JohnstonPatch Meets... Debra Sgambato, Third-Grade Teacher, Barnes Elementary School

When state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist paid a call to Johnston on Feb. 14, her first stop was the third-grade classroom of Debra Sgambato, where Gist witnessed the kind of innovative teaching strategy that could serve as a model for other schools around the state.

It was a fitting tribute to Sgambato (no, she's not related to the Sgambatos who run the Yacht Club soda company in Centredale), who's been a teacher for 12 years and worked on the state's teacher support and development committee last year.

Just walking into her classroom, a visitor gets the sense that this is a place where learning is — not just "is happening" — this is a place where you know young minds are growing.

And, as Principal Sharon Cabral explained, the classroom that Gist visited was following its usual routine — Sgambato didn't deviate from her regular schedule of having the students move from station to station practicing their math and writing skills.

"I know it sounds like a cliche," Cabral said during an interview in her office after Gist's visit, "but what you saw here today is what you get here every day."

For her part, Sgambato was grateful and humbled that, of all the classrooms in Johnston, Supt. Dr. Bernard DiLullo would recommend hers for a visit by the state's top teacher. (Gist previously taught first, second, and third grade in Texas and Florida.)

"I'm honored and flattered," Sgambato said. "When the superintendent asked me, I said, 'Absolutely.'"

One of the points Gist made in complimenting Sgambato's classroom was that she uses differentiated instruction, meaning students work on assignments specifically designed to help each one improve.

Sgambato also gave credit to the parents who volunteer their time to help in the classroom — during Gist's visit, four moms were posted at learning stations to assist the students.

"These parents are wonderful — I can't even begin to tell you, and that's another reason that I'm successful," Sgambato explained. "Every time I ask them to be here, they volunteer to help."

And though it took a little prodding, Sgambato did acknowledge her own skills and experience as reasons that her classroom would serve as Johnston's red carpet for Gist.

"The fact that I'm very passionate about what I do, and that I love my job — that's why I'm happy to host (Gist's) visit," Sgambato said. "I also reflect a lot, (and) see what I can do to make it better."

In the video, Sgambato welcomes Gist to the classroom. Watch more video from Gist's visit here.