 

The news, announced June 13, “made me feel really excited and happy,” said Ms. Guarino, “especially since the kids vote, so that’s the biggest honor ever.” 

This year, Ms. Guarino is teaching AP Literature and Freshman English while simultaneously pursuing her doctorate of education from Northeastern University.

“I’ve always been a lifelong learner,” she said. “[Teaching] definitely keeps me thinking and growing quite literally all the time. A lot of my work gives me purpose.” 

That being said, Ms. Guarino’s first year of teaching, which she spent with eighth graders, was no easy task. 

“It was rough,” said Ms. Guarino. “It’s nothing like what you learn when you’re student teaching or in college. I don’t think anything could actually prepare me for it. [There were] really late nights, trying to make every lesson perfect and not really understanding that no lesson is ever perfect — like even now, ten years in.” 

This honor has made it clear that she’s left a lasting mark on her students. 

“Ms. Guarino always has a smile on her face,” said Isabel Eppel ‘25. “The class is full of positive vibes and wouldn’t be the same without her enthusiasm day in and day out. She has taught me so many meaningful lessons that I will take forward with me in life.” 

“I’m one of those students who loves to pop in and check on her because of how much of an icon she is,” said Samantha Ojeda ‘25. “She becomes one of your favorite teachers because she actually listens to her kids.”

“She was more than open and supportive to help me in any event,” said Kassidy Shyu ‘25. “She shows her genuine care for every student she teaches; it’s evident through her actions and determination.” 

For Ms. Guarino, the kids are “hands down” one of her favorite parts about teaching. 

“You guys are the absolute best,” she said. “I have so much fun with you. You make me laugh every day.” 

Many of Ms. Guarino’s students said they greatly appreciate the vast amount of effort she puts into her lessons. 

“She’s an amazing teacher who genuinely cares about her students,” said Danica Dillon ‘25. “Even when she seems strict, her tough love helps us grow, and she’s always there to offer support when we need it.” 

“Despite holding high expectations for her students, Ms. Guarino always helps us,” said Michael Shohat ‘25. “She encourages everyone to speak and all voices to be heard.” 

“While I’m in her class, I always feel engaged,” said Molly Kantor ‘25. “There is never a dull moment, and she always has us thinking on our toes.” 

“She takes her job as an educator very seriously,” Ojeda added. “It’s something you admire because she thinks that anyone can succeed.”

Currently teaching two very different class levels, Ms. Guarino said, “I’m learning this year how much you guys are capable of. I’m amazed at the things students can do as ninth graders, and [the AP Literature students] blow me away.” 

Shyu said, “When I’m in Ms. Guarino’s classroom, I immediately hold myself to a higher standard of presence and participation. She unavoidably shows her joy in the subject, which results in genuine and engaging lessons.” 

Ms. Guarino has made an impression not only on the student body, but also on the faculty. 

“She is a great friend, an excellent listener, and she gives thoughtful advice when you need it,” said Ms. Danielle Rochford. “You can always count on her. I am so lucky to call her my dear friend.” 

“We instantly clicked,” said Ms. Valisa Persaud. “She really cares about her students and takes her work seriously.”

As she continues her career touching hearts and impacting classrooms, some of the most important things Ms. Guarino said a student can learn are “to think critically about their world — reading your world and being able to have an open mind to varying perspectives” and “really, just to be a kind, empathetic, warm human — and you guys are already good at that!”