Mackenzie Huckabey

Mrs. Tara Gallo greeting students as they enter her classroom on the first day of school.

Chagrin Falls Middle School is delighted to be welcoming a new member to the team, Tara Gallo, to teach 7th and 8th grade advanced ELA.

Gallo is originally from New Jersey, just a half hour outside of Philadelphia. She currently lives in Cleveland right next to Playhouse Square. 

She has always loved ELA ever since she was young. She would write stories and read all the time. She later found herself in journalism class during high school and was even a reporter for her school’s newspaper. Gallo taught 7th grade ELA for a year and 6th grade ELA for three years in New Jersey. She also taught 5th grade ELA this past school year in Amherst, Ohio. 

Gallo attended Rutgers University for both her Bachelor’s Degree in English and her Master’s Degree in Education. She has received additional graduate training in administrative supervision through Thomas Edison State University.

Gallo is motivated to work harder each day by her family and her students, “My mother has been my biggest inspiration. She has been a nurse for over 35 years. She worked very hard when I was younger to obtain her Master’s degree, all while working as a nurse and mom! I was inspired to work towards my Master’s degree and we actually finished our degrees a year apart,” she said. 

In the workplace, criticism and inspiration are important to help someone improve their skills and work ethic. Gallo stated that everyone, in her opinion, handles criticism similarly, Although, she described that she feels as though she categorizes criticism, stress, and pressure differently. Regarding her response to criticism, Gallo said, “it depends on who the person is delivering the criticism. Criticism is never easy, even as an adult. However, if the criticism is coming from a loved one or someone who I respect, I take it very seriously.”

Inspiration can be from anyone anywhere, sometimes it’s a teacher that inspires someone or it’s a family member: “My mother has been my biggest inspiration. She has been a nurse for over 35 years. She worked very hard when I was younger to obtain her Master’s degree, all while working as a nurse and mom! I was inspired to work towards my Master’s degree and we actually finished our degrees a year apart,” Gallo said. 

All of the CFMS staff has one thing in common, a strong character, each staff member has a unique personality and incredible skill, “Tara Gallo provided thoughtful responses centered around students, literacy and high-quality instruction.  It is apparent that she is dedicated, hard-working and collaborative. She has extensive training and certifications and will have a confident and calming presence that will undoubtedly go well with staff, students and parents,” said Middle School Principal Laila Discenza.

Outside of the workplace, Gallo enjoys yoga and exercise along with just having some time alone.

CFMS is delighted to welcome Mrs. Gallo to the team.