Mrs. Gagliano has been a member of our Viking Family for 17 years and is one of our most dedicated teachers and club advisors. She is extremely devoted not only to our students and staff, but to the North Arlington community. After graduating from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, she came to the North Arlington School District and worked in the middle school for 12 years. Afterward, she joined our high school staff and has been with us for five years as a teacher of health and driver’s education. She is also the advisor for the Multicultural, SADD, and Interact clubs, and was this year’s Honorary Inductee for the National Honor Society.

One of Mrs. Gagliano’s main goals is to be a good role model for her students.  She talked about how her father is someone she looks up to, “My dad, he’s the best. He was a teacher and a coach for a long time, and I loved seeing the way he interacted with his students and players. I think that has helped me learn how to interact with my students.” She mentioned that her biggest motivation for coming to work every day is her students, and she always encourages them to be active in our school and community.

So, what made Mrs. G want to get into teaching? She explained it simply: She had a great teacher who inspired her, “I always knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. When I went to college I wasn’t really so sure, so I started with teaching. I met the best professor ever, Dr. White. He showed me how important teaching can be, and I still talk to him.”

When asked about her involvement with SADD, Interact, and Multicultural Club, she remarked, “I grew up in a super multicultural town, and it always seemed super fitting for me. I’ve always been drawn to this kind of work, and my mom does volunteer work around the world so that’s how I got involved.” Throughout the year, she provides many opportunities for students to earn community service hours and helps participate in many events for a variety of charities, including the St. Rocco’s Church Toy Drive and Multicultural Night.

Outside of school, Mrs. Gagliano says she loves to read (her favorite book is The Notebook!) and traveling is her favorite hobby. Bermuda is a vacation spot she can’t wait to revisit. As for her future plans, she told me, “I think we’re building a really good blueprint here with the school, and I think we’re reaching the needs of the town with these new programs. I am very optimistic about the future, and I want to continue to play a positive role in the lives of those around me.”

Overall, Mrs. Gagliano is a true Viking and one of the kindest, most caring members of the North Arlington High School Staff. She has always been the teacher our students can go to when they need help and is a positive beacon in the lives of everyone at NAHS. Our school would truly not be the same without her.